Senior Associate, GEAR UP Kentucky Data & Evaluation

Location: Frankfort, KY, with limited telecommuting
Travel: Statewide and limited out-of-state travel
Compensation: $60,000 - $72,000
Retirement: TIAA

Overview

GEAR UP Kentucky is a federal, statewide grant program coordinated by the Council, which works with students, families, and schools in low-income Kentucky communities to support college preparation and success. GEAR UP Kentucky is designed to increase the percentage of students who graduate high school and successfully transition to and through postsecondary education. In October 2025, the Council was awarded a seven-year, $35 million grant to serve at least 10,000 students in eight high-need KY school districts, the fifth GEAR UP state grant for Kentucky that has been administered through the Council. GEAR UP positions are for the term of the grant which is through September 30, 2032.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Management and Integration:

• Work closely with the GEAR UP Kentucky (GUK) Associate Director for Evaluation and Reporting to perform data collection, management and analysis in alignment with GUK project evaluation plan.
• Collect and/or provide data to external evaluators and GUK staff from agency and partner databases.
• Load, clean, and analyze data files from various sources (e.g., KDE, KHEAA, assessments, surveys) into GUK databases on a weekly, periodic or annual basis.
• Format and submit GUK data files to external entities like the National Student Clearinghouse and NCCEP College & Career Readiness Evaluation Consortium and the KY Center for Statistics, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure timely receipt, processing, analysis and warehousing of annual data collections.

Data Analytics and Reporting:

• Create custom datasets using tools such as T-SQL, R, or Python from a Microsoft Server RDBMS.
• Develop and maintain Tableau reports and dashboards to meet GUK reporting needs.
• Update and enhance existing dashboards annually or as required.
• Perform descriptive data analysis to address GUK and agency needs.
• Deliver recurring and annual external data obligations.

GUK Data System Support:

• Serve as lead liaison to GUK staff regarding data collection and data system use in the GEAR UP Services System (GUSS)
• Develop and deliver GUK staff trainings related to use of GUSS system and best practices for data reporting and management.
• Convene and facilitate a GUSS user group comprised of GUK staff to inform system management and staff training
• Maintain and continuously improve the GUSS user manual; create and maintain technical and operational database guidelines
• Provide technical assistance, troubleshooting, and issue resolution for direct services staff in relation to the project data management system (GUSS).
• Work with the Data and Advanced Analytics team and developers to resolve GUSS system operational issues
• Perform system maintenance
• Maintain and enhance dashboards annually and based on requests.
• Conduct quality assurance audits for visualizations and research datasets.
• Ensure and monitor the fidelity and security of all data collected in compliance with FERPA and all state and federal guidelines.

Communication and Collaboration:

• Communicate GUK data, research, and evaluation activities to the DAA team on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborate with researchers, external evaluators and GUK staff to support data needs and requests.

Visualization Design and Enhancement:

• Design new visualizations and dashboards aligned with policy or agency requirements.
• Enhance existing dashboards and visualization tools based on stakeholder feedback.

Other

• Represent GEAR UP, CPE, and Kentucky at conferences and meetings as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned by the CPE Director of Data & Advanced Analytics, GUK Executive Director, the Principal Investigator or CPE leadership.

Qualifications – Education and Experience

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or above in a technical or education field.
• Minimum of four years of relevant professional work experience.
• Experience working with large administrative datasets.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working with education related data and/or data systems.
• Experience in an institutional research or institutional effectiveness role.
• Experience working in a college access program and/or in the education sector.

Successful Applicants Will Demonstrate the Following:

• Understand and commit to the mission, vision, and goals of GEAR UP Kentucky
• Proficiency with Tableau and other business intelligence tools.
• Proven competency in using T-SQL, R, or Python languages in data analysis and dataset creation.
• Basic knowledge of Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing complex datasets and systems.
• Proficient skills in the use of Microsoft Office Suite programs (i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);
• Produce clear, concise, and professionally written communications.
• Exhibit strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple project components, timelines, and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret data, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions that strengthen program outcomes.
• Approach work with precision and accountability, being detail-oriented and data-driven in decision-making and reporting.
• Commit to continuous growth and receive and respond to feedback in a constructive manner.
• Work independently while adhering to established program and agency policies, procedures, and expectations in a hybrid environment.

Application Information

Interested applicants should send a letter of application specifically addressing the responsibilities and qualifications of the position, a resume, and the names, titles, and contact information for at least three professional references to CPE.HR@ky.gov .