Senior Data & MERL Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Develop and manage structured databases along with data dictionaries, which include standard definitions for indicators and KPIs.

• Ensure that the Texas KPIs and performance indicators are underpinned by verifiable and regularly collected data sources.

• Gather, clean, and consolidate data from external partners, various sources, and internal program activities.

• Coordinate data submissions and quality assurance processes with both external partners and internal teams.

• Establish and nurture relationships with county leads and external stakeholders to facilitate reliable data sharing.

• Handle public information requests, standardize responses, and keep records of sources.

• Identify opportunities for automating workflows and enhancing data processes.

• Conduct reviews of data quality and generate analytical summaries for leadership and donors.

• Ensure adherence to data governance, privacy, and security standards for sensitive data.

• Analyze both quantitative and qualitative data to recognize trends that influence program decisions.

• Create and maintain interactive dashboards and visualizations using Power BI or similar tools.

• Perform descriptive, exploratory, and suitable statistical analyses, including pre/post assessments and cross-county comparisons.

• Evaluate Texas operations and data practices in relation to program requirements.

• Align the Texas data program with the organization's overarching data and MERL strategy.

• Oversee MERL systems and tools while recommending new systems as requirements evolve.

• Manage consultants and vendors engaged in developing systems and tools.

• Design and uphold monitoring tools for training and capacity-building initiatives.

• Coordinate learning cycles, after-action reviews, and quarterly reflection sessions.

• Generate visual and narrative summaries for internal learning, donor reports, and strategic planning.

• Convert findings into actionable recommendations and address reporting, grant, and partner data needs.

• Present data and findings to partners, county stakeholders, funders, and leadership.

• Contribute Texas data for organization-wide reporting and the Global KPI Sheet.

• Support applied research initiatives through data preparation, descriptive analyses, documentation, evaluations, and partner coordination.

• Identify new data sources, including public court data and academic partnerships, to enhance the Texas evidence base.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline.

• 5-7 years of experience in data management or analysis.

• Proven hands-on experience in cleaning, matching, and managing complex data from diverse sources, with clear documentation of methodologies.

• Proficient in at least one of SQL, R, or Python for consistent data cleaning and analysis.

• Experience in managing confidential or sensitive data in accordance with privacy and security regulations.

• Legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

• Capability to work for extended periods at a desk and on a computer.

• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally.

• Preferred: Experience in integrating data across multiple systems or sources.

• Preferred: Experience in working with criminal justice, county/municipal, or social-impact data.

• Preferred: Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) methodologies.

• Preferred: Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar data analytics platforms.

• Preferred: Experience with SalesForce or comparable CRM systems.

• Preferred: Experience with inferential or multivariate statistical methods, or evaluation design.

• Preferred: Experience with qualitative methods such as key informant interviews or focus groups.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• 401k with a match of up to 5%.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) program.

• Life and accident insurance coverage.

• Voluntary income protection benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program.