Data Policy and Process Specialist

The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC’s critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.9 billion and launched more than 1,300 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. The CDC Foundation managed hundreds of programs in the United States and in more than 90 countries last year. Visit www.cdcfoundation.org for more information.  

Position Highlights:

POSITION TITLE:  Data Policy and Process Specialist

LOCATION: Hybrid - Boston, MA

POSITION END DATE:June 30, 2025

SALARY: up to $90,000 (plus benefits)

OVERVIEW

The CDC Foundation seeks to hire a Data Policy and Process Specialist to assist the Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) team within the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Office of the Commissioner. This position will play a pivotal role in bridging the development & periodic review of data policies regarding sharing, access, and management and the processes to enable those functions. DMI involves all DPH, spanning policy, people, process, and platforms. DMI directly impacts DPH’s organizational priorities, how staff interacts with data and how outside entities interact with the organization. For the optimal success of this transformation, it is critical to develop and maintain clear and concise policies and data processes. The DMI Team is charged with implementing a centralized data platform that follows CDC’s North Star Architecture, supporting the agency in accomplishing its strategic priorities, such as the Strategic Plan to Advance Racial Equity.

The incumbent will work in collaboration with the DMI Informatics Program Manager and DMI Business Development Lead to support data governance and process improvement, respectively. This position will also support the Director of Data Strategy and Sr. Project Manager on implementing data strategy and service delivery. The Data Policy and Process Specialist will regularly develop communications with the Data Transformation & Partnerships Manager to notify the department of upcoming policy and process changes. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, or a related field.

•At least 4 years of experience in project management, business development, data integration, and business intelligence projects.

•Strong knowledge of business analysis techniques, data warehousing, and BI concepts and tools.

•Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data in accessible ways.

•Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and BI tools such as Tableau or Power BI.

•Experience in data modeling, ETL processes, and developing reports and dashboards.

•Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within teams in a hybrid environment.

•Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationship to support strong programmatic governance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•Proficiency in SQL and other data querying languages.

•Professional experience related to policy, public health, and/or informatics.

•Experience working with data management and BI frameworks like DMBOK and the Kimball Group Method.

•Experience working in government organizations, particularly in Health and Human Services.

•Proximity to Boston, MA, for hybrid work schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES

•Establish and/or improve frameworks to facilitate the development of data processes for DMI.

•Support the DMI in enhancing and improving the existing data repository and documentation.

•Develop and operationalize data management policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.

•Maintain strong working relationships with business partners to understand their requirements and pain points.

•Support communication to the department and Data and Technology Governance to garner feedback on processes and communicate changes.

•Develop training materials on data policy and deliver training as needed to business partners.

•Support additional data systems transition projects on an ad hoc basis

•Support research on and support efforts surrounding data discovery, current state of data systems and end-user processes to support data modernization planning efforts across the department

•Support Business Development Lead in work with data engineers to design and implement ETL processes that meet business requirements

•Develop in-depth knowledge on DPH’s centralized data platform solution to be able to communicate effectively with interest holders and Data and Technology Governance members.

•Develop solid knowledge about the principles of health equity and their applicability to project management

•Provide ongoing support to business partners and their end-users with data policy and processes.

•Work with project managers to develop project plans and schedules and monitor project progress.

•Complete all mandatory DPH training.

Special Notes: 

This role is involved in a dynamic public health program. As such, roles and responsibilities are subject to change as situations evolve. Roles and responsibilities listed above may be expanded upon or updated to match priorities and needs, once written approval is received by both the CDC Foundation and Massachusetts Department of Public Health in order to best support the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in their public health programing.

This position is currently a hybrid position. CDC Foundation retains the right to make adjustments to this as required. 

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment. 

Relocation expenses are not included. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, mental or physical disabilities, veteran status, and all other characteristics protected by law.

We comply with all applicable laws including E.O. 11246 and the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 governing employment practices and do not discriminate on the basis of any unlawful criteria in accordance with 41 C.F.R. §§ 60-300.5(a)(12) and 60-741.5(a)(7). As a federal government contractor, we take affirmative action on behalf of protected veterans.

The CDC Foundation is a smoke-free environment.

Relocation expenses are not included.