Director of Data Services

Job Description:

Director of Data Services

Description

Description

The Director of Data Services leads the Agency's data systems, architecture, and analytics strategy to support informed decision-making and organizational effectiveness. Under general direction, this position provides strategic leadership for the Agency's data warehouse, advances the transition from manual processes to automated and self-service data solutions, and oversees the development of scalable data systems and reporting capabilities. The Director works collaboratively across divisions to ensure data systems, analytics, and reporting align with organizational priorities and operational needs, while partnering with Evaluation leadership to translate data governance into technical standards, data architecture, reporting tools, and sustainable data practices that foster a data-informed culture.

• Lead the Data Services team by setting priorities aligned with Agency goals; managing staff, budget, contracts, vendors, and projects; and supporting organizational strategy and continuous improvement.
• Establish project management and performance practices that strengthen team capacity, accountability, and data services delivery.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Agency's data warehouse, data architecture, data pipelines, API integrations, and data engineering to ensure reliable, scalable systems.
• Establish data quality standards, documentation, validation processes, and evaluate new technologies, including AI, consistent with the Agency's data governance framework.
• Lead the Agency's analytics and data strategy, including reporting, mapping, dashboards, external data, and longitudinal data systems that support Local Tax Initiative priorities and organizational decision-making.
• Ensure data products are accurate, accessible, high quality, and clearly communicate organizational performance and outcomes.
• Lead the Agency's data and reporting strategy, including dashboards, self-service reporting, data visualization standards, training, and user support.
• Partner with program teams to develop reporting and decision-support tools that improve planning, performance, and decision-making.
• Oversee the process for prioritizing and fulfilling data requests, balancing day-to-day needs with long-term strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight of workload, capacity planning, and service delivery while delegating daily request management to the data team.
• Build partnerships across the Agency and with external organizations to advance data initiatives, strengthen data literacy, and promote a data-informed culture.
• Lead the responsible use of AI by establishing standards for privacy, quality, governance, and human oversight in partnership with the Evaluation team.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Additional experience and/or education can be substituted to meet typical qualifications. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, data engineering, business intelligence, or a closely related technical field, including at least five (5) years in a management-level or senior leadership capacity with full team and budget accountability and completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, data, evaluation, or a closely related field.

Additional relevant work experience may be substituted to meet the college coursework/bachelor's degree standard.

Knowledge of:

• Strong technical knowledge of data engineering concepts including ETL/ELT pipelines, data warehouse architecture, and API-based data integration.
• Proficiency with BI and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker or equivalent); demonstrated experience designing and launching self-service analytics environments.
• Experience with data processing and analysis tools such as R, Python, SQL, or equivalent; ability to work alongside and technically direct data engineering staff.
• Understanding of data governance implementation, translating policy frameworks into technical standards, access controls, and data quality practices.
• Familiarity with geospatial analysis and mapping tools is desirable.
• Strong executive communication skills; able to translate complex technical concepts and trade-offs clearly for non-technical audiences including senior leadership and the Commission.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility across a mission-driven organization where data culture is still developing.
• Skilled at balancing strategic vision with operational discipline; comfortable delegating execution while maintaining accountability for outcomes.
• Knowledgeable about AI tools and their application in data and analytics workflows; able to evaluate appropriate use cases, assess risks related to data privacy and output quality, and lead the team in adopting AI responsibly and effectively.
• Motivated by public accountability, racial equity, and the mission of early childhood investment.

Ability to:

• Lead enterprise data warehouse implementations or major data infrastructure modernization initiatives from strategic planning through delivery.
• Manage technology vendors, contracts, procurement processes, budgets, and vendor performance to ensure successful project delivery and accountability.
• Lead organizational change initiatives related to data systems, technology, and data-driven culture, including stakeholder engagement, communication, training, and user adoption.
• Build collaborative relationships with executive leadership, cross-functional teams, technology partners, and external stakeholders to advance organizational data initiatives.
• Apply sound judgment when working with sensitive, confidential, and community-based data while maintaining a strong commitment to data governance, privacy, security, and equity.
• Effectively operate within a public sector, nonprofit, or other mission-driven environment while balancing strategic priorities, regulatory requirements, and community needs.

Please note:

• We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested.
• All First 5 employees must live and work in California.
• The salary range for this position is $139,500 to $201,000 and as an independent government agency, the posted salary is the set salary range for this position. We cannot offer salaries above this posted range.
• We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County believes every child in Alameda County should have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential. Through innovative programs and policy advocacy, we help provide children and their families access to resources that support their first five years of development.

Join our mission-driven team that in partnership with the community, supports a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves peak years of child development.

First 5 Alameda County Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package with health care options to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage, $1,500 credit per year to spend on benefits, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Employer Paid & Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Retirement Plans including the ACERA Pension Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Plan and more.

We also offer paid vacation, paid time off and sick time. We have 17 paid holidays including the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as paid time off.

Salary:

$139,500.00 - $201,000.00 Salary