Ascension LLC is seeking a Senior Data Analyst (Federal Program Data & Quality Lead) to serve as the technical and analytical authority supporting the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO programs. This role is mission-critical to ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and usability of Annual Performance Report (APR) data, which directly informs federal decision-making, program performance evaluation, and national-level reporting.

This individual will lead data analysis strategy, oversee data validation processes, and guide the development of statistical outputs that support program monitoring and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) reporting. The position plays a central role in enabling the Department to assess program effectiveness across more than 3,000 grant awards annually.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in federal data analysis, statistical modeling, and data quality assurance, along with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Position Summary

The Senior Data Analyst will lead the analysis of large-scale federal education datasets, including longitudinal student-level data and grantee-reported APR submissions. This role requires a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-accuracy environment where data quality is paramount.

The candidate will:

• Lead data quality assessments and validation methodologies
• Oversee longitudinal data file management and integration
• Develop performance metrics, trend analyses, and GPRA reports
• Ensure compliance with federal data standards, privacy requirements, and reporting expectations

This role requires someone who is:

• Self-driven and able to operate with minimal supervision
• Skilled at identifying data anomalies and designing solutions
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and evolving requirements
• Capable of managing multiple priorities while maintaining precision

The position supports critical federal functions such as:

• Program performance monitoring
• Statistical reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Continuous improvement of federal grant programs

Day-to-Day Activities

• Lead the analysis of APR datasets to assess data quality, completeness, and reliability
• Develop and implement data validation rules and quality assurance frameworks
• Conduct longitudinal data analysis across multiple years of student-level records
• Oversee the integration and maintenance of large-scale data files
• Generate data quality memoranda and analytical reports for federal stakeholders
• Design and produce GPRA performance reports and statistical summaries
• Identify and resolve data discrepancies, inconsistencies, and anomalies
• Develop data dictionaries, codebooks, and technical documentation
• Collaborate with program staff to interpret regulations and reporting requirements
• Build dashboards, visualizations, and executive-level briefings
• Support data matching, record validation, and integrity checks
• Ensure compliance with Section 508 accessibility and federal data security standards
• Participate in project planning meetings, status reporting, and stakeholder communications