Data Strategy Lead (12896, Grade 30)

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission - MC Parks; Wheaton (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery Parks is seeking a Data Strategy Lead to shape how data informs operations, planning, and budgeting. You will collaborate across divisions to improve data integrity, establish governance, and deliver practical standards, dashboards, and reports connecting service delivery to priorities.

The role emphasizes translating complex data into clear, actionable information for technical and non-technical audiences and driving data-driven decision making across the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, GIS or related field, plus relevant experience in data strategy.
• Experience developing or supporting dashboards, reports, metrics, data standards, or performance management tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a department-wide data strategy with defined data ownership and governance.
• Lead performance measurement and reporting to support budgeting and asset condition decisions.
• Create and maintain dashboards and data products for leadership and staff.
• Facilitate cross-functional groups to align data definitions and reporting priorities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Dashboards

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

GIS

EAM

Collaboration

Facilitation

Project management

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems or related field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

GIS

EAM

Job description

Position Overview

Are you passionate about using data to improve public services? Do you enjoy collaborating with a dynamic team to solve complex operational challenges? Can you use technology, analytics, and strategic thinking to help an organization make better decisions?

If this sounds like you, come join us on the Management Services Division team at Montgomery Parks in Wheaton, MD. Montgomery Parks is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative professional to serve as the Data Strategy Lead. This position will help shape how the Department uses data to guide operational, planning, asset management, performance measurement, and budget decisions.

The Data Strategy Lead will work across divisions to improve the integrity, consistency, and usability of operational and asset data. This position will collaborate with budget, GIS, Enterprise Asset Management System (EAM), data analytics, program management, and leadership teams to develop practical standards, dashboards, reports, and processes that connect service delivery, asset condition, resource needs, and organizational priorities.

The ideal candidate will have strong analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, and communication skills; experience developing or supporting dashboards, reports, metrics, data standards, or performance management tools; and a demonstrated ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable information for technical and non-technical audiences.

About Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Data Strategy and Governance

• Develop and maintain a practical department-wide data strategy that improves how operational, asset, budget, GIS, and performance data are defined, managed, and used.
• Establish data governance standards, roles, and processes that strengthen data ownership, stewardship, quality, consistency, security, and accountability across divisions.
• Identify priority data gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for improvement, and coordinate practical solutions that support reliable reporting and informed decision-making.
• Increase the department’s capacity to complete data cleanup work by directly performing data review, correction, standardization, and validation tasks in addition to coordinating broader cleanup efforts.

Performance Measurement and Reporting

• Lead efforts to develop consistent performance measures, data standards, and reporting practices that support program-based budgeting and asset condition assessment priorities.
• Partner with leadership, budget staff, program managers, and operational teams to connect service delivery, assets, costs, and resource needs to decision-making.
• Build and support dashboards, reports, and data products that help managers evaluate performance, monitor asset conditions, identify trends, and communicate results.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Process Improvement

• Facilitate cross-functional working groups to align business processes, data definitions, reporting priorities, and performance management practices.
• Analyze data quality issues, workflow gaps, and reporting inconsistencies, and recommend improvements that strengthen data integrity and organizational decision support.
• Create documentation, implementation roadmaps, standard operating procedures, and training materials to support adoption of new data standards and reporting practices.

Important Skills and Characteristics

• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience developing or supporting dashboards, reports, metrics, data standards, or performance management tools.
• Strong collaboration, facilitation, project management, and change management skills.
• Experience with tools or systems such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL, GIS, EAM, or other operational data systems.
• A commitment to using data to improve public services, support stewardship of public resources, and strengthen community outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Enterprise Asset Management, Geographic Information Systems, or related operational systems.
• Experience supporting program-based budgeting, performance-based budgeting, cost analysis, resource allocation, or budget decision support.
• Experience with asset condition assessments, asset lifecycle planning, work order data, maintenance management, or capital and operating budget planning.
• Experience in parks and recreation, public service, local government, or a similar field.

Please note

Preferred qualifications are not required to start in this role. Montgomery Parks encourages candidates who may not possess every preferred skill to apply. We value curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to learn and grow with our team.

Classification Specification

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems or any related field.
2. Four (4) years of experience in applications support and development.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total eight (8) years.
4. Depending upon area of assignment, a valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions

• Primarily works in an office setting; may work outdoors on an incidental basis.
• Work is primarily sedentary and requires very light to light physical effort.
• Works in an environment with high volume and moderate pressure to meet deadlines.
• Work must be performed accurately and may require occasional overtime, after-hours, weekend or on-call work.

Additional Details

• The salary range shown reflects the full earning potential for this role. Your actual pay will be based on your experience.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.

Diversity Statement

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1).

M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.