Protect our Land, Ascend with Us!

Ascension is seeking a Data Analytics & Reporting Specialist to support the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education (OPE) Data Analytics and Evaluation Support (DAES) mission by transforming complex education program data into meaningful insights that support data-driven decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented data professional who understands how to collect, analyze, interpret, and communicate information through reports, dashboards, and visualization products. This individual will support OPE’s efforts to improve data governance, strengthen reporting capabilities, and enhance the use of data throughout the data management lifecycle.

The successful candidate will bring experience analyzing large datasets, developing performance metrics, preparing executive-level reporting products, and translating analytical findings into actionable recommendations. Candidates should be comfortable working with stakeholders, understanding business needs, and developing practical analytical solutions that improve organizational decision-making.

This position is ideal for a professional who enjoys solving complex data challenges, creating meaningful visualizations, and supporting federal mission programs through analytics, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Summary of Contractor Role

The Data Analytics & Reporting Specialist provides analytical support for OPE data governance, evaluation, reporting, and visualization activities. The position supports the collection, analysis, and presentation of postsecondary education program data to help OPE improve data quality, accessibility, governance, and decision-making.

The specialist will analyze quantitative and qualitative information collected through surveys, interviews, program datasets, and operational sources; develop dashboards and reporting products; identify trends and patterns; and prepare analytical summaries for stakeholders. The role supports activities such as data governance assessments, performance measurement, survey analysis, and development of decision-support tools.

The ideal candidate is a self-driven analytical professional who can work independently, manage competing priorities, collaborate with technical and business stakeholders, and communicate complex findings clearly to non-technical audiences.

The contractor will support OPE using analytical tools and processes such as:

• Microsoft Excel advanced analytics
• Power BI dashboard development
• Tableau visualization (as applicable)
• SQL/data querying
• Data cleansing and validation techniques
• Survey data analysis methodologies
• Data quality review processes
• Reporting automation workflows
• Microsoft Power Platform tools (Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps)

The position supports requirements associated with OPE data governance implementation, including analysis of current data practices, development of reporting products, creation of visualization products, and preparation of analysis summaries and reports.

Expected Position Activities

The Data Analytics & Reporting Specialist will:

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative datasets to identify trends, patterns, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop recurring and ad hoc reports supporting OPE program management, governance activities, and executive decision-making.
• Create dashboards and data visualization products using tools such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and Excel.
• Translate stakeholder requirements into analytical approaches, reporting solutions, and visualization products.
• Support survey data collection, validation, coding, analysis, and reporting activities.
• Perform data cleansing, normalization, validation, and quality reviews to improve reliability of analytical outputs.
• Develop analytical summaries, briefing materials, and executive presentations communicating findings and recommendations.
• Support development and maintenance of performance metrics, KPIs, and measurement frameworks.
• Assist with documenting analytical methodologies, assumptions, and data management practices.
• Review datasets from multiple sources and identify inconsistencies, trends, and relationships.
• Support data governance activities by analyzing data assets, reporting requirements, and business processes.
• Collaborate with project managers, subject matter experts, and government stakeholders to ensure analytical products meet mission needs.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, working sessions, and review cycles to refine analytical deliverables.
• Apply quality control practices to ensure reports and dashboards are accurate, accessible, and aligned with federal requirements.