Director of Data Systems and Analytics - Full-time

Overview

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)

Job Title: Director of Data Systems and Analytics Annual Pay: $130K-150K/YR

Location: Washington, DC preferred

ABOUT SEIU

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) is a 2-million member labor union united by the belief in the dignity and worth of workers and the services they provide. We're dedicated to winning a better future for workers and their families, and creating a more just and humane society.

To achieve our vision, we are committed to creating the next forms of worker organization, building a wider movement for justice, dismantling structural racism, and innovating across all of our work.

While excellent data work is taking place across the union, a comprehensive external review has determined that our current data systems and processes are disjointed, inflexible and outdated.

We believe a modern data system is critical to our success as a union, and have committed to building a leading edge integrated data and analytics system and staff operation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking a Director to lead the creation and operation of a new, well-resourced Data Systems and Analytics Department. This new unit will bring together a talented group of staff currently working in different parts of the union, as well as new hires and outside contractors. We expect the department to include at least 15-20 staff members, including 12-15 by the end of the first year.

In addition to developing and managing the integrated data system, this multi-team department will be responsible for data quality, reporting, technology, and providing regular data support to SEIU local unions, campaigns and departments.

Are you a collaborative team leader with the skills, experience and drive to lead a strong and inclusive department that will launch a new data system? Are you motivated to work for a campaign-driven organization committed to building power for workers and creating a more just society? If so, please read on!

RESPONSIBILITIES OF SEIU DIRECTOR OF DATA SYSTEMS AND ANALYTICS

In this job, here are some of the main things you'll do:

• Recruit and manage a diverse and experienced SEIU Data Systems & Analytics team and supporting contractors who will:
  • Design the architecture of the new data system based on an assessment of current systems and user needs.
  • Create and implement a work plan to develop the integrated data system that can ingest and store member data from local unions, connect person-level data from multiple sources in a data staging environment, and create an analytics data warehouse.
  • Balance needs for short-term wins and long-term system development.
  • Create tools and interfaces to serve multiple users.
  • Provide data support to SEIU local unions, campaigns and programs; collaborate to analyze, design, build, test, deliver and maintain reports, dashboards, and data sets as requested.
  • Keep current on trends in data systems and analysis and make timely recommendations to the Union on same.
• Thought leadership on data systems and tools:
  • Represent the department and the data operation with officers and senior staff, local union leaders and committees, campaigns and external partners, vendors and experts.
  • Advise colleagues and leadership on how to leverage and integrate data and analytics into union strategies and programs.
  • Grow data competency across the Union, including managing ongoing staff development through training, certifications, and skill upgrading.
  • Drive, support and encourage innovation.
• Change Leadership
  • Help staff from multiple SEIU departments and outside of the organization to come together to build a strong and effective team.
  • Cultivate strong working relationships with union leaders, staff and department staff.

QUALIFICATIONS

In this job, here are some of the main things you'll do:

You might be a great fit for this role if:

• You are dedicated to leading a data-driven program based on an analytical mindset and have the understanding of data systems needed to lead a team of data and technology practitioners.
• You have excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences, and lead technical conversations with data and technology staff.
• You can build and lead a large department in a complex organization. You have experience leading and managing people and budgets, and the ability to manage change.
• You have seven years relevant experience in campaign work, organizational leadership, and/or data and tech work.
• You have the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and possess an adaptable style that can effect change and drive progress even amid ambiguity and complexity.
• You have excellent interpersonal skills and a management style combining respectful collaboration with disciplined productivity.
• You're able to balance the need to work on long-term, strategic goals and the need for “quick wins”.
• You have strong project management skills, and can juggle competing priorities and still meet tight deadlines.
• You have the ability to resolve conflicts while maintaining important and effective relationships.
• You have exceptional commitment and capacity to maintain the highest level of integrity, judgment, confidentiality and discretion in managing and securing the union's membership data.
• You can work well with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, and have a sensitivity to and appreciation for cultural differences.
• You support SEIU's mission, vision and values, including its commitment to organizational equity and inclusion.
• You have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

While no candidate is expected to possess all of these qualities, a strong candidate might possess or demonstrate many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes and experiences:

• Successful experience leading large projects or departments (annual budgets in excess of one million dollars).
• Experience working with member, supporter, donor, volunteer or voter data for a labor union, membership-based advocacy organization, or political campaign.
• Other experience with labor unions or some other kind of demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice.
• Nuts-and-bolts organizing experience.
• Knowledge of and ability to articulate how data and analytics can help build organizations and win campaigns.
• Experience in data architecture, data tools and engineering, and/or data analytics.
• Experience leading an enterprise-level data transformation.
• Experience with Agile development methods
• Familiarity with key data toolsets and platforms widely used in the progressive organizing world (e.g. Catalist, TargetSmart, Civis, NGP VAN).
• Familiarity/exposure to standard programming and analytic languages and tools such as Python, SQL, AWS/Redshift, and HP Vertica.
• Experience as an administrator (whether front end or back end) for a database or database tool.
• Demonstrated experience managing and supporting inclusive and high-functioning teams.

COMPENSATION AND WORK SETTING

SEIU staff enjoy generous benefits including comprehensive health benefits, major medical, dental and vision for employee and eligible dependents, domestic partner benefits, generous holidays and vacation policies, and both a pension plan and a 401(K) Plan.

Candidates based in Washington, D.C. are strongly preferred. Highly qualified candidates based elsewhere in the United States may be considered.

Direction and Decision Making

Reports to the Chief of Staff

Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office setting, but may be required to work in other settings conducive to performing the tasks required to complete assignments. Travel and long and extended hours are sometimes required.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Applications should include a resume, as well as a document including the answers to the following questions:

1. Based on your experience, what are the top 3-5 considerations we should keep in mind as we create a process to build a new integrated, data system? Help us understand your approach and experience. (Suggested word limit: 200).

1. List which of the bullet points under the heading above that begins “While no candidate is expected to possess all of these qualities...” you believe you bring to the table, with a few words of explanation if that's useful.

The application deadline for this role is 11:59pm ET on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.

Questions about this role can be emailed to Dave Snapp at dave.snapp@seiu.org .

SEIU is one of the nation's most diverse membership organizations. Women, immigrants and people of color make up a large portion of our membership, and we have a strong organizational commitment to inclusion and equity. People from communities that traditionally experience discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity or immigration status; women; people with disabilities; and LGBTQIA people are especially encouraged to apply."

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SEIU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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