Research and Planning Data Analyst

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Natick (MA); Hybrid; USD 82,789 - 120,508; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Parole Board, seeks a Research and Planning Data Analyst in Natick to manage SPIRIT II data. You will extract and validate data using SQL queries and TOAD Data Point, and maintain Power BI dashboards for ongoing performance monitoring.

You will generate weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, ensure data quality and policy-aligned entry, and support training and external data requests. A bachelor’s degree with data experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional/technical experience in data recovery, analysis, query design, reporting and statistics.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or related field may substitute for required experience.

Responsibilities

• Extract and validate raw data from SPIRIT by building and modifying SQL queries using Toad Data Point.
• Use Power BI to analyze, display, and routinely refresh and update SPIRIT data in the Power BI Dashboard.
• Create weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports for agency units for performance measurement and communicate data issues.
• Familiarize with Parole policies and procedures to ensure data entry and tracking aligns with policies.
• Regularly audit and track data from SPIRIT reports and communicating data quality issues to management and relevant staff.
• Analyze data to measure performance across business processes to support policy improvement.
• Assist with LS/CMI certification training and annual booster training.
• Collect and prepare data annually for the MPB Statistical Report, BJS Parole Survey, and NCRP data submission.
• Act as SPIRIT backup administrator and develop understanding of SPIRIT II usage across units.
• Troubleshoot data recording issues and contribute to SPIRIT enhancements for better data tracking.
• Upload RODs and monthly lifer hearing calendars on the Agency website and serve as a website manager.
• Assist the Director with internal and external data requests (public records, media, legislators) when needed.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills

SQL

Power BI

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or related field

Tools

Toad Data Point

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Research and Planning Data Analyst (260003YL)

Job Description

Research and Planning Data Analyst - ( 260003YL )

Description

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

In collaboration with the Director of Research and other Research Unit staff, the incumbent of this position is responsible for conducting and coordinating all data related projects for the Agency while also acting as the local administrator of SPIRIT II, the Agency’s case management system. The primary focus of this position is extraction of raw data from SPIRIT II by building and modifying SQL queries using Toad Datapoint software and validation of such data, along with tracking, auditing, and analysis of the data. As such, experience with SQL queries and TOAD Data Point is a must. Additionally, the incumbent is expected to have knowledge of Microsoft Power BI to be able to analyze and display as well as routinely refresh and update SPIRIT II data in the Power BI Dashboard. T he incumbent should be well versed with Parole policies and procedures pertaining to different business processes across units to ensure data is entered and tracked by staff as per existing policies and procedures in a reliable manner. The incumbent should be able to identify and communicate data quality issues to management and where required, to staff across units .

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Helps with extraction and validation of raw data from SPIRIT by building and modifying SQL queries using Toad Datapoint software.
2. Uses Microsoft Power BI to analyze, display and routinely refresh and update SPIRIT data in the Power BI Dashboard.
3. Creates weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports for units within the Agency for performance measurement, and communicates data issues where applicable.
4. Familiarizes themselves with Parole policies and business procedures across units to ensure data is entered and tracked by staff consistent with existing policies and procedures.
5. Regularly audits and tracks data captured by active reports and extracts from SPIRIT and communicates data quality issues to management and where advised, relevant staff across units .
6. On request from the Director, analyzes data to measure performance across different business processes to help towards improving policies and procedures.
7. Assists with coordination for conducting LS/CMI certification training and annual booster training.
8. Collects and prepares data annually for the MPB Statistical Report, BJS Parole Survey, and NCRP data submission.
9. As the SPIRIT backup administrator whenever needed, works on developing a very good understanding of SPIRIT II and how it is being utilized by different staff across units.
10. Over time, should be able to troubleshoot any issues with recording data in SPIRIT II, and contribute significantly towards preparing reliable criteria for new SPIRIT enhancements to improve data tracking.
11. Uploads the RODs and monthly lifer hearing calendars on the Agency website and serves as one of the website managers.
12. Assists the Director with both internal and external data requests, including public records request, media requests, requests from legislators, and external and internal research requests when needed.
13. Other related duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications

Expertise with use of Microsoft Power BI, Toad Datapoint for building queries, excel

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least two years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional or technical experience performing related duties that include business data recovery, analysis, query design, reporting and statistical analysis; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for the required experience

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affluent Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-Natick - 12 Mercer Road

Job

Information Systems and Technology

Agency

Parole Board

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Jul 27, 2026, 1:05:10 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

82,789.72 - 120,508.44 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affir…?

Bargaining Unit : 06-NAGE - Professional Admin.

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes