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Data Strategy Specialist

Employer
First 5 LA
Location
Los Angeles, California
Salary
69,900 - 104,800
Closing date
May 29, 2021

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Focus Areas
Government
Job Function
Program / Project Management, Research
Position Type
Full Time

Job Details

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Data for Action’s (ODFA) work involves advancing an organization-wide data strategy, which articulates First 5 LA’s data priorities and the efforts to address those priorities, in order to drive system change efforts, measure progress, and optimize effectiveness. Under the direction of the Data Strategy Manager, the Data Strategy Specialist is responsible for the conceptualization, technical oversight, and facilitation of data use from data projects that emanate from and support the Data Strategy. In addition, the Data Strategy Specialist provides consultation and support to teams across the organization on measurement and data issues.

The successful candidate will have technical expertise coupled with the ability to flexibly shift to accommodate real-world circumstances; will be a highly-motivated self-starter; and have the communication and collaborative capabilities to cultivate a culture committed to connecting data with strategy and using data, learnings and insights for action.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Data Strategy Specialist should visibly demonstrate the adopted organizational values of collaboration, learning, integrity, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in the execution of their key areas of responsibility:

Key Areas of Responsibility:

  • Organization-wide data strategy
  • Leadership on organization-wide data projects
  • Best practices in measurement, evaluation, and research

Essential Duties:

Organization-Wide Data Strategy

  • Supports the development, implementation and refinement of the organization-wide data strategy that articulates First 5 LA’s vision for using data to advance the strategic plan and reflect organizational priorities
  • Provides thought partnership to determine the most appropriate approaches to address data priorities balancing the need for rigor with feasibility in terms of organizational resources and capacities, and the external context
  • Promotes the accessibility and utilization of data and insights from the Data Strategy to drive system change efforts through a data dashboard, stakeholder conversations and other tools and processes
  • Supports efforts to track program/operational indicators and utilize various data sources to monitor progress toward the First 5 LA’s strategic plan progress and operational goals
  • Periodically conducts analysis of existing internal and external secondary datasets that support First 5 LA’s programmatic, systems change and policy efforts 

Leadership on Organization-Wide Data Projects

  • Leads the conceptualization of data-related investments that support the entire organization. Leads the refinement of existing data projects to ensure alignment with the Data Strategy to address prioritized data needs
  • Leads procurement and management of organization-wide data projects, including providing guidance and oversight to consultants
  • Promotes the accessibility and utilization of data and insights from organization-wide data projects
  • Facilitates the convening of internal and external stakeholders to discuss findings, share insights, build common understanding, identify implications and generate recommendations
  • Provides communication, coordination, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational goals

Best Practices in Measurement, Evaluation And Research

  • Applies technical expertise to make recommendations to First 5 LA leadership on indicators, data sources and technical approaches to assess and monitor progress of First 5 LA’s 2020-2028 Strategic Plan
  • Makes recommendations and provides technical assistance, feedback, resources and tools to teams across the organization in support of measurement, evaluation, research and other data-related efforts
  • Promotes policies and practices that facilitate access to high quality data obtained through primary data collection, grantee and contractor reporting, and external entities
  • Proactively identifies opportunities to use lessons from measurement, research and evaluation projects to inform organization-wide learning
  • Remains abreast of current best practices and trends in the field(s) by reviewing professional publications, attending related conferences, meetings and other events, and sharing learnings with the organization broadly
  • Represents First 5 LA in external measurement, evaluation, data development, data sharing, and research efforts as appropriate
  • Mentors student professional workers and/or interns within the Office of Data for Action as appropriate

 

 

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Organization-wide Competencies

  • Commitment to organizational mission and values: Mission-driven and self-directed, with a demonstrated passion for First 5 LA’s work to strengthen families and improve child outcomes; strives to model organizational values through daily actions and behaviors
  • Possesses Customer-Focused Mindset: Is aware of and considers relevant internal and external stakeholders and their needs (customers); identifies solutions to be responsive to stakeholder needs; considers impact when executing daily tasks
  • Collaborative: Collaborates with peers to drive results in alignment with organizational and operational goals in support of the organization’s mission; is able to work in cross-functional teams; is able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public officials and the general public
  • Communicates Effectively: Communicates effectively both written and oral; demonstrates active listening and comprehension; selects and uses appropriate communication methods to keep others appropriately informed; able to tailor messages appropriately to various audiences
  • Demonstrates Integrity and Judgment: Follows through on commitments letting others know of his/her true intentions; ensures decision-making or recommendations are fact-based and others understand the decision/recommendation before moving forward; considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one
  • Demonstrates Critical Thinking: Applies critical thinking, logic and reasoning to effectively think through problems and information; identifies relative strengths and weaknesses of options, solutions or approaches
  • Demonstrates Strategic Thinking: Considers issues and relationships relevant to achieving long range goals or vision; identifies alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values to layout several points of view on a course of action to accomplish goals
  • Demonstrates Contribution to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Supports equal and active participation of people and groups with diverse identifies, race, ethnicities, abilities, characteristics, cultures, socio-economic status, opinions, and beliefs; continuously challenges assumptions, and is mindful of unconscious bias, and leverages differences; understands historical and current context and root causes of inequities within society, systems and institutions; values a diversity of perspectives and encourages contributions by all team members 

Job Specific Competencies

 

  • Content Knowledge:  Knowledge of research and evaluation design and implementation with a variety of methodologies; understanding of and commitment to culturally relevant measurement, research and evaluation; knowledge of the scientific method and applied hypothesis writing for research projects; knowledge of research and policy trends and best practices in early learning and care, home visiting, and early identification and intervention; understanding of the evolving role of measurement, research and evaluation in effective grant-making and social change in learning focused organizations; ability to conduct surge research about trends in the evaluation field (theory, practice, best practices, emerging trends)
  • Measurement and Utilization: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders to identify learning priorities for an evaluation project that are responsive to stakeholder needs; ability to use learning priorities to select the appropriate research or evaluation framework that will yield timely and actionable information; ability to design research questions, data collection strategy, analytical plans and reporting plans; ability to adapt research or evaluation designs in response to changing context, priorities, and/or stakeholder needs; proficient in qualitative and quantitative data analyses to observe and share trends with stakeholders; demonstrated ability to communicate (both written and verbally) complex information in an accessible and compelling manner to diverse audiences; ability to use visualization tools including dashboards and presentation formats to help others metabolize and use data; ability to consume technical research and translate relevant findings into plain language for a variety of stakeholders
  • Planning and Project Management: Works independently in an organized manner with strong attention to detail; demonstrated ability to set priorities, goals, and objectives; ability to establish clear expectations and execute identified projects; ability to effectively manage overlapping projects and deadlines; ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities; uses time and resources efficiently, and plans for additional resources as needed; integrates changes smoothly; ability to manage high performance projects; knows how to use technology tools to effectively manage and expedite processes

Experience:

  • Minimum of five years of related experience conducting evaluation, research, measurement and/or data projects preferred     
  • Experience working on research and evaluation projects that focus on one or more of the following areas is highly desired: maternal/child health, early childhood education, systems change evaluation, public health, mental health, child welfare and development, place-based evaluation, and process improvement  
  • Experience facilitating stakeholders through a process resulting in prioritized learning topics preferred
  • Experience supporting the development of data sharing and data use agreements preferred
  • Familiarity of the landscape of social, educational, and health services for young children and families in L.A. County preferred
  • Experience in conducting original research using large-scale public-use data files, including playing a primary role in conducting relevant data analyses for such projects preferred  
  • Demonstrated skills in writing, facilitating and public speaking
  • Ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing, in varied settings and different audiences               

Education:

  • Advanced degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, education, human development, sociology, economics or a related field preferred        

Computer Skills:

  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Proficiency in data visualization software (such as Tableau), and/or GIS software (ArcView) preferred
  • Proficiency using SPSS, SAS, STATA, or other statistical software
  • Proficiency in web-based collaboration and/or meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Sli-do etc.)
  • Ability to use widely supported internet browsers
  • Ability to quickly learn how to operate new systems and applications

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

  • Valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
  • Valid automobile liability insurance

Travel Requirements:

  • This position requires travel locally, statewide and nationally as needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee will sit, talk, hear and use hands up to 2/3 of the time. The employee will stand and walk up to 1/3 of the time. The employee is routinely required to carry and/or lift up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Company

WHO WE ARE

Our agency’s Board of Commissioners, leadership and talented employees work as one in reaching our North Star: Every child in Los Angeles County will reach their full developmental potential throughout the critical years of prenatal to age 5.

Our Statewide Role

First 5 LA believes the case is clear that policy makers must prioritize young children in policy and budget decisions – because our future success as a state depends upon it. Nearly half of the state’s children live in, or near, poverty. California is first in per prisoner spending, but 46th in per pupil spending in education. California continues to prioritize spending on programs for residents when problems are most acute – treatment services, child welfare, incarceration, school remediation – and lags the country and the world in spending on access to proven prevention programs like quality early learning and home visiting programs for new parents.

The impacts of ignoring our children are clear: statewide, only 45 percent of third graders read at grade level and child care can cost parents as much as in-state college tuition at the University of California. It will take grit by decision makers and elected officials to address these challenges.

First 5 LA, as part of the network of First 5s throughout the state, will help by sharing what we have learned since our inception, by bringing parents, community members, and diverse partners together to help create lasting solutions, and by advocating for investments in proven early childhood systems and supports for California’s youngest children.

First 5 LA’s structure and staffing have been designed to better enable us to advance our goals and focus on those policies and resources that will yield the greatest benefits for kids in L.A. County. Our Board of Commissioners provides guidance and direction to our leadership and staff to implement our Strategic Plan.

Company info
Location
750 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles
CA
90012
US

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