Data Analyst 2, Analytics and Program Integration
About The Position
The Iowa Department of Education’s Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services is hiring a Data Analyst 2 for its Data, Reporting, and Program Support Team. The role supports the systems and processes used to deliver nutrition programs across Iowa, serving schools, child care organizations, and other partners. The analyst helps maintain and improve data systems, support bureau operations, and turn information into practical insights that inform decision-making and improve service delivery. The position combines data management and reporting, system administration, process improvement, project coordination, and quality assurance. The successful candidate will work with bureau staff, contractors, internal teams, end users, and stakeholders to manage system requests and issues, coordinate enhancements, test updates, and support data integrity and secure data practices. Applicants must reside in Iowa at the time of hire. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as in-state or out-of-state travel, may be required. Candidates must meet at least one of the listed minimum qualification pathways, which include combinations of relevant analytics experience, qualifying education, graduate-level education, a professional certificate, or continuous state executive branch experience as a Data Analyst 1. An unofficial transcript is required when educational experience is used to qualify.
Requirements
- Meet at least one of the stated minimum qualification pathways for the Data Analyst 2 classification.
- Bring or be willing to develop strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Have 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 independently and collaboratively.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to translate technical information into understandable language for different audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to navigate complex situations and meet deadlines.
- Commitment to working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Applicants must reside in Iowa at the time of hire.
- Attach an unofficial transcript when relying on educational experience to qualify.
- Minimum qualification pathway: six years of full-time experience in business/data/statistical analytics, economic research, or data science; or a qualifying four-year degree plus two years of such experience.
- Alternative minimum qualification pathways include specified combinations of education and relevant experience, a qualifying master's degree with the required education/experience, relevant experience and a professional certificate in data science/business analytics/data analytics, or 18 months of continuous full-time state executive branch experience as a Data Analyst 1.
- Computer Science degrees do not satisfy the stated qualifying degree requirements for the relevant education-based pathways.
Nice To Haves
- 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 accurately and efficiently.
- Experience with office software applications, including spreadsheets and reporting tools.
- Experience implementing government regulations or policy requirements.
- Experience with USDA Child Nutrition Programs.
Responsibilities
- 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 reporting and analysis.
- Act as a liaison between bureau staff and data system contractors, translating business needs into system solutions.
- Manage system service and access requests from end users, including schools, child care providers, and other stakeholders.
- Resolve system issues through data corrections, configuration updates, or process improvements.
- Develop recommendations and workflows to improve efficiency and system performance.
- Provide technical recommendations related to system enhancements and future development opportunities.
- Coordinate multiple concurrent system enhancements and updates.
- Plan and conduct system testing and document outcomes.
- Partner with internal teams and end users to move enhancements successfully into production.
- Support secure data storage, retention, disposal practices, and data integrity standards.
Benefits
- 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.
- Employee discounts through a variety of vendors.
- Opportunities for learning, growth, and professional development.
- Collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
