Demographer (25-26)

IDEA Public Schools; Weslaco (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 full-time remote role involves demographic research and spatial data analysis to inform school planning and expansion decisions. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field and strong analytical skills.

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 or social science research.
• Experience in K-12 education systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Analyze demographic data to assess impacts on school districts.
• Use GIS tools to identify potential growth areas for schools.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses for stakeholder reports.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication

Organizational Abilities

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Demography, Sociology, Social Sciences, Education, Public Policy, Statistics

Tools

R

SPSS

Stata

SAS

Tableau

Power BI

Qualtrics

SurveyMonkey

Python

SQL

Job description

Demographer

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. The role involves 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:

• Demographic Analysis & Enrollment Forecasting: Analyze demographic data (e.g., population growth, migration patterns) to assess impacts on 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.
• Spatial Analysis for School Expansion: Use GIS tools and R packages to analyze spatial data, helping IDEA leadership identify potential growth areas for schools and inform site selection based on demographic trends.
• Site Selection Support: Support maintenance and expansion of the Suitability Index tool.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to derive insights on district growth and program effectiveness. Prepare reports, presentations, and visualizations for stakeholders.
• 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.
• 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

• Make Strategic Decisions: Involved in high-level decision-making, analyzing complex data, predicting trends, and guiding team members in strategic thinking.
• Manage Work and Teams: Effectively manage personal workload, prioritize tasks, and contribute to team goals.
• Grow Self and Others: Seek feedback, embrace challenges, and pursue professional development.
• Build a Culture of Trust: Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and coaching to foster psychological safety.
• Communicate Deliberately: Clearly express ideas, listen actively, and tailor communication to build effective relationships.

Additional Skills

Technical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., R, SPSS, Stata, SAS), data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), and survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey). Knowledge of GIS tools and programming languages (R, Python, SQL) is a plus.

Skills: Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, ability to design studies, excellent communication skills, and strong organizational abilities.

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Demography, Sociology, Social Sciences, Education, Public Policy, Statistics, or related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in demographic research, data analysis, or social science research; experience in K-12 education systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of GIS, programming languages, and visualization/reporting tools.

Physical Requirements

This is a sedentary position.

What We Offer

Salaries typically range from $68,800 to $79,900, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The role is eligible 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. IDEA may offer a relocation stipend if applicable.

Application Process

Apply online via Jobvite. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until filled. Early applications are encouraged.

Learn More About IDEA

Our Core Values promote connection, integrity, respect, and belonging. Learn more at Our Core Values.