Program Analyst, Innovative Schools

About Two Sigma Investments

Two Sigma is a financial technology company in SoHo that explores the fascinating intersection of big data, artificial intelligence, and finance. It currently manages over $40 billion AUM with 1,000+ staff spanning New York, London, Houston, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. It applies the scientific method to investment management and is not the typical investment manager. Two Sigma follows principles of technology and innovation with equal regard to principles of investment management. Fields like machine learning and distributed computing guide the firm. Since 2001, Two Sigma has searched for ways that these kinds of technologies can make it better at what it does.

About the Position

Two Sigma is seeking a full-time Program Analyst to support Overdeck Family Foundation (the “Foundation”). The Program Analyst will be responsible for supporting a specific Foundation portfolio and the portfolio’s associated Program Officer. This work will require contributions to strategic projects, as well as grant sourcing, execution, and management.

The Foundation has been making grants since 2010 in efforts to help all kids achieve their greatest academic potential. The Foundation aims to fund programs and projects that have proven, quantifiable, and compelling results. Visit www.overdeck.org for more information.

Responsibilities

This role is an exciting growth opportunity for an individual who is passionate about education and thrives in a fast-paced, creative, team-oriented environment. The Program Analyst will work closely with the portfolio Program Officer on the effective management and strategic development of the portfolio. This will include, but is not limited to:

Operations & Logistics

·         Support Program Officers with strategy, planning, content and execution of portfolio related activities, events and convenings.

·         Maintain an efficient workflow for Program Officers and their grants and projects, including assistance with scheduling and data entry.

·         Assist Program Officers with recording-keeping, documentation of interactions, and task management, especially as they relate to events and projects.

Programmatic

·         Assist Program Officers with the prospecting and sourcing of new grants.

·         Support the portfolio's overall success in managing and learning from grantees, including conducting site visits, managing grantee check-ins, tracking progress on goals and outcomes, and supporting with annual reporting.

·         Assist with data collection and compiling; interact with grantees to reinforce the value/power of data and analysis.

·         Perform project and program management functions as needed, ranging from small, focused projects to grantee convenings and events.

·         Represent foundation in meetings with potential and existing grantees, as well as at conferences, convenings and meetings.

Strategy, Research, & Support

·         Contribute to the Foundation's knowledge management database.

·         Maintain an internal catalogue of research (historical and current) to build an evidence base aligned to portfolio strategy and related investments.

·         Conduct portfolio-specific research to understand impact with the field and for specific grants.

·         Conduct basic data analyses on grantee, portfolio and research data

·         Research new potential investment areas and/or strategic project ideas

Required Experience/Attributes

The Program Analyst will have a passion for education and experience with the relevant content, an understanding of work in the nonprofit sector, and a strong desire to work closely with a Program Officer in a specific field.

·         Minimum of Bachelor's level degree, two years of related experience in a field that aligns with one of the Foundation’s portfolios preferred.

·         Knowledge of and interest in research and analytical methods, data science and data visualization tools and techniques preferred.

·         A passion for education and some previous experience working in education or in an education-related role

·         Subject matter proficiency in education and ideally, strong interest and some knowledge about the Innovative Schools landscape, including personalized learning, student-centered learning, social emotional learning and/or education technology

·         Experience in project management preferred.

·         Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse relationships with multiple stakeholders; direct and indirect research experience a plus.

·         Working knowledge of computers and the operation of standard office machines and software (Microsoft Office Suite [Word, Excel, PowerPoint], Google Suite, Airtable, Tableau, Qualtrics, etc.).

·         Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·         Excellent critical thinking and quantitative analysis skills, attention to detail and accuracy, and ability to move quickly from one task to another.

·         Ability to be flexible and handle multiple tasks, with a priority on meeting deadlines.

·         Familiarity with a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; similarly, the Program Analyst should be flexible, a self-starter, and comfortable with uncertainty (at times).

·         Possess a “whatever-it-takes” attitude; proactively develop creative and effective solutions for difficult, unique, or unexpected issues.

·         Interest in taking initiative and working independently, while also having an orientation towards team culture that aligns with values of learning, improvement and collaboration