The Application Process

Upcoming Deadline:

• Applications are due by March 23, 2023 at 9:00am ET
• Applications will be reviewed following the Round III application deadline on March 23, 2023 at 9:00am ET 
• Analytic Task: due April 3, 2023 
• Virtual Screening Interviews: April 17-21, 2023
• Final Virtual Selection Day Interviews: May 3 + May 4, 2023
• Placement interviews: Spring/Summer 2023 

Additional May application deadline to be announced.

Following each application deadline, we will invite successful candidates to move through the selection process. This process includes a technical analytic assignment, a virtual screening interview, and a virtual interview day. Candidates who are selected from the virtual interview day will interview remotely or on-site at an SDP partner organization. After receiving and accepting an offer from a placement, fellows are welcomed to the fellowship.

How to Apply 

Please follow the link to complete the online application: SDP Online Application

Learn more about past fellows’ work by visiting the SDP blog. 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   

Locations

Fellowship placements are available in various locations across the United States and shift from year to year. SDP is currently selecting placement organizations. A sample of currently available locations/projects includes:

This list is subject to change and additional placements will become available soon. Candidates who successfully progress through the SDP Fellowship selection process will learn more details about available placements.

The Strategic Data Project seeks candidates who possess: 

• a strong background in applied quantitative analysis
• an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) by summer 2023 
• at least four years of relevant work experience by summer 2023 (waived for those with a PhD)
• a demonstrated passion for education reform 
• a track record of collaboration, humility, and ability to guide change 
• an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit     
• flexibility, adaptability, and persistence 
• ability to communicate complex information to various audiences 

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship

Join a powerful, growing community of over 500 forward-thinking data advocates and leaders across more than 38 states and 240+ 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 entry point 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 an education data analyst/data strategist 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 $75,000-90,000 USD plus appropriate benefits by their placement organization. Salary is commensurate with experience and must be negotiated with the host organization. The Fellowship lasts two years (Fall 2023 - Summer 2025) with the possibility for longer-term employment

Other Benefits of the SDP Fellowship

• Two-years of full-time employment with annual salary + benefits, with opportunity for continued employment
• Mission-driven analytic work, tackling high-impact challenges
• Network of talented lifelong colleagues
• Ongoing professional development
• In-person and virtual workshops, learning modules, and conferences - travel + lodging included
• Network-wide slack channel
• Word class mentorship from faculty and alumni
• Global alumni network
• Pathways to leadership