Senior Data Scientist - Data Visualization & Storytelling

VPD is seeking an experienced Senior Data Analyst who brings together three critical capabilities: (1) strong technical analytical skills, (2) exceptional communication and data storytelling skills, and (3) an understanding of the policy and program context in which data are used. The ideal candidate can work hands-on with complex quantitative and qualitative data, but technical analysis is only part of the job.

They should be able to identify what matters in the data, understand its implications for programs and policy, and translate complex findings into clear, compelling visualizations, narratives, briefings, and other products for leadership and non-technical audiences. Beyond technical and communication skills, the ideal candidate demonstrates resourcefulness in working with imperfect, incomplete, or messy data; the ability to deliver under compressed or shifting timelines;

and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach and a strong bias toward action, even when requirements are ambiguous.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, including administrative, program, survey, and other data sources.
• Clean, integrate, interpret, and synthesize data to identify trends and generate actionable policy and program insights.
• Develop compelling data visualizations, dashboards, reports, and briefing materials.
• Use generative AI and AI-enabled tools to accelerate analysis, qualitative synthesis, data cleaning, visualization, documentation, and other analytical tasks while appropriately validating outputs.
• Work with ACF program and data staff to translate policy and operational questions into analytical approaches and useful products.
• Present findings directly to non-technical partners through briefings, presentations, and written products.
• Conduct both rapid-turnaround analyses and longer-term analytical projects.
• Collaborate across the Division and with program and data staff, sharing methods, tools, and knowledge to strengthen analytical capacity.
• Document methods, assumptions, and workflows to support reproducibility, transparency, and knowledge continuity.

Qualifications:

• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, including experience with real-world program or administrative data and tools such as Python, R, and SQL.
• Exceptional data visualization and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Advanced proficiency with data visualization and business intelligence tools, particularly Power BI, Power Query, and/or Tableau.
• Demonstrated ability to use generative AI and other AI-enabled tools effectively and responsibly in analytical workflows.
• Understanding of human services and social policy; direct knowledge of ACF programs, data, and organizational context strongly preferred.
• Ability to independently take a question from problem definition through analysis, interpretation, visualization, and presentation.
• Experience working in a federal, state, or other government data environment preferred.
• Must be able to successfully complete required federal background and suitability requirements for work in the HHS/ACF environment.

Education and Experience:

• BA/BS in a relevant field and 8–10 years of highly relevant experience, or MA/MS and 4-6 years of highly relevant experience.

At VPD Government Solutions, we believe our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to fostering a supportive, people-first culture that empowers employees to grow professionally, achieve work-life balance, and make a meaningful impact through their work. We value collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, and we strive to create an environment where every team member can thrive.

As a member of the VPD team, you'll have access to a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including competitive compensation, health and wellness benefits, financial security, professional development opportunities, and workplace flexibility. Compensation at VPD is determined by several factors, including but not limited to geographic location, education, certifications, knowledge, skills, relevant experience, internal equity, market conditions, contract requirements, and organizational needs.

The projected compensation range for this position is $95,000.00 to $ (annualized USD). While candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for the role will be considered within the posted range,…