Data Systems Specialist

csg; Lexington (KY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Council of State Governments (CSG) in Lexington, KY, seeks a Data Systems Specialist to provide first-tier operational support for a cloud-based data system and coordinate onboarding for jurisdictions. The role bridges technical operations with policy stakeholders and supports virtual and in-person convenings.

You will monitor system health in an AWS environment, assist with configuration and access, maintain docs, and collaborate with stakeholders on projects while traveling up to 10 nights

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with AWS services (CloudWatch, Cognito) and console ops.
• Knowledge of databases and NoSQL basics.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Monitor application performance, system health, and databases.
• Assist clients with configuration, onboarding, and access.
• Support data imports, troubleshoot processing issues, ensure security.
• Maintain technical documentation and knowledge base.
• Plan and coordinate policy workshops and events.
• Travel up to 10 nights per year.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Public service mindset

Project management

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field

Tools

AWS

Git/GitHub

CLI tools

Security monitoring tools

NoSQL databases

Job description

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is the nation's only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships. To learn more about CSG please visit our website at www.csg.org. To learn more about careers at CSG, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

This opportunity is based in our Lexington, KY office but offers flexibility to work from home part of the work week.

JOB SUMMARY

The Data Systems Specialist is responsible for first-tier operational systems support for CompactConnect, a data system used to administer multiple occupational licensure compacts. This role is essential in maintaining system reliability, supporting jurisdiction onboarding, and ensuring smooth operations across an AWS-based infrastructure. The role serves as a bridge between technical operations and stakeholder needs and contributes to the continuous improvement of capabilities while providing member outreach and engagement, planning and executing virtual and in-person convenings, stakeholder management, and contributions to various group projects and team activities. The role may also represent CSG constituents in external forums. The Data Systems Specialist is a service-oriented role that allows for exercise of independent judgment under the direction of a CSG Product Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor application performance, system health, and database status while investigating technical issues using cloud console tools and responding to system alerts.
• Assist clients with system configuration, onboarding processes, and user account management including password resets, authentication issues, and access permissions.
• Support bulk data imports, trouble shoot processing issues, monitor security metrics and incidents, and maintain compliance with established security procedures.
• Maintain technical documentation, create knowledge base content, manage support requests, and collaborate with development teams on system enhancements.
• Collaborate with the internal and external stakeholders and other consultants on relevant products.
• Participate in efforts to plan, coordinate and execute policy workshops, online webinars, technical tours, state visits, and delegations for state elected officials and staff.
• Assist in the administration of collaborative projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials in one or more states.
• Coordinate and collaborate with national organizations, researchers and national policy experts in carrying out work on collaborative projects.
• Prepare concise written responses to requests for information by members of the legislative, executive and judicial branches.
• Develop and manage relationships with state officials and policymakers, including legislative and other governmental contacts.
• Provide direct outreach to CSG members.
• Assist with planning and executing regional and/or national conference programs and meetings.
• Develop and expand a knowledge base on local, state and federal policy, processes and programming, and other relevant policy topics and best practices.
• Assist with grant and proposal development.
• Contribute to CSG newsletters and other communication pieces.
• Travel overnight and for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed (expected maximum of 10 nights per year).
• Perform other assigned responsibilities and duties to support the overall mission of the organization.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work and conduct activities in a nonpartisan political environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
• Steadfast commitment to providing CSG members with timely, effective customer service.
• Ability to facilitate complex technical conversation.
• Analytical, with an ability to think critically, distill and present complex information in a concise manner.
• Skill and competence to work effectively with a myriad of state officials, including high level executive, legislative and judicial officials.
• Ability to work with leading experts in the state government field including researchers, policy experts, and program providers.
• Ability to support proposal and grant applications.
• Ability to work independently and to handle a variety of tasks and assignments concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple partners, with a preference for having some exposure to working with public officials.
• Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on new tasks as necessary to meet evolving needs and objectives of organization and its members.
• Hard working, dependable, resourceful and willing to work non-traditional hours, usually dependent on events.
• Aptitude for managing projects.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience;
• Experience with all the following: AWS services, particularly CloudWatch, Cognito, and console operations; database management/monitoring tools; version control systems (Git/GitHub); command line interfaces and scripting tools; security monitoring and logging platforms; troubleshooting web applications and API issues;
• Understanding of database concepts and basic NoSQL query capabilities;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities;
• Preferred candidates will have one or more of the following: experience with Git/GitHub for configuration management; knowledge of security monitoring and incident response procedures; experience with CLI tools and scripting; understanding of multi-state regulatory frameworks; experience with healthcare or regulatory compliance systems; familiarity with occupational licensing processes.

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position, based in Lexington, KY, is $54,000 to $73,000. This salary range is subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. Equal Employment Opportunity employer (veterans/individuals with disabilities).