Data Analyst , Analytics and Program Integration

Note:
Applicants must reside in Iowa at the time of hire

Help Strengthen the Systems that Support Iowa Students

At the Iowa Department of Education, our mission is to ensure all students experience a world-class education. Achieving that mission takes more than classrooms and curriculum- it also requires strong systems, reliable data, and people who can turn information into meaningful action.

The Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services is seeking a Data Analyst 2, Analytics and Program Integration to serve as a key member of the Data, Reporting, and Program Support Team
. In this role, you will help maintain and improve the systems that support nutrition programs across Iowa. Your work will help ensure that participating schools, child care organizations, and other partners have efficient processes and dependable systems that ultimately support children and families throughout the state.

If you enjoy solving problems, improving processes, managing complex systems, and transforming data into practical insights, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful statewide impact.

What You'll Do

As a member of our team, you will help manage and improve critical data systems and processes that support bureau operations and program delivery.

Data Management & Reporting

• Gather, organize, and analyze information from databases, spreadsheets, and other data sources
• Develop reports, visualizations, and written summaries that communicate findings clearly
• Identify, track, and monitor key performance indicators aligned with bureau and department goals
• Support data-driven decision-making through meaningful reporting and analysis

System Administration & Process Improvement

• Serve as a liaison between bureau staff and data system contractors to translate business needs into effective system solutions
• Manage system service and access requests from end users, including schools, childcare providers, and other stakeholders
• Resolve system issues through data corrections, configuration updates, or process improvements
• Develop recommendations and workflows that improve efficiency and strengthen system performance
• Provide technical recommendations related to system enhancements and future development opportunities

Project Coordination & Quality Assurance

• Coordinate multiple concurrent system enhancements and updates
• Plan and conduct system testing and document outcomes
• Partner with internal teams and end users to ensure enhancements move successfully into production
• Support secure data storage, retention, disposal practices, and data integrity standards

What We're Looking For

Successful candidates will bring or have the ability and desire to develop, the following:

• Passion for public service and improving outcomes for Iowa students and communities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Technical aptitude and curiosity for learning new systems and tools
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate technical information into understandable language for a variety of audiences
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to navigate complex situations and meet deadlines
• Commitment to working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate may have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Experience using Microsoft SQL tools within recent platform versions
• Experience writing complex T-SQL queries against SQL Server databases
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Experience working in environments with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Stro…