Research​/Data Analyst

The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) is seeking candidates to fill a Research/Data Analyst in the position located in Cole County based at 3705 MO Blvd 2nd Floor, Jefferson City, MO.

Remote or hybrid is not an option.

The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

This position is primarily responsible for preparing, managing, and optimizing OWCI program data systems and using those data assets to deliver high‑impact visual analytics for program leadership, management, and executive leadership. The role applies experience in data management to prepare moderate to complex data structures, analyze specifications, and ensure accurate, secure, and reliable data environments that support advanced reporting and visualization.

Using specialized software such as Tableau, MS Office products, and coding languages including Python and SQL, this position develops dashboards, interactive reports, and executive‑level briefings that clearly communicate trends, outcomes, and performance indicators. The role requires strong data modeling skills, attention to data integrity, and the ability to translate complex information into intuitive, visually accurate, and meaningful representations.

• Prepare, review, and maintain data structures and data pipelines used for program reporting, ensuring alignment with specifications and adherence to data management standards.
• Work with internal and external data analysts, stakeholders, and contractors to create recurring and ad hoc dashboards, visual reports, and data summaries built on stable, secure, and well‑structured data systems.
• Design, develop, and maintain interactive dashboards and executive‑ready presentations using Tableau, and other visualization tools, ensuring UI/UX standards and intuitive layouts.
• Gather, blend, model, and validate data from multiple disparate sources to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and a single source of truth for reporting and analytics.
• Support data management system migration into operational environments and ensure proper testing, documentation, and data integrity throughout the process.
• Review and interpret technical specifications to create conceptual and logical data representations that support both data management functions and downstream visual analytics.
• Monitor and evaluate database performance considerations relevant to analytics workflows; partner with technical staff to identify issues affecting reporting accuracy or system efficiency.
• Present data in simplified and visually compelling formats that highlight trends, anomalies, KPIs, and program performance through charts, visualizations, and narrative explanations.
• Apply UI/UX principles including visual hierarchy, accessible layouts, appropriate chart selection, and established color standards to support use by both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Gather requirements from management and executive stakeholders and translate business questions into technical specifications for data structures and reporting products.
• Review and evaluate legislation for potential impact on agency operations; prepare visual and data‑driven summaries to support strategic planning and implementation activities.
• Provide technical guidance on both data management practices and visualization standards, including effective dashboard design and best practices for analytics‑based performance monitoring.
• Assist in evaluating workforce, medical, and community support programs by ensuring data assets are properly structured, validated, and used to generate reliable performance dashboards.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem‑solving by producing clear, accurate data models and visual narratives that support decision makers at all levels.

Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience and/or appropriate certification. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms; proficiency in Python and SQL; knowledge of data blending and modeling; experience with UI/UX design principles for analytics; previous experience working in or with SkillUP, MWA, A2A, LIHEAP,…