Data Analyst 2, Analytics and Program Integration

At the Iowa Department of Education, our mission is to ensure all students experience a world-class education. Achieving that mission takes more than classrooms and curriculum- it also requires strong systems, reliable data, and people who can turn information into meaningful action. The Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services is seeking a Data Analyst 2, Analytics and Program Integration to serve as a key member of the Data, Reporting, and Program Support Team. In this role, you will help maintain and improve the systems that support nutrition programs across Iowa. Your work will help ensure that participating schools, child care organizations, and other partners have efficient processes and dependable systems that ultimately support children and families throughout the state. If you enjoy solving problems, improving processes, managing complex systems, and transforming data into practical insights, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful statewide impact. What You’ll Do As a member of our team, you will help manage and improve critical data systems and processes that support bureau operations and program delivery. Data Management & Reporting

• Gather, organize, and analyze information from databases, spreadsheets, and other data sources
• Develop reports, visualizations, and written summaries that communicate findings clearly
• Identify, track, and monitor key performance indicators aligned with bureau and department goals
• Support data-driven decision-making through meaningful reporting and analysis

System Administration & Process Improvement

• Serve as a liaison between bureau staff and data system contractors to translate business needs into effective system solutions
• Manage system service and access requests from end users, including schools, childcare providers, and other stakeholders
• Resolve system issues through data corrections, configuration updates, or process improvements
• Develop recommendations and workflows that improve efficiency and strengthen system performance
• Provide technical recommendations related to system enhancements and future development opportunities

Project Coordination & Quality Assurance

• Coordinate multiple concurrent system enhancements and updates
• Plan and conduct system testing and document outcomes
• Partner with internal teams and end users to ensure enhancements move successfully into production
• Support secure data storage, retention, disposal practices, and data integrity standards

Successful candidates will bring or have the ability and desire to develop, the following:

• Passion for public service and improving outcomes for Iowa students and communities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Technical aptitude and curiosity for learning new systems and tools
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate technical information into understandable language for a variety of audiences
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to navigate complex situations and meet deadlines
• Commitment to working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate may have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Experience using Microsoft SQL tools within recent platform versions
• Experience writing complex T-SQL queries against SQL Server databases
• Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Experience working in environments with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Strong attention to detail and ability to apply established procedures with accuracy and efficiency
• Experience with office software applications including spreadsheets and reporting tools
• Experience implementing government regulations or policy requirements
• Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Programs preferred, 1) Six years of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science. 2) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management, and experience equal to two years of full-time work (as described in number one). An unofficial transcript MUST be attached. Note: Computer Science degrees do NOT meet this qualification 3) All of the following (a and b): a. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience; and b. A total of two years of graduate-level education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university coursework in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management equals one year of full-time experience. An unofficial transcript MUST be attached. 4) All of the following (a and b): a. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science, where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and b. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in business analytics, economics, data science, statistics, mathematics, management information systems, or industrial management. An unofficial transcript MUST be attached. Note: Computer Science Master’s degrees do NOT meet this qualification 5) All of the following (a, b, and c): a. Two years of full-time work experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; and b. A total of four years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and c. Possession of a professional certificate in data science, business analytics, or data analytics. An unofficial transcript and copy of Certificate MUST be attached. 6) Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes eighteen months of full-time work as a Data Analyst 1.

Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Occasional evenings, weekends, and in-state or out-of-state travel may be required. If you would like a copy of the Position Description Questionnaire (PDQ), please contact: What’s In It for You?

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of Iowa students, families, and communities
• Join a collaborative and supportive work environment
• Work alongside passionate colleagues committed to public service
• Opportunities for learning, growth, and professional development
• Collaboration with experts and partners across the country
• Employee discounts through a variety of vendors

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including:

• Paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, military leave, and jury duty leave
• Low-cost, high-quality health and dental insurance options
• Retirement benefits through IPERS
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Optional supplemental benefits and retirement savings opportunities, Additional Qualification Requirements An unofficial transcript MUST be attached for educational experience to be considered. Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes: Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly . Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits. Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost. Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. . Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters. Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program. Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation. Join Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!