Director, Multi-State Data Collaborative (REMOTE)

If you are passionate about using data to drive better public policies and practices, and you have the expertise and leadership skills to help guide our collaborative, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Together, we can make a significant impact on public policy and community outcomes.

Background on NASWA

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C., and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.

Background on The Multi-State Data Collaborative (MSDC)

The MSDC is a dynamic and innovative enterprise dedicated to bringing state agency leaders together across sectors and state boundaries to harness the power of data for enhancing public policies and practices. We focus on critical areas such as education, human services, and workforce development—the priority areas of focus are decided by state agency leaders. By facilitating data-informed decision-making, we aim to support states in improving outcomes for their communities. Our mission is to create a collaborative environment for state agency data and program leaders where program administrative data is used to drive better public policies, leading to more effective and efficient services for all.

Overview of Position

NASWA seeks an accomplished and visionary and entrepreneurial Director to lead the Administering Organization of the MSDC. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in state and/or federal policy, particularly in human services, education, and/or workforce development, and a deep interest in leveraging administrative data to drive better public policies and practices. This role requires an individual who understands the value of using administrative data to drive decision making, is experienced in leading small teams, and skilled at managing a steering committee. The Director must also be entrepreneurial in developing organizational strategies that support an impactful and robust learning agenda, activities calendar, key partnerships, and organizational growth.

Among the critical aspects of this role is supporting NASWA in planning for the long-term sustainability of the MSDC. The Director will help develop and execute a sustainability strategy, including securing and maintaining strategic funding partnerships. The ideal candidate will have experience engaging with the funding community, including foundations, government agencies, and private sector partners, to ensure ongoing financial support and organizational growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

• Lead and manage a small, dedicated, and highly skilled team to achieve organizational goals.
• Oversee the development and implementation of strategic initiatives related to member engagement, partnerships, organizational sustainability, and project-level resource development.
• Provide guidance and support to staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing work environment with a flat organizational structure.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely and regularly with several key partner organizations to align goals and initiatives.

Steering Committee Coordination:

• Manage and direct the activities of a steering committee comprised of state leaders and several key partner organizations, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and goals.
• Facilitate effective communication and decision-making within the committee, ensuring the MSDC is driven by state agencies.

Program Development:

• Develop and deliver workshops, programs, and events that engage members and support their use of data in policymaking.
• Incorporate sustainability and funding considerations into program planning and execution.

Partnerships and Relationship Building:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with federal and state leaders, stakeholders, and partner organizations.
• Lead efforts to secure funding and develop strategic partnerships that help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Multi-State Data Collaborative.
• Represent the organization at conferences, meetings, and other events to enhance its profile, build strategic alliances, and engage the funding community.

Policy and Data Expertise:

• Provide expertise on state policy issues, particularly in workforce, human services, and education.
• Promote the use of data and evidence-based practices to support better policy outcomes.

Collaboration and Alignment at NASWA:

• Work closely with other units within NASWA to ensure strategic and operational goals are aligned.
• Coordinate efforts across different NASWA departments to support unified objectives and maximize impact.
• Communicate regularly with other senior leaders at NASWA to ensure the Collaborative's initiatives are coordinated with the broader organizational vision and strategy.

Relevant Experience

Required

• Experience supporting state or federal policy development, with a focus on workforce, human services, and/or education data.
• Proven track record of leading small teams to achieve significant outcomes.
• Fluency in applied policy analytic and research methods.
• Experience managing a steering committee or similar governance body.
• Demonstrated success in engaging with the funding community and securing strategic partnerships that can promote organizational sustainability and development of individual data projects.
• Success in developing and delivering workshops and programs for a diverse membership base.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with established connections to federal and state policymakers and stakeholders.
• Experience in an association context is desirable but not required.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.

Education

• Master’s degree or higher preferred in public policy, sociology, applied economics, or a related field.

Job Details

Location: Remote position anywhere in the contiguous U.S. (Washington DC preferred but not required)

Position Type: Full-time for duration of investment (through September 2026); extension subject to additional investment

Salary Range: $150,000 - $170,000 commensurate with skills and experience

Benefits: NASWA offers competitive benefits including an exceptional health care package, 401(k), educational assistance, remote work stipend, plentiful time off, and other great options.

Travel Requirements: Travel estimated to be 3-7 trips per year

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to recruiting@naswa.org no later than December 11, 2024.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

NASWA is an equal-opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by Federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.