This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps.
The partner is looking for a Director, State Data Initiatives based in the United States.
Remote, full-time opportunity, with a preference for candidates on the East Coast and some travel required.
Responsibilities
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.
Navigate state government environments: apply knowledge of agency decision-making, budget and procurement processes, interagency relationships, and policy constraints.
Build alignment across stakeholders: facilitate discussions with agency leaders, program teams, data stewards, researchers, legal counsel, and technical experts.
Own project strategy and delivery: lead designated state engagements from scoping through implementation and closeout, maintaining accountability for direction, partner alignment, deliverable quality, scope, timelines, and budgets.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams: direct the work of project contributors, consultants, and subject matter experts.
Monitor progress and manage challenges: track project and portfolio outcomes, resolve issues, evaluate scope changes, escalate decisions when necessary.
Develop partnerships and new opportunities: assess prospective state engagements, contribute to proposals and scopes of work, support pricing assumptions and contract renewals.
Contribute to external engagement and knowledge sharing: represent the organization at conferences, working groups, and partner convenings.
Improve programs and delivery approaches using partner feedback and project outcomes.
Requirements
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.
Demonstrated experience working within or closely with state government agencies on administrative data initiatives; previous employment in a state agency strongly preferred.
Strong understanding of state agency structures, decision-making processes, interagency coordination, budget and procurement procedures, and policy constraints.
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.
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.
Ability to understand how administrative data is collected, managed, linked, and used, and to connect technical considerations with policy objectives.
Proven ability to lead complex state initiatives, including defining approaches, directing multidisciplinary teams, managing partner relationships, and maintaining deliverable quality.
Experience coordinating consultants, subject matter experts, and cross-functional contributors.
Excellent presentation, facilitation, relationship management, and written and verbal communication skills.
Advanced degree preferred; bachelor's degree in a relevant field, combined with an equivalent mix of education and experience, required.