Director of Data and Analytics, Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

The Prenatal-to 3 Policy Impact Center seeks a Director of Data and Analytics to lead a robust team of data analysts in support of the Center’s strategic goals and provide data management and analysis expertise to projects across the Center, including, but not limited to: 1) conducting original research and evaluation to build the evidence base in key areas related to the impact of state policy choices on outcomes for infants, toddlers, and their families; 2) policy analysis for the annual State Policy Roadmap, including a microsimulation called the Policy Impact Calculator; and 3) development of an internal data warehouse.  

The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center aims to be the go-to resource for actionable evidence for state policy leaders as they develop and implement the most effective policies that ensure children get off to a strong start and thrive. The Data and Analytics Team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center conducts robust and rigorous data analysis to support the Center’s goals to build the evidence base for effective and equitable policymaking, track state progress in building a more effective and equitable system of care, and shape policy development in states through targeted assistance and support.  

General Notes: 

This position reports functionally and administratively to the Deputy Director. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care.  This position can be performed remotely and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule that includes both remote and in-office work.  

Please note: Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. You must be a citizen of the United States to be eligible for this role. 

Coding Test Requirement: 

As part of the selection process, competitive candidates will be asked to complete a 2-hour skills test.  This test will assess your proficiency in coding, reviewing code, analyzing and interpreting data, research design, and project management. To complete the exercise, candidates will need access to a computer with R or Stata software. 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Project Management and Leadership: 

• Partner with PN3 senior leadership to develop and maintain strategic short- and long-term organizational goals  
• Collaborate with PN3 senior leadership on the development, modification, and oversight of Center wide processes and procedures  
• In collaboration with PN3 senior leadership, develop and implement the priorities, products, and work processes of the data team to meet organizational goals  
• Provide direction and oversight to member of the data team regarding key internal processes, related to data collection, management, and analysis, including the processes for:  

-Survey data collection and testing; 

-Managing large and raw datasets ranging from administrative data from state agencies, national longitudinal data, and other state-level longitudinal data; 

-Developing and implementing processes for quality assurance to ensure accuracy of data analysis; 

-The annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap;  

-Policy data simulations including the Policy Impact Calculator;  

-Benefit-cost analyses; and  

-Data analytic support for research and evaluation projects 

• Manage workflow for data team projects and work collaboratively with other leadership to coordinate timelines and project plans across teams, routinely document decisions, and ensure projects are high-quality, completed through an equity lens, and on time 
• Identify opportunities for Policy Impact Center to begin new research and evaluation projects, leveraging both existing Center data and new opportunities for original research 
• Ensure all Policy Impact Center staff are trained on the requirements related to data security and retention 
• Lead staffing decisions for the data team, including hiring, onboarding, and training and supporting new staff in learning team processes 
• Provide on-going mentoring and feedback to staff and support the professional growth and career development of staff 

Data analysis, research, writing, and client/partner engagement:  

• Serve as an expert in conducting research and analysis on topics related to early childhood and social policy, with a specific focus on identifying datasets, measures, and research methods 
• Conduct and support analyses of data to measure state variation and generosity in policy adoption and implementation, state-level indicators of child and family wellbeing, state-level demographic characteristics of the PN-3 population, and the impact of state policies on outcomes for families 
• Lead the design and construction of a data system to house and analyze state-level annual policy adoption, implementation, and outcome measure variation data 
• Oversee coordination with clients and stakeholders, as necessary to obtain and manage datasets 
• Contribute to and/or lead the production of written products and academic publications summarizing results of policy research and analysis  

 

Supervisory Relationships: 

This position supervises a team of staff including a data manager, two senior data analysts, and two data analysts. 

 

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree with major coursework in the field of assignment, plus at least five years of related experience, is required; Additional related experience may substitute for required education 
• Expertise with data management, manipulation, cleaning, and analysis, specifically with large, national datasets 
• Strong skills in Stata or R. 
• Exceptional analytic and critical thinking skills 
• Demonstrated success in staff management and team leadership and the ability to manage and delegate to staff with expertise across varying disciplines 
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, strong problem-solving abilities, tenacity about details and organization 
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex concepts clearly and concisely 
• Ability to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints; flexible and able to adapt to the changing timelines and circumstances typical of policy and legislative work 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to lead and work collaboratively with others in a team environment  
• Demonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment 

Preferred skills: 

• Experience with data visualization software and platforms (e.g., Tableau, Infogram, R Shiny) 
• Experience with survey data tools (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) 
• Knowledge of and familiarity with topics related to early childhood and/or social policy 

 

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.