Data Operations Research Analyst

This first review of applications will be 11/18/2026. Please submit the following required documents on the State of Montana Careers website\:

• Resume - Please include dates of employment and your supervisor’s name/phone number for each position.

For a complete job description, please email [email protected]

To be considered for this position, you must reside in Montana.

Why you would enjoy working here; Office of Public Instruction employees are a passionate group of professionals dedicated to leading and supporting our education system. We house a diverse collection of experiences with the 200+ unique individuals we employ. Our specialists further OPI’s purpose with applicable knowledge in education, health, research and analysis, nutrition, finance, administration, human resources, licensing and regulation, information technology, and many others. We are proud to serve 149,000+ students pre-K to grade 12, their parents and guardians, 400+ school districts, 16,000+ educational professionals, and 3,000+ adult learners. 

Benefits of working for OPI\:

·Work/life balance

·Family friendly

·Dedicated and caring colleagues

·Health coverage

·Retirement plans

·Paid vacation, sick leave, and Holidays (combination of up to 38 per year)

·Opportunities and room for professional growth

·Public service loan forgiveness-Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF.

E-Verify\: Effective October 1, 2026, this agency is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https\://www.e-verify.gov/

Job Overview\: The Data Operations Research Analyst serves as the primary research and data request professional within the Montana Office of Public Instruction’s Data Operations unit for data and systems requests related to sensitive data and PII. The position is responsible for guiding complex research activities, coordinating secure data sharing practices with OPI Data Governance, designing new statistical models and methods, and supporting statewide reporting and access as provided through public-facing and secured systems, such as GEMS and the OPI’s reporting suites available through PowerSchool. The role requires advanced analytical skills, independent judgment, and the ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to support high-quality and complex data analyses, compliant data sharing, and evidence-based decision-making.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Behaviors)\:

• Knowledge of research design, study methodology, sampling strategies, and statistical modeling applicable to complex educational datasets.

• Knowledge of relational databases, data structures, and SQL used to extract, review, and analyze large and complex datasets.

• Knowledge of FERPA, state privacy laws, data governance principles, and best practices for managing sensitive data and PII.

• Knowledge of data quality concepts, including understanding limitations, reliability, and appropriate use of administrative data in research.

• Knowledge of statistical disclosure‑avoidance methods, such as data masking and suppression techniques, used to protect student privacy.

• Skill in designing and applying research methodologies, analytical techniques, and statistical models to support data‑driven decision‑making.

• Skill in writing and executing complex SQL queries and validating results across multiple data sources.

• Skill in preparing clear and comprehensive research materials, including reports, visualizations, dashboards, and technical documentation.

• Skill in developing data specifications and operational processes for secure data sharing, particularly for sensitive data or PII.

• Skill in facilitating collaborative work with program staff, external partners, and other state agencies on research and data initiatives.

• Ability to work independently to plan, conduct, and complete complex research activities and analytical projects.

• Ability to assess data quality, interpret methodological considerations, and communicate analytical findings to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and data requests while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with legal and policy requirements.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams and external partners to design methodologies, refine analyses, and support interagency initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience)\:

·Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, education research, or a related field.

·Four years of related experience involving research activities, study design, statistical analysis, or complex data querying.

·Demonstrated experience using SQL to query large, complex datasets.

·Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted.

Preferred Qualifications (Education and Experience)

·Advanced degree with research experience gained through graduate‑level study, or comparable research experience in a professional or academic setting.

·Demonstrated experience conducting research or statistical analysis related to student outcomes, including subgroup or population‑specific trends.

·Demonstrated experience handling sensitive data or PII in compliance with associated privacy standards.

Does this sound like you?

Please tell us how and why by submitting your resume online, including any veterans or disability preference documentation. When submitting the required documents, you must check the “relevant document” box to ensure your attachments are uploading correctly to the specific application for this position. Documents not requested will not be considered in the recruitment process. 

OPI is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

This position is in the PERS retirement system.

Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.