Data Liaison

Company: University of Chicago
Location: Chicago
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Department Consortium Research Nagoaka About the Department As one of the first schools of social work in the United States, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has shaped the field for more than 100 years. As part of the University of Chicago, the Crown Family School shares the University's core values and distinctive intellectual culture. Crown Family School faculty, staff and students focus on identifying solutions to complex problems through the integration of research, training, and direct community engagement. Guided by an interdisciplinary tradition, Crown Family School scholars conduct innovative research to address interconnected social challenges such as educational inequality, health disparities, crime and violence, poverty, and child and family welfare—working at multiple scales, from individual to policy-level interventions. More than 8,000 Crown Family School graduates in the US and globally hold leadership positions in academia, at nonprofits, and at governmental agencies The Crown Family School is the home of several academic centers. These include the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development, the Urban Education Institute (UEI), the Center for Climate, Health and Society, the Smart Decarceration Project, and the Employment Instability, Family Well-being, and Social Policy Network (EINet). More information may be found at https://crownschool.uchicago.edu/. For over 35 years, the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research (UChicago Consortium), a unit of the Kersten Institute for Urban Education at the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has worked to address some of the most pressing challenges in urban education. We conduct high-quality research on the practices and conditions that improve student learning, promote educational attainment, and foster equity through rigorous research. Our research informs policy and practice in Chicago Public Schools and in districts across the nation. A central part of our work is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and fostering evidence-driven conversations about the critical issues facing schools. The UChicago Consortium is widely recognized as a national model for research-practice partnerships, combining rigorous analysis with real-world impact. For more information about the UChicago Consortium, see consortium.uchicago.edu. Job Summary The Data Liaison works with staff at the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on behalf of the Consortium, the To&Through Project, the Inclusive Economy Lab, and the other CPS Collaborative Research Partners, facilitating the provision of CPS data in support of their research projects. A Consortium staff member will supervise the Data Liaison and a CPS staff member will serve as the point of contact for the work being done at CPS. This is a grant funded position, with a grant end date of 6/30/2028. If replacement funding is not identified, the position will end on 6/30/2028. Responsibilities Job Responsibilities Consult with Collaborative Research Partners (CRP) staff about data needs as projects begin the process of being approved by CPS Gather and document data requirements from CRP staff for their CPS-approved research projects Consult with CPS staff as needed on how to best meet the data requirements of the CRP projects Fill data requests for the CRP projects by developing, testing, and executing queries and reports of data from CPS sources Perform testing and validation of data quality and integrity prior to delivery to CRP staff Develop and maintain data documentation (data dictionaries, wikis, etc.) in collaboration with CPS and the research organizations as they work with and learn about the data Keep CRP staff appraised as data availability and characteristics change Deliver data and reports to CRP staff with necessary documentation and context for understanding and interpreting data Serve as liaison among the CRP and CPS, keeping staff in all organizations updated on data needs and research activities Work with staff at CRP to track progress, status, and deadlines related to CPS-approved projects Work closely with CPS staff and the organizations' researchers to build a common understanding and greater coherence in the use of CPS data for research purposes Provide ad hoc data support to the External Research Team Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates Performs other related work as needed Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: Preferred Qualifications Education: Bachelor's Degree in economics, sociology, data science, public policy or other relevant field Advanced Degre Experience: Two years of experience in data analysis working with large data sets Working knowledge of statistics and research methods Strong knowledge of databases, data structures, and data warehouse practices Two years of experience programming in SAS, R, or Stata or other statistical package Working knowledge of SQL preferred Preferred Competencies Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize and meet tight deadlines Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills required Ability to develop and manage relationships within and across organizations A commitment to education reform Attention to detail and exceptional organizational skill Ability to take initiative and a proactive approach to tasks and projects Ability to execute sound judgment and maintain confidentiality Working Conditions Hybrid work schedule, on-site at the Hyde Park campus in Chicago Application Documents Resume (required) Cover letter (required) Writing sample (required) References (when asked) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ? FLSA Status Exempt ? Pay Range $67,000.00 - $72,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

Keywords: University of Chicago, Skokie , Data Liaison, Science, Research & Development , Chicago, Illinois