Lead Data & Performance Specialist

Description

The Lead Data & Performance Specialist provides day-to-day leadership and technical direction for Youth Services data and performance operations. In addition to performing advanced data analysis, reporting, and system-management functions, this position serves as the primary technical resource for Data & Performance Specialists and helps ensure consistent, accurate, timely, and compliant data practices across youth programs. The Lead works closely with Youth Services leadership, program managers, service providers, and external partners to translate federal, state, and local performance requirements into practical workflows, quality-control standards, reporting tools, and continuous improvement strategies.

The successful candidate will 1) lead and coordinate day-to-day data operations and work assignments for Data & Performance Specialists; 2) provide advanced quality assurance and technical assistance related to participant data, performance reporting, and state/federal management information systems; 3) analyze trends and advise leadership regarding performance risks and improvement opportunities; and 4) help develop and implement data-management strategies, procedures, and controls that strengthen compliance and maximize positive youth outcomes.

Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the day-to-day technical lead for Youth Services data and performance operations, coordinating workflow, priorities, deadlines, and quality standards among Data & Performance Specialists;
• Provide onboarding, coaching, training, and technical guidance to Data & Performance Specialists and serve as the first point of escalation for complex data-entry, reporting, and system issues;
• Review team work products and conduct routine quality-control checks to ensure participant data, eligibility/enrollment information, activities, exits, outcomes, and other required records are complete, accurate, timely, and consistent across systems;
• Maintain and support data systems by tracking, entering, validating, and reconciling performance data in applicable federal, state, and DESC systems;
• Develop and maintain standardized data procedures, desk guides, reporting calendars, quality-assurance protocols, and workflow tools to promote consistency across Youth Services programs;
• Monitor performance for federally and state-funded youth programs and develop reports, dashboards, queries, and analyses that help DESC leadership, program managers, and service providers identify risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement;
• Lead routine data reconciliation and performance-review activities and coordinate timely corrective action when errors, inconsistencies, or performance concerns are identified;
• Provide technical assistance and training to internal staff and external service providers regarding data submission requirements, documentation standards, reporting expectations, and applicable system processes;
• Fulfill complex data requests and maintain management and leadership reports that capture program, provider, and system-wide performance;
• Analyze large quantitative and qualitative datasets and translate findings into clear recommendations that support program strategy, compliance, service delivery, and continuous improvement;
• Manage large datasets using spreadsheets, Smartsheets, database tools, statistical software, and other approved platforms, and develop tools that improve data quality and operational efficiency;
• Support monitoring, audit, and compliance activities by coordinating data preparation, file/data reconciliation, corrective-action tracking, and responses to information requests;
• Partner with external evaluators and internal stakeholders to assess program effectiveness, investigate trends, and recommend modifications to strengthen outcomes;
• Coordinate recurring data/performance meetings, facilitate review of findings, document follow-up actions, and monitor completion of assigned corrective measures;
• Serve as a liaison between Youth Services program staff, data staff, leadership, service providers, and other departments to ensure data requirements and performance expectations are clearly understood and consistently implemented;
• Identify opportunities to improve data systems, workflows, reporting practices, and team capacity, and recommend solutions to Youth Services leadership;
• Exhibit professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment when working with confidential participant information, staff, leadership, and external stakeholders; 
• Perform other related duties as required.

The above functions are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed in this role. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties of the position.

DESIRED CRITERIA:

• To perform this job successfully, the Lead Data & Performance Specialist must demonstrate advanced technical knowledge as well as the ability to guide the work of others, establish consistent processes, diagnose data and reporting issues, recommend solutions, and communicate performance information in a manner that supports organizational decision-making. Specific qualifications include but are not limited to:
• Advanced familiarity with state and federal workforce database systems and performance-reporting requirements;
• Considerable knowledge of data quality assurance, statistical analysis methods, reporting, and performance-management techniques;
• Demonstrated ability to lead workflow, coach colleagues, review work for quality and accuracy, and provide constructive technical guidance;
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to independently diagnose complex data inconsistencies, reporting anomalies, and process gaps;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences;
• Strong training, facilitation, and presentation skills;
• Experience developing reports, dashboards, procedures, job aids, and other tools that translate data into actionable information;
• Demonstrated project-management skills and ability to coordinate multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders while producing timely, complete, and accurate work products;
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, discretion, and organizational skills, particularly when handling confidential information;
• Demonstrated technical aptitude and ability to learn and support relevant data systems, tools, and software; and
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and adapt to changing program, regulatory, and operational demands.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Local area travel may be required.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or certification in Computer Science, Data Science, Analytics, Public Policy, Applied Statistics/Mathematics, or another related field;
• At least five (5) years of related professional experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience, is required;
• At least three (3) years of experience focused on data and performance management is required;
• Demonstrated experience providing technical leadership, training, project coordination, quality assurance, or work direction to colleagues is strongly preferred;
• Relevant experience working in workforce development, nonprofit, education, government, or community-based organizations is preferred; and
• Experience researching and analyzing workforce, training, youth-development, or other social-service initiatives and general knowledge of workforce performance requirements is highly desirable.

LEAD / SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides day-to-day functional leadership, work coordination, technical guidance, training, and quality assurance for Data & Performance Specialists. May assign or prioritize work and review completed work for accuracy and compliance. Formal personnel-management responsibilities, including hiring, discipline, and performance evaluation, remain with the designated manager unless otherwise assigned by DESC.

OTHER:

• Background check and drug screen required. 
• Valid State of Michigan Driver’s License and Vehicle Insurance. 
• Salary commensurate with experience.