Data and Transparency Strategist - Job Description

As Shammas Malik prepares to begin serving as Mayor of Akron in January 2024, his Together For Akron transition team is hiring leaders for his new administration.

Our team is focused on building a city government focused on systemic change in key areas of safety, education, economic development, and housing. We're also excited to improve everyday delivery of city services, making interactions with city government more open, responsive, and collaborative.

Together, we have an opportunity to create a strong and energizing future for Akron. Please consider applying to join this important work.

SUMMARY

The Data and Transparency Strategist leads the effort to share city data and information in helpful ways for residents, workers, and visitors. This work includes data mapping, datasets, financial and budgetary information, improved 311 experience, and more.

It is an unclassified, exempt, salaried position. The position reports to the Director of Communications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leads effort to share city data and information in helpful ways for residents, workers, and visitors.
2. Works with the strategy team to ensure that strategy / vision-based metrics are publicly visible and regularly updated.
3. Works alongside the City's data science group to coordinate data science strategies.
4. Works alongside the City's data science group to create and maintain public facing dashboards.
5. Works to integrate data management best practice from other communities while keeping community input at the center of the work.
6. Identifies datasets that are currently available and helps identify datasets that ought to be captured going forward.
7. Ensures financial and budgetary information is readily available for stakeholders.
8. Leverages PowerBI for all data analytics work.
9. Assists with the consistent improvement of the 311 experience.
10. Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

1. Expert knowledge of data mapping.
2. Extensive knowledge of data preparation procedures and requirements.
3. Demonstrated ability to use dashboard tools.
4. Strong strategic thinking and problem solving skills
5. Strong data visualization and storytelling skills.
6. Ability to work well both independently and as part of a larger team.
7. Ability to utilize analytics to drive communications strategy decisions.
8. Ability to travel to meetings, events, and other locations as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelors degree in Management Information Systems or related field strongly preferred.
2. Three years of experience in the data management field strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
2. Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Most of our communication with candidates is through email. Regularly check the email address you gave us in your job profile. Watch your Spam folder, just in case. If we offer you a job, you must pass a background check before the offer becomes final. Prior criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from employment; criminal convictions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.

Disclaimer

The responsibilities, essential duties, knowledge, skills, abilities, education and experience requirements, and physical requirements listed in this job description are not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and requirements. While this description is meant to offer applicants some expectation as to their prospective duties, these duties and requirements may change over time and without notice.