Program Director – Data Strategy, Policy & Advocacy

ACT

Program Director for data strategy focused on analytical and advocacy initiatives within ACT Education Corp. Driving data-informed decision making to enhance educational outcomes.

Posted 7/22/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $115,000 - $130,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in data storytelling, quantitative analysis, and policy research to inform strategic decision-making in education and government contexts. Proficient in developing data visualizations and translating complex analyses into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Quantitative AnalysisData Visualization (Tableau, MS Power BI)Policy Research & AnalysisProject ManagementEducational Data Expertise

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Data AnalysisSurvey DesignProgram EvaluationStatistical MethodsMixed-Methods Research

Soft Skills

Written CommunicationVerbal CommunicationStrategic ThinkingCollaborationCapacity Building

Tools & Technologies

TableauMS Power BIData DashboardsData ToolsData Management Systems

Industry Keywords

Education PolicyEquity AnalysisGovernment RelationsNonprofit SectorSocial Impact

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Data Storytelling and Thought Leadership: Embed data-driven decision-making across ACTs Government and Public Relations team and serve as a strategic thought partner to ACT leadership and customers. Key responsibilities include: Support leadership in using data to inform strategic planning and resource allocation. Design and maintain data tools, dashboards, presentations, and visualizations that make key metrics accessible and actionable for internal and external stakeholders Proactively identify research questions and analytic opportunities aligned with ACTs policy priorities Create feedback loops between research findings, program design, and partnership strategy Provide capacity-building support to colleagues: training staff on data tools, analytic frameworks, and evidence-based practices Maintain a pulse on external data trends, policy developments, and methodological advances relevant to ACTs work
Policy Research & Analysis: Generate rigorous, policy-relevant analyses that inform ACTs positions and contribute to national conversations about education equity, assessment, and college and career readiness. Key responsibilities include: Provide strategic input to inform quantitative and mixed-methods research studies to answer high-priority policy questions Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research on education policy topics, presenting findings in actionable formats for policy and program staff Analyze large-scale education datasets (assessment results, demographic trends, program outcomes) to identify patterns and inform strategic recommendations Develop and operationalize metrics and frameworks for evaluating policy-relevant outcomes Incorporate equity analysis to understand disparities in outcomes across student populations Identify relevant external data sources (federal, state, institutional) and build efficient workflows for data acquisition and management Translate complex analyses into clear written products (briefs, memos, reports) for non-technical audiences including policymakers and funders
Partner Engagement & Evidence Building: Design and implement data-sharing partnerships that build an evidence base for ACT programs, partnerships, and policy initiatives. Key responsibilities include: Systematize data-sharing agreements and data collection workflows with external partners (districts, states, institutions) Support the development of reporting templates that can scale across partner engagements Analyze variation in stakeholder contexts and identify conditions associated with strong outcomes Support the development of clear metrics that define and operationalize success for ACT programs and partnerships Generate impact reports that translate research findings into actionable insights for internal teams and external stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 7 years of experience using data and analysis at the district or state level to inform decision-making in education, government, nonprofit, or social impact contexts, including demonstrated experience working with education data, advising senior leaders and shaping organizational strategy
Strong quantitative analysis skills
Familiarity with educational research designs and methods
Experience producing external-facing policy reports, case studies, or thought leadership
Experience building dashboards and other data visualizations, e.g. Tableau, MS Power BI or similar software
Experience designing surveys, analyzing assessment data, or evaluating programs or policies
Ability to translate complex data and analyses into clear written reports and presentations for non-technical audiences
Proven project management skills and ability to independently lead and manage multiple complex workstreams simultaneously, with minimal oversight
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated commitment to improving educational outcomes and advancing equity
Ability to Travel approximately 10-15%
Bachelor's degree in education policy, public policy, economics, statistics, data science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

company paid life insurance
medical
dental
vision
flexible health and dependent spending accounts
401(k) retirement savings with company match
paid holidays
paid time off