Demographer (25-26)

IDEA Public Schools; Austin (TX); Remote; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

IDEA Public Schools is seeking a detail-oriented Demographer to analyze K-12 school district growth. This remote position involves demographic research, spatial data analysis, and forecasting techniques to inform school planning. The ideal candidate will collaborate with senior staff and engage with external stakeholders to ensure data-driven insights support expansion decisions.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending

Vacation

Referral Bonuses

Professional Development

403(b) Plan

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in demographic research, data analysis, or social science research.
• Knowledge of GIS tools, programming languages (R, Python, SQL), and visualization/reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze demographic data to assess K-12 school district growth.
• Use GIS tools to identify areas of potential growth for school districts.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses for stakeholder insights.

Skills

Strategic Decision-Making

Work and Team Management

Self and Team Growth

Trust Building

Deliberate Communication

Quantitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Demography

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Sociology

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Sciences

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Policy

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Statistics

Tools

R

SPSS

Stata

SAS

Tableau

Power BI

Qualtrics

SurveyMonkey

Job description

Demographer

Mission:

The Research Team at IDEA Public Schools is seeking an entry-level, detail-oriented demographer or social sciences researcher. This position involves analyzing K-12 school district growth as IDEA Public Schools expand within existing and new geographic regions. The role includes applying demographic research, spatial data analysis, and forecasting techniques to assess population trends and model student enrollment. The ideal candidate will work closely with senior staff to ensure data-driven insights inform school planning and expansion decisions.

Location:

This is a full-time remote position based in Texas, with preference given to candidates residing in Austin, El Paso, Houston, Permian Basin (Midland/Odessa), Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and Tarrant County (Fort Worth), or those willing to relocate.

Travel Expectations:

• This role works remotely when not traveling and visiting campuses.
• Travel to IDEA training events or other activities may be required.

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities

Essential Duties:

1. Demographic Analysis & Enrollment Forecasting: Analyze demographic data (e.g., population growth, migration patterns) to assess the impact on K-12 school districts and support expansion into new regions; develop models to forecast future student enrollment trends, considering regional growth, housing development, socioeconomic shifts, and market saturation.
2. Spatial Analysis for School Expansion: Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and R packages to analyze spatial data, helping IDEA leadership identify areas of potential growth for school districts and inform site selection and expansion plans.
3. Site Selection Support: Assist in maintaining and expanding the Suitability Index tool.
4. Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to derive insights on district growth and program effectiveness; prepare reports, presentations, and visualizations for stakeholders.
5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work with Research and Growth leadership to align demographic trends with district strategies; engage external stakeholders such as government agencies and educational organizations for data gathering and research support.
6. Ongoing Research & Knowledge Development: Stay informed on trends in demography, education, and research methodologies; contribute to developing research practices for analyzing district growth and educational outcomes.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Strategic Decision-Making: Involved in high-level decision-making, analyzing complex data, predicting trends, and guiding organizational strategies; mentor others in strategic thinking.
• Work and Team Management: Manage personal work effectively, prioritize tasks, and contribute to team goals.
• Self and Team Growth: Seek feedback, pursue professional development, and engage in continuous improvement.
• Trust Building: Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and coaching to foster psychological safety.
• Deliberate Communication: Clearly express ideas, listen actively, and tailor messages for effective relationships.

Additional Skills:

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis software (R, SPSS, Stata, SAS), data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), and survey tools (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Skills: Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis, study design, effective communication, and project management.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Demography, Sociology, Social Sciences, Education, Public Policy, Statistics, or related fields.
• 1-3 years of experience in demographic research, data analysis, or social science research; experience in K-12 education or district planning is a plus.
• Knowledge of GIS tools, programming languages (R, Python, SQL), and visualization/reporting tools (Shiny, Power BI).
• Experience with survey methods and experimental design is advantageous.

Physical Requirements:

• This is a sedentary position.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits: Salaries typically range from $68,800 to $79,900, depending on experience and qualifications, with eligibility for performance pay. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending, vacation, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. More info at IDEA Benefits.

*Relocation stipend may be available.

Application process: Submit your application via Jobvite. Applications are reviewed continuously until filled; early applications are encouraged.

Learn more about IDEA: Our Core Values promote connection, integrity, respect, and belonging. Details at Our Core Values.