Platform Developer (Personal Services Contract #8880)

Illinois State Board of Education; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 142,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois State Board of Education is seeking a Platform Developer (Personal Services Contract) to support data and analytics initiatives from Springfield. The role focuses on integrating and analyzing education, demographic, and socioeconomic datasets to inform policy and funding models.

Strong SQL, Python, R, and GIS skills are required. The position involves end-to-end data preparation, district planning insights, and dashboard development using Power BI, with cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent IT coursework + relevant experience.
• Strong experience with U.S. Census data, ACS datasets.
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL for data manipulation.
• Hands-on statistical analysis: normalization, standardization, multivariate techniques.
• Experience building dashboards with Power BI.
• GIS experience with ArcGIS or QGIS.

Responsibilities

• Perform end-to-end data prep and integration across education data systems and external sources.
• Analyze enrollment trends, demographic shifts, and projections using ACS/census data.
• Support equity-based funding analyses with SQL-based models and weighted indices.
• Apply advanced statistical methods and data transformations for insights.
• Develop dashboards and visualizations using Power BI to inform policy planning.
• Conduct geospatial analyses and spatial data transformations in ArcGIS.

Skills

Python (pandas, NumPy, SciPy)

SQL

R

Power BI

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or Computer Science

Tools

ArcGIS

QGIS

Job description

Position: Platform Developer (Personal Services Contract #8880)

Location: Springfield

Department: Software Solutions

Hourly Salary: $125

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Posted Date: October 21, 2026

Closing Date:

We are seeking a results-driven Data Analyst / Statistical Data Specialist to support data and analytics initiatives for the Illinois State Board of Education. This role will focus on integrating and analyzing education, demographic, and socioeconomic datasets to support key initiatives such as equity-based funding models, district performance analysis, student population trends, and enrollment projections. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience working with U.S. Census Datasets (including American Community Survey – ACS) and applying advanced statistical and geospatial analysis to inform policy, resource allocation, and program effectiveness. This role will partner with cross-functional teams to translate complex data into actionable insights that drive improved educational outcomes across the state.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform end-to-end data preparation and integration across education data systems and external sources (e.g., census, socioeconomic datasets).
• Analyze student enrollment trends, demographic shifts, and population projections using ACS and census data to support district and statewide planning.
• Support development and analysis of equity-based funding models using SQL which includes - weighted funding calculations, resource allocation modeling, socioeconomic and demographic impact analysis.
• Apply advanced statistical and data science techniques using SQL - data normalization, standardization, and transformation, factor analysis and multivariate modeling, construction of weighted indices and composite indicators, analysis of survey datasets using sampling weights.
• Perform district and school performance analysis, integrating multiple data sources to identify trends, gaps, and improvement opportunities using analytical tools preferably Power BI.
• Conduct geospatial analysis and spatial data transformations using ArcGIS, including: spatial disaggregation (e.g., district, county, census tract levels), geographic aggregation for reporting and planning, mapping of education metrics with demographic overlays.
• Collaborate with: program and policy teams, data specialists and data engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology (IT) or Computer Science plus two years of IT experience or coursework in the last five years, or, a Bachelor's degree in any field plus three years of IT experience or coursework in the last five years, or, an Associate's degree in any field plus four years of IT experience or coursework in the last seven years, or, a High School Diploma and eight years of experience in the last ten years required. (COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED AT TIME OF APPLICATION)
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Census Data, including American Community Survey (ACS) and related datasets.
• Strong proficiency in data manipulation and scripting using: Python (pandas, NumPy, SciPy, statsmodels, etc), R, SQL.
• Hands-on experience with applied statistical analysis, including: data transformations (normalization, standardization) factor analysis and multivariate techniques weighted index creation and modeling survey data analysis with sampling weights.
• Experience with GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS, including spatial analysis and data transformations.
• Experience building dashboards and data visualization solutions using tools such as Power BI, or similar.
• Proficiency in Microsoft SQL server, data modeling tools, and data warehousing technologies.
• Strong understanding of database concepts and data modeling.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with BI tools (Power BI).
• Strong understanding of data quality, data governance, and analytical best practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with K–12 education data systems or state education agencies.
• Familiarity with education metrics and reporting frameworks, including: enrollment and attendance trends student performance indicators funding and resource allocation models experience with Census APIs, automated data pipelines, and reproducible analytics workflows.
• Experience in equity-focused analytics, including demographic and socioeconomic impact modeling.

ISBE provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. We actively foster a culture of inclusion and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

Illinois has an urgent and collective responsibility to achieve educational equity by ensuring that all policies, programs, and practices affirm the strengths that each and every child brings within their diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and by delivering the comprehensive supports, programs, and educational opportunities they need to succeed.