AnLar is looking for an intelligent, highly motivated, and passionate individual to provide project management and business analysis, support, and consultation for education data system projects for clients in federal, state, and local (district) education and early learning agencies. This individual will collaborate with various stakeholders to understand and improve our processes, products, services, and software, focusing on efficiency and value addition. Work is generally done remotely however, occasional travel to client locations for on-site meetings is required. There is an expectation for regular internal video calls with team members.
Process:
- Candidate pool: Internal only (W2 or 1099).
- Staffing: Following the selection of the successful candidate, the AnLarian’s current position may or may not be filled, depending on the need and available funds.
- Applicants will be asked to engage in a “job talk” discussion to explore the fit between the candidate’s skills, experience, and vision for the position and the needs identified in this job description (using our typical rubric format).
- In the spirit of transparency, we acknowledge that a strong internal candidate has already been identified for this position. However, our minds will remain open throughout the process in alignment with our equity aims, and anyone interested is encouraged to apply.
Consistent with other hiring processes, we will adhere to our no-negotiation policy to ensure a fair selection and pay process. Based on the complexity and responsibility of the role, this Level 2 position has a starting salary at the base of the band, $84,037.
Who we are:
AnLar is a multidisciplinary team of adept, dedicated, kind-hearted people striving to have a positive effect on the areas of life they’re most passionate about ─ education, equity, health, and so on. We are researchers and seekers, consultants and communicators, problem solvers and partners. In industry-speak, one could say we specialize in work such as creating modernized data systems, supporting change management, conducting research and evaluation, providing technical assistance, and exploring the depths of this work further through visual communications design. Based in the DC area with remote staff all over the US (and a few abroad), we at AnLar value strong relationships, thoughtful and creative approaches, hard work and grit, and the overall well-being of our team. All in all, we want to be able to feel good about the work we do, how we do it, and with whom we collaborate. For more information about us, please visit anlar.com.
What the job entails:
This position will play a key role in analyzing, interpreting, and improving data systems within the education sector. As a Data Systems Specialist, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business needs, identify opportunities for system enhancements, and facilitate the implementation of data-driven solutions.
The required level of effort will be full-time. Responsibilities include:
- Requirements Gathering: Collaborate with stakeholders to gather and document detailed requirements related to education data systems. Support subject matter experts in business analysis, needs assessments, and information-gathering sessions, both internally and with clients.
- Documentation: Support the creation of comprehensive documentation for business processes and system configuration. Prepare requirements documentation, including mockups and wireframes. Maintain up-to-date documentation to facilitate knowledge transfer and continuous improvement. Work closely with the project teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
- Quality Assurance: Collaborate with project teams to identify and address any system issues or defects. Participate in application and user acceptance testing. Support the development of protocols and processes to review deliverables, products, and plans to ensure high-quality development and delivery to the client.
- Client team support: Support the client during calls and meetings by identifying key areas of support and follow-up as needed.
- Project scope and organization support: Support the development of project plans and scopes of work for data system development projects to ensure deliverables are identified and project activities are clearly defined; creation and implementation of structures for organizing and maintaining the work. Review deliverables, products, and plans created to ensure high-quality development and delivery to the client.
The skill set we’re looking for includes:
- Relationship building. You are able to build genuine relationships with clients and your project team. You are driven to figure out what the client needs (not just what they want) in collaboration with your team. You value strong working relationships with others.
- Communicating effectively. You tailor your communication to different audiences effectively (internal communication, clients, other stakeholders, etc.). You are an active listener who is able to remain responsive and flexible in challenging situations. You have exemplary written communication skills and are able to craft clear, concise, and compelling documents tailored to diverse audiences and purposes.
- Adept at facilitating. You can design and implement a variety of facilitation processes that help groups maintain focus on the task at hand and that create opportunities for original thinking. Using keen observation skills you are able to match your tone and affect to that of the group while maintaining an overall positive attitude.
- Planning and Proactivity. You are able to prioritize multiple activities based on client and/or teammate needs while remaining flexible. Dependable and organized, you seek out creative ways to proactively solve problems and expand on what is working.
- Creative life-long learner. You enjoy learning about new ways to approach work, and you adapt these new approaches into your existing processes. When you try new approaches, you reflect on their successes and challenges so that you can improve them for future use.
Who the right candidate is:
- Required:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business needs into technical requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, tailoring communication to different audiences (internal communication, clients, other stakeholders, etc.).
- Proficient in creating wireframes or screen mockups based on information gathered from the project team.
- Active listening skills, remaining responsive and flexible in challenging situations.
- Coachable and open to giving and receiving feedback.
- A team player. You step up when someone needs help, follow through on commitments, and are willing to go the extra mile for your team and our clients, as they will do the same for you.
- Driven by a strong work ethic and integrity.
- Strong interest in change management, implementation science, strategic planning, and the content related to AnLar’s projects (early childhood systems, early intervention, early childhood special education, special education, K-12 education).
- Committed to building an inclusive and equitable environment at AnLar. You are ready to engage in conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
- Preferred, but not required:
- Previous experience working with data systems, including a high level of comfort with technology.
- Previous experience as a business analyst or project manager with a focus on education data systems is preferred.
Application instructions:
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and brief writing sample (no more than 5 pages) by 1/15/24. In your cover letter, please include one paragraph on which of AnLar’s core values resonates most with you and why.
Diversity is valued, and inclusion is reflected in our efforts to recruit, develop, and engage the diverse staff needed to accomplish our mission. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.