Senior Data Systems Administrator

The Human Services Department (HSD) works to ensure Seattle communities thrive by meeting basic needs through innovative, collaborative approaches. Our mission is to connect people with resources and solutions so everyone can live, learn, work, and participate in strong, healthy communities. We center racial equity and social justice in all we do.

HSD’s Data Performance and Evaluation (DPE) Team seeks a Senior Data Systems Administrator to serve as the department’s lead steward for HSD’s enterprise data systems. This role leads the development of HSD’s new provider data portal, overseeing project management, data governance, system design, and user adoption. The provider data portal is built on the Microsoft Power Platform, including Dataverse and Power Apps, requiring leadership in data architecture and platform governance.

We’re looking for someone who can apply race and social justice principles to support the departments:

• Data: Develop and maintain data systems, dashboards, and automated workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, and usability.
• Performance: Support staff in using data systems effectively through training, communication, and collaboration.
• Evaluation: Analyze and interpret data to generate insights, respond to ad hoc requests, and ensure transparency through documented methods.

This position will report to the Research & Evaluation Manager and collaborates closely with program divisions, IT partners, leadership, and external providers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced systems and data leader who wants to shape the future of HSD’s enterprise data ecosystem and strengthen how data is used to serve Seattle communities.

Data Management and System Leadership

• Serve as the senior business owner and functional system lead for HSD’s new provider data portal
• Exercise independent decision-making over system architecture, data models, data flows, and integration design to ensure systems are scalable, secure, and compliant with requirements
• Review and approve deliverables from technical development partners such as Seattle IT or external vendors, ensuring alignment with department needs and long-term sustainability
• Monitor system performance and proactive identify areas for improvement
• Establish and maintain data dictionaries and standards that integrate data from multiple sources
• Ensure analysts have reliable access to high-quality data to support performance measurement, evaluation, and decision making

Project Scoping, Planning, and Governance

• Lead the multi-year development and growth plan for the new provider data portal
• Develop long-term plans for enterprise data systems to meet departmental and citywide priorities, including emerging initiatives and changing regulatory requirements
• Serve as the department’s authority on enterprise data systems, identifying risks, tradeoffs, and strategic opportunities
• Coordinate and direct work across divisions, Seattle IT, and vendors to ensure effective sequencing of work, efficient use of resources, and successful implementation of solutions

Privacy, Security, and Compliance

• Lead the development and implementation of enterprise data governance frameworks that define ownership, access, data standards, system requirements, and lifecycle management
• Partner with Seattle IT and legal counsel to interpret and appropriately apply privacy, security, and compliance regulatory requirements
• Manage and audit security access roles for the provider data portal and other key systems

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Lead change management efforts related to adoption of new or updated data systems by HSD staff and contracted service providers, including developing training materials and leading trainings for the provider data portal
• Develop training materials for end users of the provider data portal
• Collaborate with DPE teammates, department staff, and providers to ensure solutions meet user needs
• Partner with stakeholders to identify and resolve people, process, and technical barriers
• Represent HSD at city-wide data governance bodies and working groups

Minimum Qualifications:  

Requires three years of experience in systems, operations, procedures, research or analysis and a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, finance, computer science or a related field (or a combination of education, training or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties

Desired Qualifications:

• At least 3 years leading development, enhancement, or administration of complex data systems or enterprise platforms
• At least 2 years developing or applying data governance, privacy, security, or compliance practices
• At least 2 years managing multi-year or cross-functional technology or data projects in partnership with IT teams or vendors
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform tools, including Dataverse and Power Apps
• Experience with relational database systems and data querying or handling languages (e.g. Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, R, or Python)
• Experience working with diverse human services programs, community-based organizations, or public-sector stakeholders
• Experience leading change management strategies in major projects involving diverse stakeholders
• Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, including executive leadership
• Ability to translate program or regulatory requirements into system, data, or workflow needs
• Ability to apply race and social justice principles to data governance, system design, and stakeholder engagement
• Ability to build strong partnerships to support adoption of new practices across diverse user groups

The full salary range for this position is $56.23 - $65.54 an hour.

Hiring Process
Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education. 
3. Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. 
4. Supplemental questionnaire responses

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, which may include a detailed background check, pre-placement physical exam, and/or full driver's abstract, dependent upon position.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits 

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Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Who may apply: This role is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. We value different viewpoints and life experiences. Your application will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.