Lead Analyst – Evaluation & Data Communications

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), a national organization representing approximately 3,000 local health departments (LHDs) nationwide, has an immediate opening for a Full-time Lead Analyst – Evaluation & Data Communications.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Lead Analyst seeks to increase the use of rigorous and appropriate monitoring and evaluation methods throughout NACCHO, to increase the quality and impact of NACCHO’s work through strengthened evaluation and data communications capacity, to improve awareness of NACCHO staff as subject matter experts, and to improve the accessibility and uptake of NACCHO research and evaluation data for wider audiences. This position requires a high level of program evaluation and data analytics knowledge and both the conceptual understanding and sufficient professional experience to work on complex assignments with minimal supervision. The position requires originality and creativity in applying the knowledge and concepts of program evaluation and research methods, as well as the intersection of data analytics and storytelling, in the context of a non-profit association whose work is largely grant-funded. The Lead Analyst is considered a subject matter expert in the fields of program evaluation, data analytics, and data communications. The Lead Analyst develops frameworks, plans, and tools; provides guidance and technical assistance to less senior Research & Evaluation staff and other professional staff at NACCHO; plans and conducts evaluations; analyzes and manages research and evaluation data; develops data dissemination and storytelling strategies; integrates NACCHO data and scientific information to tell data stories for diverse audiences; and makes recommendations using research and evaluation findings to NACCHO management.

The Lead Analyst, works with the Senior Director, Director of Evaluation, Director of Research, Public Relations Team, Marketing and Communications Team, and others to lead NACCHO teams in identifying and disseminating data stories that establish NACCHO and the research and evaluation teams as thought leaders in public health.

The Lead Analyst is a career level professional and works with minimal supervision. The position requires proven analytical, evaluation, and project management capabilities. Occasional travel may be required to represent NACCHO at scientific or professional meetings or as required by project activities.

COMPETENCIES AND EXPECTATIONS:

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; designs workflow and procedures.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Project Management - develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization
• through outside activities, supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Quality - demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Initiative - Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.

POSITION SPECIFIC DUTIES:

• Research and Evaluation (60%)
• Develop and implement an efficient and comprehensive approach to evaluation at NACCHO.
• Develop, encourage, and coordinate staff use of standardized evaluation instruments to assess activities that are common across many NACCHO programs (e.g., trainings, meetings, webinars, and demonstration site programs, provision of tools and resources, and provision of technical assistance).
• Collect, analyze, and summarize evaluation data across NACCHO programs.
• Advise NACCHO staff members on evaluation design, planning, and implementation.
• Provide evaluation-related technical support to NACCHO staff, including assistance in developing program logic models, performance measures, and data collection instruments and plans. Responsible for the oversight and conduct of the entire cycle of program evaluations for select NACCHO programs.
• Provide evaluation-related technical assistance to local health departments participating in NACCHO-sponsored activities.
• Assist NACCHO staff members in selecting external evaluation consultants and monitoring the quality of their work.
• Offer staff training on evaluation-related topics such as logic model and indicator development, analysis of evaluation data, and integration of data into planning and reporting.
• Provides periodic analytic support for major research surveys and projects across NACCHO.
• Advises project and program managers on research planning and management activities, including product development, data storytelling, and abstract development/submission.
• Co-authors written products based on R&E-led studies. Data Communications (40%)
• Develop and implement an efficient and comprehensive approach to data visualization and communications at NACCHO.
• Create data storytelling frameworks that increase the net impact of NACCHO research and evaluation data.
• Encourage and coordinate staff use of standardized frameworks for reporting, visualizing, and disseminating research and evaluation data findings.
• Advise NACCHO staff members on reporting, visualizing, and disseminating research and evaluation data.
• Coordinate with the Public Relations and Marketing and Communications Teams to identify timely and relevant data stories and disseminate data through diverse communications channels, including social media and news media.
• Assist NACHCO staff members in selecting and monitoring the quality of work completed by external consultants that design data products and content strategy.
• Support NACCHO leadership and other stakeholders to adopt data communications processes that maximize the net impact of NACCHO research and evaluation data.