Research/Data Analyst

State of Missouri; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) in Jefferson City, MO, seeks a Research/Data Analyst to prepare and optimize program data systems and deliver dashboards for leadership. This on-site role emphasizes data modeling, accuracy, and clear visualization using Tableau, Python, and SQL.

The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and 2–4 years of relevant experience, with a focus on analytics, UI/UX for dashboards, and data-driven decision support for program staff and executives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience and/or appropriate certification.
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI; proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Strong data modeling, data integrity, and UI/UX for analytics.
• Ability to translate business questions into technical data structures and reports.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, manage, and optimize OWCI program data systems for reporting.
• Create dashboards and visual reports using Tableau, Python, and SQL.
• Design interactive dashboards and executive presentations for leadership.
• Blend and validate data from multiple sources to ensure a single source of truth.
• Support data system migrations with testing and documentation.
• Translate management needs into data structures and reporting products.
• Explain trends and KPIs through clear visual narratives.

Skills

Data visualization

Data management

Stakeholder communication

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Python

SQL

Job description

The Office of Workforce and Community Initiatives (OWCI) is seeking candidates to fill a Research/Data Analyst in the position located in Cole County based at 3705 MO Blvd 2nd Floor, Jefferson City, MO.

Remote or hybrid is not an option.

The essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

This position is primarily responsible for preparing, managing, and optimizing OWCI program data systems and using those data assets to deliver high‑impact visual analytics for program leadership, management, and executive leadership. The role applies experience in data management to prepare moderate to complex data structures, analyze specifications, and ensure accurate, secure, and reliable data environments that support advanced reporting and visualization.

Using specialized software such as Tableau, MS Office products, and coding languages including Python and SQL, this position develops dashboards, interactive reports, and executive‑level briefings that clearly communicate trends, outcomes, and performance indicators. The role requires strong data modeling skills, attention to data integrity, and the ability to translate complex information into intuitive, visually accurate, and meaningful representations.

• Prepare, review, and maintain data structures and data pipelines used for program reporting, ensuring alignment with specifications and adherence to data management standards.
• Work with internal and external data analysts, stakeholders, and contractors to create recurring and ad hoc dashboards, visual reports, and data summaries built on stable, secure, and well‑structured data systems.
• Design, develop, and maintain interactive dashboards and executive‑ready presentations using Tableau, and other visualization tools, ensuring UI/UX standards and intuitive layouts.
• Gather, blend, model, and validate data from multiple disparate sources to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and a single source of truth for reporting and analytics.
• Support data management system migration into operational environments and ensure proper testing, documentation, and data integrity throughout the process.
• Review and interpret technical specifications to create conceptual and logical data representations that support both data management functions and downstream visual analytics.
• Monitor and evaluate database performance considerations relevant to analytics workflows; partner with technical staff to identify issues affecting reporting accuracy or system efficiency.
• Present data in simplified and visually compelling formats that highlight trends, anomalies, KPIs, and program performance through charts, visualizations, and narrative explanations.
• Apply UI/UX principles including visual hierarchy, accessible layouts, appropriate chart selection, and established color standards to support use by both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Gather requirements from management and executive stakeholders and translate business questions into technical specifications for data structures and reporting products.
• Review and evaluate legislation for potential impact on agency operations; prepare visual and data‑driven summaries to support strategic planning and implementation activities.
• Provide technical guidance on both data management practices and visualization standards, including effective dashboard design and best practices for analytics‑based performance monitoring.
• Assist in evaluating workforce, medical, and community support programs by ensuring data assets are properly structured, validated, and used to generate reliable performance dashboards.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem‑solving by producing clear, accurate data models and visual narratives that support decision makers at all levels.

Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience and/or appropriate certification. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Preferred Experience

Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms; proficiency in Python and SQL; knowledge of data blending and modeling; experience with UI/UX design principles for analytics; previous experience working in or with SkillUP, MWA, A2A, LIHEAP, LIHWAP, CSBG, Jobs League, Food Distribution, VOCA, DVS, JAG, or other programs overseen by OWCI.

Lack of post‑secondary education will not be used as a sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. shift, or time-of-service pay).

Recruitment Area:

Accepting applications from all qualified applicants.

The State of Missouri is an equal opportunity employer.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

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