Demographer (25-26)

IDEA Public Schools; Texas; 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. The role involves demographic research, spatial data analysis, and forecasting to inform school planning. This full-time remote position is ideal for detail-oriented candidates willing to contribute to educational expansion strategies.

Benefits

Health plans

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Parental benefits

Flexible spending

Vacation

Referral bonuses

Professional development

403(b) plan

Relocation stipends

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in demographic or social science research.
• Experience in K-12 education systems is a plus.
• Survey methods and experimental design experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Analyze demographic data to support school expansion.
• Use GIS tools and R packages for spatial analysis.
• Prepare reports and visualizations for stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical

Communication

Organizational

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Demography

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Sociology

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Social Sciences

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Public Policy

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Statistics

Tools

R

SPSS

Stata

SAS

Tableau

Power BI

Qualtrics

SurveyMonkey

GIS tools

Python

SQL

Job description

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 engagements may be required.

Essential Duties – Accountabilities

1. Demographic Analysis & Enrollment Forecasting: Analyze demographic data to assess impacts on school districts and support expansion; develop models to forecast enrollment trends considering regional growth, housing, socioeconomic shifts, and market saturation.
2. Spatial Analysis for School Expansion: Use GIS tools and R packages to analyze spatial data, identify growth areas, and inform site selection and expansion plans.
3. Site Selection Support: Support maintenance and expansion of the Suitability Index tool.
4. Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct data analysis, prepare reports, visualizations, and presentations for stakeholders.
5. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Work with Research and Growth leadership and external stakeholders to align strategies and gather data.
6. Ongoing Research & Knowledge Development: Stay informed on trends and contribute to research methodology development.

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies

• Make Strategic Decisions: Analyze complex data, predict trends, and guide organizational strategy.
• Manage Work and Teams: Develop time management and task prioritization skills.
• Grow Self and Others: Seek feedback and engage in professional development.
• Build a Culture of Trust: Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and coaching skills.
• Communicate Deliberately: Clearly express ideas, listen actively, and tailor messages.

Additional Skills

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in R, SPSS, Stata, SAS; data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI; survey tools such as Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey; GIS tools; programming languages like R, Python, SQL.
• Skills: Strong analytical, study design, communication, and organizational skills.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Demography, Sociology, Social Sciences, Education, Public Policy, Statistics, or related fields.
• 1–3 years in demographic or social science research; experience in K-12 education systems is a plus.
• Experience with GIS, programming, and visualization tools.
• Survey methods and experimental design experience is advantageous.

Physical Requirements

• This is a sedentary position.

What We Offer

Salary ranges from $68,800 to $79,900, based on experience, with performance pay eligibility. Benefits include health plans, disability, life insurance, parental benefits, flexible spending, 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. Learn more at Our Story.