Data and Systems Director

Company: Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Location: Seattle
Posted on: November 26, 2022

Job Description:

Summary:
Across the state, Washington has more science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) and health care jobs than it can fill yet our higher education system cannot keep up with the demand for skilled employees. The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) is a unique, public-private partnership designed to address our talent shortage. WSOS fuels the state's economy by providing scholarships and a continuum of support services to high potential students who are pursuing a graduate degree, bachelor's degree, associate degree, certificate, or apprenticeship in a high-demand trade, health care or STEM program in Washington state.
The Data and Systems Director will deliver best-in-class data analysis, story-telling and systems design to empower WSOS team members and other key stakeholders make strategic decisions to support Scholars. The primary responsibilities of the Data and Systems Director are to: 1) coach, develop and support Operations team members ensuring each has role clarity, is empowered to be successful and feels valued as a member of the team; 2) analyze data and tell compelling stories to influence program design, scholarship selection and showcase program impact; 3) collaborate with system administrators to design and maintain the organization's data collection systems, tools and models; 4) partner with work teams to identify, recommend and implement systems and practices to enhance quality of data and efficiency of reporting and business processes. This role reports to the Deputy Director.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

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• Leadership, operational management, coaching and development of the Operations team (two database administrators)
  
• Design, collect, and analyze datasets to deliver informative and compelling dashboards, KPIs and reports for internal and external stakeholders to drive decision making and demonstrate impact
  
• Work with national, state and regional partners to access and secure relevant data and indicators to inform approach to program design and execution
  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define and prioritize a data and systems roadmap that addresses current and future business and stakeholder needs
  
• Support data architecture design by participating in design reviews, troubleshooting data systems, as well as digging deep into the root of an issue and providing solutions alongside database administrators
  
• Lead the implementation, development, improvement, and evaluation of BBBPS impact agenda
  
• Support, the organization's policy/advocacy and fundraising efforts and related communications efforts, including but not limited to, providing testimonies and presentations for the legislature or for legislative staff, prepare documents, white papers, portions of reports, briefs, charts, and graphs that describe, interpret, and visualize data analyses for relevant audiences
  
  Education and Experience
  
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  • Minimum of five years of experience with demonstrated expertise designing models and using data to inform decision-making and illustrate impact
    
  • Demonstrated experience (five years or more) of direct people management or leading a team
    
  • Bachelor's degree, preferably in a field related to statistics, applied mathematics, computer science; or equivalent experience
    
  • Proficient in SQL and Excel with ability to independently synthesize inputs from multiple sources, analyze large datasets and draw appropriate conclusions to form recommendations
    
    Core Competencies
    
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    • Able to thoughtfully consider and embrace new ideas and different perspectives
      
    • Focuses on accomplishing team goals rather than a personal agenda
      
    • Communicates goals, objectives and strategies frequently to supervisor and teammates and aligns them with work and tasks
      
    • Reflects on challenging situations as opportunities to identify learning opportunities; engages others in reflection
      
    • Proactively and independently identifies potential challenges
      
    • Able to identify inequities that exist at multiple levels (personal, interpersonal, organizational, and systemic) and offer ideas for resolution
      
      Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
      Knowledge of
      
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      • Best practices for creating engaging and useful dashboards and other data visualization tools to support end-users in interpreting complex data sets
        
      • Analytical processes and business intelligence tools, including but not limited to data management, predictive modeling and visualization
        
      • Cloud-based database systems (Caspio, Salesforce) and other software used to store or manipulate large datasets for reporting and decision-making
        
      • Systems of power and oppression and how they impact the lived experience of students of color, first-generation college students and students from low-income families
        
        Skill in:
        
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        • Providing clear oversight, direction, motivation and development for direct reports to maximize their ability to reach their potential within their job function
          
        • Using data to answer questions or tell stories that inform or influence decisions or actions of others
          
        • Project and time management, including dealing with and prioritizing multiple, competing deadlines; proven track record of timely follow-through on deliverables with a tenacious commitment to achievement of agreed-upon targets
          
        • Leveraging technology and other creative solutions to enhance productivity and grow efficiencies; particularly seeking candidates who can demonstrate advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, cloud-based database software (manipulating, reporting and querying)
          
          Ability to:
          
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          • Design analytical models that support applicant selection based on requirements defined by Board of Directors and cross-functional teams
            
          • Communicate clearly and effectively both oral and written, with people possessing different technical aptitudes and skillsets
            
          • Train and support casual technology users on how to use various technical applications like Smartsheet, Caspio and Salesforce
            
          • Thrive working independently and under supervision in an energetic, fast-paced team environment
            
          • Balance competing priorities in a cross-functional workspace
            
            Licenses, Certificates, and other requirements:
            
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            • Valid Washington state driver's license or identification card
              
            • Access to reliable transportation for business travel
              
            • Proof of automobile insurance if using a personal vehicle for business travel
              
            • Complete a criminal background check absent of offenses impacting ability to perform in the role
              
            • References will be required of short-listed candidates
              
              Work Environment:
              
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              • Moving to/from meeting spaces, sitting, bending, twisting, and reaching; Occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds
                
              • Open to dialogue about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
                
              • Hybrid workplace including work-from-home time blended with shared office environment with moderate noise levels from standard office equipment
                
              • Ability to perform consistent work on a PC required
                
              • Travel up to 10% of the time
                
                Benefits:
                
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                • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
                  
                • Health, dental, vision and prescription coverage; long-term disability, short-term disability and life insurance
                  
                • Support for setting up and optimizing home office
                  
                • Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
                  
                • 401k with employer contribution
                  
                  PI196710856

Keywords: Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, Seattle , Data and Systems Director, Executive , Seattle, Washington