Data Operations Research Analyst (00053)

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 opi.careers@mt.gov

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.