Chief Data Officer

The Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC) is committed to improving public safety by positively changing lives. We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the Chief Data Officer, who will be responsible for advancing the department's enterprise data strategy and ensuring that research, analytics, and evaluation efforts drive meaningful outcomes for the individuals and communities we serve. In this role, you will provide executive leadership for the department's data management, research, program evaluation, and analytics functions. You will oversee the development and execution of complex, scientifically rigorous research and analytical initiatives that inform programmatic, operational, and budgetary decisions across the agency. By establishing sound data governance practices and aligning analytical resources with agency priorities, you will help ensure that decisions are evidence-based and focused on improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals and those under community supervision. Serving as the department's Chief Data Officer, you will act as the principal strategist and subject matter expert on the management and utilization of DOC's data assets. This position requires exceptional leadership, communication, and partnership skills to successfully guide enterprise data initiatives, develop innovative analytical approaches, and translate complex information into actionable insights for executive leaders and stakeholders. You will lead all phases of research and evaluation activities, including methodology development, data architecture and requirements, analysis, reporting, and the communication of findings to diverse audiences. As a trusted advisor and representative of the agency, you will engage with the Office of the Governor, the Office of Financial Management, the Legislature, agency and community partners, and other external stakeholders on matters related to data strategy, research, and performance improvement. Through the responsible stewardship of public resources and a commitment to evidence-based decision making, you will help shape policies and practices that enhance public safety and advance DOC's mission. Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary of Business, Enterprise, and Strategic Transformation (BEST), this position serves as a member of both the Program Leadership Team and the Extended Leadership Team, providing executive-level leadership and contributing to the department's strategic direction and long-term success. A completed application packet will include:

• A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
• A detailed resume
• Three professional references

Duties

We are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.

As a Chief Data Officer, some of your duties will include:

• Working with executive leadership to establish the vision for managing data as a business asset - to maximize the return on data assets

• Establishing the strategic direction for building the department's data management program and optimizing how the business uses data

• Defining and oversight of how the department prioritizes, maintains, and applies data and information to support the strategic plan and business processes

• Determining the department's data governance strategy, including overseeing data policies, data consistency, procedures, standards, and roles

• Developing processes for how the agency prioritizes, maintains, and presents data and information to measure performance

• Identifying new kinds, types and sources of data to enable business innovation throughout the organization

• Collaborating with the Chief Information Officer to understand the information technology infrastructure and the investments needed to address business needs, how IT and RDA can partner to solve business problems, and to align strategies for achieving long-term goals

• Collaborating with the Chief Information Security Officer to create policies and controls for the appropriate protection of information assets

• Ensuring the department is adhering to external regulations on data utilization, reporting, and distribution

• Allocating resources to work that align with DOC's strategic plan, assist with decision making, and result in improved outcomes

• Defining scope, goals, and objectives for complex research studies, with prioritization to internally conduct research and evaluation studies with substantial impact to DOC

• Ensuring all research and evaluation projects (internal and external, large and small-scale) are approved by the Washington State Institutional Review Board (WSIRB)

• Ensuring all projects involving research and/or data sharing involve a legal contract to protect DOC interests

• Ensures RDA produces valid, rigorous, professionally-sound, policy-relevant, information in simple, digestible formats

• Managing projects to ensure timely, on-budget completion of quality products that directly inform decisions

• Evaluating and recommending research and grants partnerships based on alignment with DOC priorities, the strength, rigor, and policy/practice impact of the proposal, expertise of the applicant, and available resources

• Providing technical advice and consultation to members of the PLT, ELT, and other key stakeholders requiring correctional data to inform decisions

• Providing consultation and senior-level analytical support to DOC's implementation of Results Washington and Results DOC with valid, consistent, and timely data, Our Commitment: To operate a safe and humane corrections system and partner with others to transform lives for a better Washington. Our Core Values:

• Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. We foster openness and support courageous conversations. We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do by being accountable and taking personal ownership in our actions.

• Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety. We respect, value, and listen to the thoughts, feelings, and perspectives of our stakeholders and consider the impact on those we serve as well as each other.

• People's safety: Corrections believes in creating an environment that values physical, mental, and emotional security and well-being. We honor those who advance safety for all.

• Positivity in words and actions: At Corrections, we assume positive intentions and believe there is a shared desire for the best outcome. We consistently demonstrate positive behavior and always put forth our best effort.

• Supporting people's success: Corrections is committed to our community - understanding individuals, instilling hope, embracing change, and providing opportunities., * DOC complies with the employment eligibility verification requirements for the federal employment eligibility verification form I-9. The selected candidate must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States consistent with the requirements of that form. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• DOC does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

• This recruitment may be utilized to fill more than one position.

• Please include a minimum of three (3) professional references with your application. A professional reference is defined as an individual who has been paid to supervise your work and can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job competencies. If you do not have any or sufficient professional references, please include non-related professionals, such as educators or other professional associates. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references.

• A background check including criminal record history will be conducted prior to a new hire. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

• Employees may work directly with or near incarcerated individuals in a potentially hazardous setting. Please consider this when deciding whether to apply.

• We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free work environment, and our employees are expected to comply with all state and federal laws. A pre-employment drug test may be administered as part of the selection process, and applicants who test positive for any controlled substances, will be disqualified from consideration.

• Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) is an aerosol pepper spray made available as a means of self-defense and/or de-escalation. Applicants with sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.

• Animal care projects are a common component of most Washington State prisons, including dog and cat programs. Applicants with animal sensitivities or allergies are encouraged to ask about the level of exposure they could expect in this position.

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a priority health issue for DOC employees. The successful candidate may be required to provide valid proof of a baseline TB skin test within 60 days from the date of hire. When positive tests result, further information, testing and treatment will also be required. Employment is not contingent upon test results.

• Foreign equivalent degrees awarded outside the United States must have a credential evaluation report attached to your application. You may request the required evaluation/documentation from www.wes.org and www.aice-eval.org. Until this documentation is provided, you will not be selected to move forward in the hiring process., This position may be allocated for telework. If authorized for the role, work may be performed from your home or another offsite location within the state of Washington using a reliable internet or cellular hotspot service at that time. Employees are expected to perform assigned duties in a safe manner, to take proper care all state-issued equipment, and maintain confidentiality of all information in possession while working offsite. Employees will be required to commute to a Department of Corrections facility or field office as business requires, to potentially include components of the onboarding process. Some offices will have a "drop in" area available, however, a dedicated workspace within a DOC facility will not be provided.

Do you have experience in Team supervision?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * A Ph.D. in Social, Criminal Justice, or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

AND

• Two (2) years of experience conducting policy- relevant data analysis in a public sector setting

OR

• A Master's degree in Social, Criminal Justice or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

AND

• Four (4) years of experience conducting policy-relevant data analyses in a public sector setting.

OR

• A High School Diploma or GED

AND

• Ten (10) years of experience conducting policy - relevant data analysis in a public sector setting.

In addition to the above education/experience the below knowledge, skills and/or abilities are required:

• Two (2) years of experience supervising a research/analytics team
• Advanced experience in SAS, SPSS, or other advanced statistical analysis software
• Advanced training in multi-variate statistical methods and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
• Ability to define goals, analyze information, formulate logical and objective conclusions, recognize alternatives, and make recommendations to provide reliable professionally-sound, scientifically valid advice and consultation to senior level leadership to help guide program, policy, and budget decisions
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and public speaking skills. Ability to present complex ideas and information to a variety of internal and external audiences - both in written and presentation format - using plain talk principles
• Ability to supervise, coach, and mentor staff members
• Fosters an environment of supported learning
• Ability to plan, lead, organize, and control the work performed by RDA
• Assuring appropriate and optimum use of RDA's resources and enhance the effectiveness of staff through professional development opportunities
• Ability to work directly and collaboratively with the Department Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretaries, and other senior executives, external stakeholders, and internal staff at all levels across the Department on research, program evaluation, data analysis, and data management activities
• Demonstrated critical and applied quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
• Able to break down, sort, and synthesize information, identify key messages and central themes, form accurate conclusions about the meaning of the information, display through clear charts and graphics, and develop appropriate action steps and recommendations, * Ph.D. or Master's degree in social, Criminal Justice or Behavioral Science or related field recognized by the Dept. of Education and Council of Higher Education (CHEA)
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to create systemic and long-term efficiencies through the application of LEAN principles

3.43.4 out of 5 stars Tumwater, WA $163,500 - $173,472 a year - Full-time, Pulled from the full job description

• Retirement plan

• Vision insurance

• Dental insurance

• Paid sick time

• Paid holidays

• Dependent care reimbursement

• Flexible schedule, What We Offer: As an employee of the Department of Corrections, your work-life integration is a priority. Washington State employees are offered one of the most inclusive and competitive benefits packages in the nation. Besides comprehensive family insurance for medical, dental, and vision, these perks also may include:

• Remote/telework/flexible schedules (depending on position)

• Up to 25 paid vacation days a year

• 8 hours of paid sick leave per month

• 12 paid holidays a year

• Generous retirement plan

• Flex Spending Accounts

• Dependent Care Assistance

• Deferred Compensation and so much more!