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Strategic Data Project Fellow (Fall '25 - Summer '27)

Application Procedure:

Please follow the link to complete the online application: https://sdp.smapply.io/prog/fellowapp_c17

Job Duties

In the past, fellows have tackled strategic data projects in one of the following focus areas: 

  • program evaluation 
  • data visualization 
  • early warning indicator systems 
  • data management governance 
  • survey design and analysis 
  • data dashboards 
  • student pathways and postsecondary success 
  • educator quality, pipeline, and training

and more!   

Job Qualifications

The Strategic Data Project seeks candidates who possess: 

  • a strong background in applied quantitative analysis (beyond descriptive analysis), familiarity with working with large datasets within education, and ability to work with limited oversight  
  • a demonstrated passion for improving outcomes for all students, familiarity with US domestic education policy and current issues 
  • a track record of collaboration, humility, and ability to guide change
  • a proven ability to communicate complex information and analytic findings to various audiences in verbal, written, and visual formats
  • evidence of an emerging leadership skillset and a commitment to continuous learning
  • an advanced degree (Master’s degree or higher) completed (graduated) by August 2025 (certificates are not eligible)
  • at least four years of relevant full-time work experience by August 2025 (waived for those with a PhD) 
  • Valid U.S. work authorization; fellows become employees of our partner organizations and they do not provide Visa sponsorship to their fellows. Candidates with OPT, AT, and/or EAD status may be eligible to apply. Work authorization must be valid from September 2025 through August 2027.

Institution Description

For a more detailed job description: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oNSCRHUzk1xgnoEBLkSEoqXMT9sRxxFw4H4BN-lNh2Q/edit?tab=t.0

Join a powerful, growing community of 625+ forward-thinking data advocates and leaders across more than 40 states and 290+ education organizations. The Strategic Data Project (SDP) is an initiative of the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. The SDP Fellowship program helps school system leaders use data and evidence in strategic decision-making to improve public education. By placing fellows in school systems and education organizations across the United States, SDP provides a unique career pathway for passionate quantitative researchers and data strategists who want to make a difference.  

The SDP Fellowship is a unique opportunity, combining full-time employment as a mid-to-senior level education data analyst/researcher at an SDP-approved partner organization (a school district, state education agency, postsecondary system, non-profit, etc.) and two-years of intensive in-person and virtual professional development, training, and mentorship to build your toolkit as an education data leader. As a fellow, you and your host agency will develop clear priorities and plans for using data and build organizational willingness to use data for decision-making. Over the course of two years, fellows participate in a series of tailored workshops, both virtual and in person, to develop their measurement, leadership, communication and education policy skills. Training is delivered by Harvard-affiliated researchers and practitioners and fellows are supported by faculty advisors, fellowship alumni mentors, and their colleagues across the SDP network. 

Fellows are paid an annual salary of $75,000-95,000 USD plus appropriate benefits by their placement organization. The average salary offer is around $88,000. The Fellowship lasts two years (Summer/Fall 2025 through Summer 2027) with the possibility for longer-term employment. Exact salaries, benefits, hybrid work arrangements, etc. differ and are determined by the host organization.

Benefits

  • Two-years of full-time employment with annual salary + benefits, with potential for continued employment
  • Mission-driven analytic work, tackling high-impact challenges in the education sector
  • Network of talented life-long colleagues and peers in the education data field
  • Ongoing professional development and training
  • In-person and virtual workshops, learning modules, and conferences (travel + lodging included)
  • Active network-wide slack channel
  • World class mentorship from faculty (Harvard + other institutions)and SDP fellowship alumni
  • Global alumni network
  • Pathways to leadership

Candidates who are geographically flexible and willing to relocate will be given preference in the selection process. Candidates with flexible relocation available will have the best chances of a successful placement match - about 85% of fellows relocate for placements.

Application Due Date: 2025-02-28
Job Start Date: 2025-08-01
Salary: $75000 - $95000
City: Various
State/Province/Region: MA
Institution: Strategic Data Project
Reports To: Various
Staff # Reporting to Position: 0
Reports In Office: Various

Search for openings in IR, effectiveness, assessment, planning, and related fields at higher education institutions in the U.S. and abroad. 

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