IDEA Public Schools Careers

Data Analyst - Foundation

Mission:

The IDEA Foundation Data Analyst is a senior individual contributor responsible for independently driving high-impact data analysis and storytelling that enables IDEA’s fundraising strategy. This role owns the end-to-end development of Foundation-ready insights, narratives, and materials - translating complex academic, operational, and financial data into clear, compelling outputs used directly by fundraisers, foundation partners, and executive leaders.

This role is not solely intake-driven or task-based. The Analyst is expected to exercise strong independent judgment, proactively identify the analyses and stories that matter most to Foundation priorities, and deliver polished, decision-ready materials with minimal direction or iteration.

The Analyst reports to the Director of Research and Evaluation on Enterprise Data and Strategy team, with a dotted-line relationship to the Managing Director of Advancement Services. Enterprise Data and Strategy is responsible for development and performance management; the Foundation sets priorities and uses the Analyst’s outputs in fundraising, grantmaking, and donor engagement contexts. The Analyst participates in operating routines for both teams to stay aligned on strategy and execution.
 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Non-supervisory position 

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates who live in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or who are willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:    

10-15% for team meetings, donor prep, and support for yearly fundraising event. 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

• Independently define, execute, and deliver analyses that support Foundation priorities, including fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and foundation relations.
• Analyze academic, financial, operational, and fundraising data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to external audiences.
   
• Synthesize complex cross-functional data into clear insights that inform real-time fundraising decisions and long-term planning.
   
• Apply sound analytical judgment to determine which data points matter most—and which do not—for specific donor and funder contexts.
   
• Produce polished, externally facing materials including decks, briefings, dashboards, and written narratives used directly with donors, foundations, and boards. 
• Translate raw metrics into compelling stories that clearly communicate IDEA’s impact, growth, and needs. 
• Develop visualizations and comparative analyses that contextualize IDEA’s performance across regions, time, and peer organizations. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure data in all Foundation-facing materials meet high standards for clarity, accuracy, and external credibility.
• Provide data, analyses, and outcome metrics for competitive grant proposals, renewals, and reports.
• Design customized metric sets for individual donors and foundations based on their giving priorities and areas of interest
• Define and track funder-aligned metrics that demonstrate impact, accountability, and return on investment
• Produce grant reports that clearly communicate outcomes and stewardship of philanthropic support.
• Maintain awareness of funder priorities and reporting expectations to ensure relevance and alignment.
• Work with school leaders and program staff to establish data collection practices and systems that support impact measurement
• Conduct strategic analyses to identify opportunities for program expansion, improvement, or new funding strategies
• Create an easy-to-use data access system that allows Advancement team members to quickly search for, understand, and apply data in ways that can also be clearly shared with external stakeholders
• Extract raw data from multiple sources including student information systems, academic databases, program tracking tools, and donor management platforms
• Conduct in-depth analyses to identify trends, patterns, and insights that demonstrate educational impact and program effectiveness
• Ensure Foundation-facing data aligns with official IDEA reporting and complies with data governance and privacy standards.
• Validate and reconcile data across systems to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Establish clear refresh cadences and quality checks for recurring analyses and reporting products.
• Build and maintain a data repository that includes key regional and district-wide data assets—such as datasets, dashboards, slide decks, and written insights—to support Advancement products (grant proposals, reports, pitch decks, evaluations, etc.).
• Work directly with academic, operational, and program teams to source and interpret data relevant to Foundation needs.
• Partner with Foundation leadership to shape priorities, not simply respond to requests.
• Coordinate with analytics, data platform, and communications partners to ensure consistency across external materials.
• Continuously improve data systems, tools, and workflows to enhance efficiency and data quality
• Stay current on best practices in data storytelling, impact measurement, and fundraising analytics
• Contribute to IDEA Foundation's culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous learning
• Develop documentation, data dictionaries, and process guides to promote transparency and knowledge sharing

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: This team member uses data, feedback, and insights to inform thoughtful decision-making, while considering the impact on their direct reports and team. They communicate decisions with clear rationale and begin to connect their choices to broader team objectives.

• Manage Work and Teams: This team member builds and maintains systems to track progress toward team goals, ensuring clarity through defined roles and responsibilities. They implement structured processes that support smooth team operations and strategically allocate time and resources to drive goal achievement. 

• Grow Self and Others: This team member regularly offers affirming and adjusting feedback, maintaining a positive balance that reinforces growth and motivation. They provide transparent, candid performance insights and offer consistent coaching and development aligned with individual goals, supporting both direct reports and cross-functional partners. 

• Build a Culture of Trust:  This team member proactively builds strong personal and professional relationships with individual stakeholders and regularly seeks feedback to improve their work experience. They create a supportive environment where others feel safe to take risks and learn from mistakes without fear of retribution. 

• Communicate Deliberately: This team member leads inclusive discussions that surface obstacles and drive actionable solutions, ensuring all voices are heard. They communicate key information clearly across multiple channels and establish feedback loops that promote open dialogue, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Additional Skills:

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or a closely related quantitative field;
• At least 4 years of experience in roles centered on data analysis, statistical reasoning, and insight generation.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize, analyze, visualize, and communicate insights from data, preferably in K–12 education or a mission-driven context.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional projects requiring influence without formal authority.
• Proficiency in SQL and at least one analytical programming language (R or Python).
• Experience with data visualization tools such as ggplot2, matplotlib, Power BI, Datawrapper, or similar platforms.
• At least 3 years of experience in fundraising, grant management, development analytics, reporting, or a closely related field.
• Experience working with CRM systems; Salesforce preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of independently delivering high-quality, impactful work.
• Alignment with IDEA’s mission and an understanding of what it takes to achieve the goal of college for all children.
   

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in data science or a related field preferred 

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods working on a computer
• Ability to participate in virtual meetings and stakeholder discussions
• Flexibility for occasional evening meetings with stakeholders across time zones

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $74,700 and $87,100, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment.

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/.

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable.

Application process:

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Learn more about IDEA 

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values