Manager of Data Analytics

ABOUT SMASH

SMASH is committed to promoting racial equity in K-12 computer science (CS) education and the future workforce by developing interest, knowledge, and aspirations in computing among underrepresented groups in the field.

Having operated for more than 20 years and inspired thousands of students of color to pursue STEM careers, the SMASH Board spent the better part of 2022-2023 reinventing SMASH in line with educational and economic changes.

In this new stage of the organization, SMASH aims to involve even more students from underrepresented backgrounds through a more intensely CS-focused curriculum and a broader range of formats. Innovative in-person and virtual programs aim to offer early exposure to CS concepts and careers to students of all ages, with deeply impactful programming specifically for high school students.

Main programming will continue to focus on SMASH Academy, a free, three-week, residential, on-campus summer experience that helps students develop critical thinking, civic awareness, social awareness, and leadership skills. Initially available at five partner sites across the country, this new stage of the Academy supports 11th and 12th graders in developing CS skills and credentials.

With the support of partners, SMASH plans to offer additional in-person experiences for high school and college students with Hackathons and Open Innovation Challenges, which will provide early exposure to computer science (CS), empower young people to address urgent community challenges through CS, design thinking, and rapid prototyping.

To bring the SMASH experience to a national audience, we also plan to develop digital programs to support students across the country in developing their CS knowledge and supporting their college and career journey. SMASH digital resources will be available to students nationwide, while in-person programming is provided to students across the Bay Area, greater Atlanta, Detroit, and Boston.

This is a crucial time for SMASH as we build on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH means rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and the courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to transform the computer science landscape, we want to hear from you.

SMASH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Chief Program Officer, the Data Analytics Manager (DAM) will oversee the processes responsible for accurate data collection, management, processing, modeling, and analysis. The ideal candidate should be adept at using multiple data sets, constructing a compelling narrative, and leveraging these insights for strategic programming opportunities. The Data Analytics Manager will work closely with leaders on the Program teams to meet annual goals and activities by supporting and implementing high-quality, data-driven decisions.

SMASH is headquartered in Oakland, CA, but the incumbent can be entirely remote. Occasional travel is required throughout the year.

Responsibilities:

The main responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

Performance Evaluation Reporting and Process Improvement

• Direct data analytics function for team of full time and seasonal staff members to execute a vision of excellence in STEM, with a focus on computer education, across all SMASH programs
• Work with external research resources in the design and scoping of data needs for new metrics to boost the impact and sustainability of SMASH
• Lead cross-functional projects using data modeling and analysis techniques to discover insights that will guide strategic decisions and reveal optimization opportunities
• Create, develop and maintain data models, reporting systems, data automation systems, dashboards and performance metrics that influence key program decisions
• Examine, interpret, and report results of analytical initiatives to leaders and Programs team stakeholders
• Develop and implement quality controls and department standards to meet quality standards, organizational expectations, and regulatory requirements
• Communicate the results and program impact of insight initiatives to stakeholders within and outside the organization

Data Management and Development

• Develop and maintain the reporting tools for the Program, CEO, and Leadership teams to effectively measure execution, progress to goals, and impact of all SMASH programs
• Work with the Head of Operations to implement and maintain tools, systems and Standard Operating Procedures that ensure program effectiveness
• Establish consistent, objective program performance standards of accountability for SMASH Program staff; monitor and manage these scorecards and dashboards
• Design and create technical processes to address program issues
• Oversee the design and delivery of reports and insights that analyze program functions, key operations, and performance metrics
• Ensure accuracy of data and deliverables, complete policies and processes
• Manage and optimize data intake, validation, mining and engineering processes, as well as modeling, visualization, and communication deliverables
• Oversee the data/report request process from funders, the Board, and other stakeholders: track submitted requests, prioritize, approve, etc.

Other Duties as Assigned

Requirements

Required Attributes:

• Collaboration: Excellent listening, communication, and presentation skills; great time management and organizational skills; punctuality and reliability; skilled in having difficult conversations; strong communication skills
• Relationship Building: Welcome and respect the individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when dealing with situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to relationship building and conflict resolution
• Problem Solving: Stay curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unexpected events; make data-driven decisions; project management; focus on outcomes
• Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are achieved

Additional Experience:

• Working knowledge of data mining principles: predictive analytics, mapping, collecting data from multiple data systems on-premise and cloud-based data sources
• Strong SQL skills, able to perform efficient querying involving multiple tables and subqueries
• Understanding and experience using analytical concepts and statistical techniques: hypothesis formation, design tests/experiments, analyze data, draw conclusions, and developing actionable recommendations for program units
• Experience working with databases and creating dashboards using all relevant data to make decisions
• Experience using analytics techniques to contribute to organizational growth efforts and other key program outcomes
• Strong ability to plan and manage numerous processes, people, and projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and delegation skills
• At least 3 years of experience in a position for monitoring, managing, manipulating, and drawing insights from data. The successful candidate will also be skilled and experienced with the following tools/programs:
  • Proficient in query languages: SQL, SAS, etc.
  • Experience with data visualization tools: Tableau, Raw, chart.js, etc.
  • Python, R, or other programming languages
  • Proficient in MS Office Suite: Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Benefits

BENEFITS

SMASH offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience, and an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life/disability insurance, paid time off, 401k, volunteer time and flexible spending accounts (i.e. parking, transit, medical and dependent care). The Kapor Center office is located in the uptown district of Oakland, with excellent access to public transportation.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

In line with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Beyond discrimination/harassment based on "protected categories," SMASH also strives to prevent other forms of inappropriate behavior (e.g., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.