Research/Data Analyst

The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) is seeking candidates to fill Research/Data Analyst positions located in Cole County based at 3705 MO Blvd 2nd Floor, Jefferson City, MO. Remote or hybrid is not an option.

The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

This position is primarily responsible for transforming OWCI program data into high‑impact visual analytics products that support program leadership, management, and executive‑level decision‑making. Using specialized software such as Tableau, Power BI, MS Office products, and coding languages including Python and SQL, the role creates visually compelling dashboards, interactive reports, and polished briefings that clearly communicate trends, outcomes, and performance indicators, requiring a strong emphasis on data storytelling, intuitive UI/UX design, and the ability to present complex information clearly and accurately. In addition, this position applies data management expertise to support the preparation, refinement, and maintenance of moderate to complex data systems, including analyzing specifications, participating in the installation and testing of data management systems, and supporting system migration into operational environments while ensuring data integrity and security. The role may assist in developing detailed conceptual data models and translating them into design specifications, tuning database applications for optimal performance, and providing technical guidance or leadership to junior staff, while acting with independence and accountability for portions of larger projects.

• Work with Data Analysts, internal stakeholders, and contractors to create recurring and ad hoc dashboards, visual reports, and data summaries for Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives Employment and Training programs.
• Design, develop, and maintain highly interactive dashboards and executive‑ready presentations using Tableau, Power BI, and other visualization tools, ensuring layouts are intuitive, clean, and aligned with best practice design standards.
• Gather, blend, and model data from multiple disparate sources to ensure accurate, consistent reporting and a single source of truth for visual analytics products.
• Present data in simplified and visually compelling formats that highlight trends, anomalies, KPIs, and program performance through charts, visualizations, and narrative explanations.
• Apply UI/UX principles, including effective visual hierarchy, appropriate chart selection, color standards, and accessible dashboard layouts that support both technical and non‑technical users.
• Partner with management and executive stakeholders to gather requirements, understand strategic priorities, and convert business questions into clear technical design specifications for visual reporting products.
• Review and evaluate legislation for impact on agency operations; prepare visual summaries and analysis to support strategic planning and implementation.
• Provide technical guidance on visualization standards, effective dashboard design, and the use of management reporting tools for monitoring program performance.
• Perform duties in accordance with supervisor direction and established policies and procedures at all times. Complete assigned tasks in an accurate, timely, professional, and confidential manner.
• Assist in reviewing and evaluating the effectiveness and operational management of workforce, medical, and community support programs through visual analytics and performance dashboards.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem‑solving by crafting clear, concise visual narratives that support decision makers at all levels.
  
  

Additional Competencies Drawn From Expanded Data Management Expectations

• Knowledge of data modeling and design methodologies.
• Ability to think methodically and critically when evaluating data systems and visual products.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and resolve database performance issues.
• Ability to organize work, prioritize tasks, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
  
  

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 24 earned credit hours in one or a combination of the following: Business or Public Administration, Economics, Finance, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management, or a closely related field; and, one or more years of professional experience in management analysis, fiscal or financial analysis, operations research, or industrial engineering.

(24 earned graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the specified areas may substitute for the required experience.)

(Additional qualifying experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for deficiencies in the required education.)

Preferred Experience

Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms; proficiency in Python and SQL; knowledge of data blending and modeling; experience with UI/UX design principles for analytics; previous experience working in or with SkillUP, MWA, A2A, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, Jobs League, Food Distribution, VOCA, DVS, JAG, MAGI related data; or other programs overseen by OWCI. Experience in data management, including data modeling, data system preparation, data security, data migration, and optimization of database applications, is also beneficial.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as a sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Recruitment Area: Accepting applications from all qualified applicants.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

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