Director State Data Initiatives

Accountabilities: Lead policy domains and advise state partners: Assess agency priorities, institutional contexts, data capabilities, and readiness for collaboration; recommend practical approaches to strengthen administrative data use and evidence-based decision-making. Advance data governance and cross-agency collaboration: Advise state agencies on data stewardship, governance frameworks, evidence-building priorities, and the use of administrative data to address policy and program challenges. Navigate state government environments: Apply knowledge of agency decision-making, budget and procurement processes, interagency relationships, and policy constraints to help partners move initiatives forward. Build alignment across stakeholders: Facilitate substantive discussions with agency leaders, program teams, data stewards, researchers, legal counsel, and technical experts to define use cases, clarify requirements, and establish shared priorities. Own project strategy and delivery: Lead designated state engagements from initial scoping through implementation and closeout, maintaining accountability for project direction, partner alignment, deliverable quality, scope, timelines, and budgets. Coordinate multidisciplinary teams: Direct the substantive work of project contributors, consultants, and subject matter experts while collaborating with project management colleagues on schedules, dependencies, resources, risks, and reporting. Monitor progress and manage challenges: Track project and portfolio outcomes, resolve substantive issues within delegated authority, evaluate proposed scope changes, and escalate decisions when necessary. Develop partnerships and new opportunities: Work with leadership and colleagues to assess prospective state engagements, contribute to proposals and scopes of work, support pricing assumptions and contract renewals, and build relationships that encourage sustained collaboration. Contribute to external engagement and knowledge sharing: Represent the organization at selected conferences, working groups, and partner convenings; contribute to presentations, written resources, training, and cross-state learning opportunities. Improve programs and delivery approaches: Use partner feedback and project outcomes to refine technical assistance, strengthen engagement practices, and increase the effectiveness of state initiatives. Requirements Relevant professional experience: 7–10 years of experience in state government, administrative data initiatives, public policy, applied research, technical assistance, or public-sector program improvement, including leadership of complex state engagements. State government expertise: Demonstrated experience working within or closely with state government agencies on administrative data initiatives is required. Previous employment in a state agency is strongly preferred. Knowledge of government operations: Strong understanding of state agency structures, decision-making processes, interagency coordination, budget and procurement procedures, and policy and implementation constraints. Policy domain expertise: Deep subject matter knowledge in at least one relevant area, such as K–12 or postsecondary education, workforce development, human services, corrections, or economic mobility. Administrative data collaboration: Experience supporting cross-agency data initiatives, statewide longitudinal data systems, P20W integrated data efforts, governance frameworks, readiness assessments, learning agendas, data use agreements, or evidence-building programs. Technical and analytical understanding: Ability to understand how administrative data is collected, managed, linked, and used, and to connect technical considerations with policy objectives and operational needs. Project leadership: Proven ability to lead complex state initiatives, including defining substantive approaches, directing multidisciplinary teams, managing partner relationships, and maintaining deliverable quality within agreed scope, schedules, and budgets. Team and stakeholder coordination: Experience coordinating consultants, subject matter experts, and cross-functional contributors, with the ability to build alignment and ensure follow-through. Communication and facilitation: Excellent presentation, facilitation, relationship management, and written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex policy, data, and governance topics to varied audiences. Education: An advanced degree is preferred. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, combined with an equivalent mix of education and experience, is required. Additional technical familiarity: Experience with secure data environments, restricted-use data, privacy-preserving research workflows, dashboards, or data visualization is preferred. Working arrangements: Ability to work remotely within the United States, accommodate occasional evening or weekend work when needed, and travel as required. Professional approach: Strong judgment, adaptability, and commitment to trust, collaboration, high-quality delivery, and continuous improvement. Benefits Annual salary: $135,000–$155,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Remote flexibility: United States-based remote work, with an East Coast location preferred. Meaningful public impact: Opportunities to help state governments use data to improve policies, programs, and outcomes for communities. Strategic leadership: Ownership of significant state engagements, policy domains, and complex, multidisciplinary initiatives. Collaborative environment: Work alongside research, technical, operational, and policy experts, as well as government leaders and cross-sector partners. Professional development: Opportunities to deepen subject matter expertise, contribute to applied research and training, and participate in conferences and peer-learning activities. Mission-driven culture: A working environment guided by trust, connectedness, quality, and adaptability. Inclusive workplace: Commitment to equal opportunity and a welcoming, non-discriminatory work environment. Full-time employment: A full-time role with opportunities to shape state data initiatives and support long-term public-sector impact.