DataSpark Director

OVERVIEW

The Providence Plan seeks applications for the position of DataSpark Director.  DataSpark is a core initiative of The Providence Plan – a 24-year-old nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the economic and social well-being of Rhode Islanders.  

As a trusted data resource, DataSpark strives to help policymakers and residents use data and information to drive community improvement.  As a nonprofit, DataSpark offers a range of data services to community-based organizations, public agencies, and postsecondary institutions.  We have long-standing partnerships with many key institutions in Rhode Island that rely on our expertise in data management to help them make evidence-based decisions.  DataSpark’s core capacities include: data analysis; data visualization; geographic information systems; report development; web application development; and data systems development.

Organizationally, DataSpark is divided into two clusters ‑ Data Analysts and DevOps Engineers.  These two groups share a passion for working with data and collaborate in the creation of reports, presentations, and web-based applications.  More information about DataSpark and examples of past work are available at datasparkri.org.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR

• Leadership:  Directs and oversees The Providence Plan’s DataSpark initiative and actively promotes its mission “to connect data and people to inform, empower, and inspire innovative decision making.”

• Relationship building:  Cultivates positive relationships with government officials, nonprofit leaders, and academic researchers and strives to improve collaborations among these groups.

• Strategic planning:  Develops strategies that enhance DataSpark’s role and commitment to promoting the use of data to improve policymaking and resource allocation.

• Business development and fundraising: Plays a leadership role in all project design and grant-writing activities.

• Data dissemination: Provides presentations to partners, stakeholders, policymakers, and elected officials at the local and national level.

SPECIFIC DUTIES

• Advances DataSpark’s role as a leading data intermediary in Rhode Island through the active management and oversight of the Rhode Island DataHUB, Rhode Island Community Profiles, and other data analysis, visualization, and mapping projects.

• Oversees DataSpark’s strategic planning and implementation efforts.  Ensures that strategies are aligned with capacity and resources.  Revises strategic direction in response to changing needs among stakeholders and new developments in data analysis. 

• Manages DataSpark’s business development operations, including collaborating with other staff to prepare applications and other funding proposals. 

• Guides the development and implementation of a complex budget that is comprised of more than 15 separate projects.  Participates in the tracking of revenue and expenditures and communicates to funders about the progress and status of projects. 

• Develops local and national partnerships that grow DataSpark’s visibility and influence.  Cultivates relationships with core audiences, including government leaders, academia, and foundations. 

• Serves as the primary contact in all aspects of DataSpark communications including media relations and marketing efforts.

• Supervises DataSpark managerial staff, directs their work, and reviews their performance.  Provides strategic guidance for DataSpark’s data analysts, application developers, and other staff.  Monitors overall staff performance to achieve goals. 

• Engages in organizational dialogue on topics such as data storage and data-sharing to ensure that all risk management, confidentiality, and security practices are in place and managed in a way that gives our stakeholders and the general public unwavering confidence.

• Participates as member of The Providence Plan’s Senior Staff and works to help set the strategic direction of the organization and provide guidance on organizational policies and procedures.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:  A Bachelor's Degree is required.  A Master's Degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Experience:  A minimum of 7-10 years of organizational leadership experience, including management oversight.  Requires a broad competency in data and statistical analysis, project management, fundraising, community partnerships, and strategic execution.  Knowledge of Rhode Island’s institutions (public, nonprofit, and academic) is strongly preferred.

Skills: A commitment and passion to promote data-driven decision making and the ability to communicate the implications of data findings to stakeholders.  A working knowledge of data systems (cleaning, processing, linking, analyzing, and visualizing).  The patience and perseverance to maneuver within the administrative systems among funders, partners, and other stakeholders.  Effective written and verbal communications skills along with strong interpersonal competencies.  A strategic mindset with a capacity to understand and guide clients and consumers in their inquiries about policy implications and data trends.

Scope of Responsibility:  Responsible for setting and executing a strategic vision for DataSpark, leading a staff of two direct reports and eight employees, overseeing numerous federal, state, and private grants, and managing the DataSpark budget.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

More information about The Providence Plan and DataSpark may be found at provplan.org and datasparkri.org.  Applications are due by Friday, June 10, 2016.  Due to the pace of the search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Applications should include a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and a resume.  Send materials to [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Providence Plan is committed to the spirit of Equal Employment Opportunity.  It is a continuing policy of The Providence Plan to recruit, hire, and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability or veteran status.  This policy applies to all terms, conditions and privileges of employment including recruitment, hiring, orientation, training, placement and employee development, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, layoffs, termination, and retirement.  The Providence Plan complies with all applicable state and federal regulations regarding hiring.  Details of these regulations are posted on bulletin boards located in The Providence Plan offices.