Demographer (25-26)

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

Job summary

IDEA Public Schools is seeking an entry-level demographer to analyze K-12 school district growth. This remote position involves demographic research, spatial data analysis, and collaboration with senior staff to inform school planning. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills and a relevant degree.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

Generous Vacation

Professional Development

403(b) Plan

Qualifications

• 1-3 years in demographic research or data analysis.
• Experience in K-12 education is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze demographic data to support school expansion.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses for stakeholders.

Skills

Quantitative Analysis

Qualitative Analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Demography

Sociology

Public Policy

Tools

R

SPSS

Tableau

Power BI

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 will analyze K-12 school district growth as IDEA Public Schools expand within existing and new geographic regions. Responsibilities include 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 impacts on school districts and support expansion; develop models to forecast future student enrollment considering regional growth, housing development, socioeconomic shifts, and market saturation.
2. Spatial Analysis for School Expansion: Use GIS tools and R packages to analyze spatial data, helping IDEA identify potential growth areas and inform site selection based on demographic trends.
3. Site Selection Support: Support maintenance and expansion of the Suitability Index tool.
4. Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses, prepare reports, visualizations, and presentations for stakeholders.
5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work with Research and Growth leadership to align demographic insights with district strategies; engage external stakeholders such as government agencies and educational organizations.
6. Ongoing Research & Knowledge Development: Stay updated on trends in demography, education, and research methodologies; contribute to developing research practices for school growth and educational outcomes.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies:

• Make Strategic Decisions: Analyze complex data, predict trends, and guide organizational strategy, fostering strategic thinking in teams.
• Manage Work and Teams: Effectively manage personal tasks, prioritize, and contribute to team goals.
• Grow Self and Others: Seek feedback, pursue professional development, and embrace challenges.
• Build a Culture of Trust: Demonstrate empathy and active listening; coach others and promote psychological safety.
• Communicate Deliberately: Clearly express ideas, listen actively, and tailor communication for diverse audiences.

Additional Skills:

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, Stata, SAS).
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Knowledge of survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) and survey data analysis.

Skills:

• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Ability to design studies and generate high-quality data.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Highly organized, capable of managing multiple projects.

Required Experience:

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

Physical Requirements:

• This is a sedentary position.

What We Offer:

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary ranges from $68,800 to $79,900, depending on experience and qualifications, with performance-based incentives. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parental benefits, flexible spending accounts, generous vacation, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. More info at IDEA Benefits.

Relocation stipends may be available.

Application process:

Apply online 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.