Data Support Specialist

About Hope Chicago

Led by Dr. Janice K. Jackson, Hope Chicago is a two-generation initiative that’s been called one of the boldest and most innovative efforts to remove barriers to opportunity in decades. 

Since its founding in 2021, Dr. Jackson and her team have designed a unique systems-change solution with the ultimate goal of demonstrating what’s possible when everyone has access to opportunities to reach their fullest potential. Hope Chicago partners with 5 high schools and enables students and one parent from every family to complete a post-secondary pathway, completely debt-free. More information about Hope Chicago is available at www.hopechicago.org. 

About the Role

The Data Support Specialist plays a critical role in Hope Chicago’s continual improvement of its program and support of Scholars and Parent Scholars. The Specialist will lead the day-to-day collection, storage, retrieval, validation, and analysis of Hope Chicago data, as well as the development and maintenance of its information systems. Reporting directly to the Data Systems Director, the Specialist will assist in collecting and maintaining Scholar and Parent program data, designing and leading the data quality processes and protocols, checking and addressing the validity of data across data collection systems, supporting the development of dashboards and reports to track progress toward organizational goals, and working collaboratively with others across the organization. 

Key Responsibilities

• Data Collection & Storage
• Collect and maintain Scholar and Parent form data, including program enrollment data, postsecondary progress and performance data, event RSVP data, special circumstance data, and contact information
• Maintain day-to-day data that is collected on real-time collegiate trackers 
• Clean official transcript and enrollment data from university partners and National Student Clearinghouse, including marking and resolving discrepancies
• Ensure integration between data systems allows for flow of necessary data
• Validation and Reporting
• Check and address validity of data across systems
• Reconcile external data with internal data and flag discrepancies
• Support the development of dashboards and reports to track progress toward team and organizational goals 
• Generate regular data reports for various uses around the organization
• Data Collaboration
• Work with Program Managers and Campus Contacts to ensure timely collection of data and that all necessary data is collected
• Work with Data Systems Director to develop a data collection calendar and a data dictionary
• Work with the development team to produce updated data for grant and other basic data reporting

Core Qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds a Bachelor’s degree, Masters Degree preferred
• Has a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
• Is proficient in Excel and the Google Suite
• Has familiarity with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, or is a quick learner with strong digital skills, coupled with strong research skills 
• Is a strong communicator and creative problem solver with an entrepreneurial drive
• Excels at collaborative work, and can comfortably navigate tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Possesses exceptional attention to detail while also being able to manage multiple projects concurrently without sacrificing accuracy/quality