Data Systems Specialist

Council of State Governments•Lexington, KY

6d•$54,000 - $73,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council of State Governments (CSG) is seeking a Data Systems Specialist for its Lexington, KY office, offering flexibility to work from home part of the week. This role provides first-tier operational systems support for CompactConnect, a data system managing occupational licensure compacts. The specialist will ensure system reliability, support jurisdiction onboarding, and maintain operations on an AWS-based infrastructure. Key responsibilities include bridging technical operations and stakeholder needs, contributing to system improvements, and engaging with members. The role involves outreach, planning and executing convenings, stakeholder management, and project contributions, potentially representing CSG constituents in external forums. This is a service-oriented position requiring independent judgment under the direction of a CSG Product Manager.

Requirements

Minimum Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience with AWS services, particularly CloudWatch, Cognito, and console operations.
Experience with database management/monitoring tools.
Experience with version control systems (Git/GitHub).
Experience with command line interfaces and scripting tools.
Experience with security monitoring and logging platforms.
Experience troubleshooting web applications and API issues.
Understanding of database concepts and basic NoSQL query capabilities.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
Ability to work and conduct activities in a nonpartisan political environment.
Strong interpersonal skills including self-awareness, sensitivity and valuing others.
Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle politically sensitive work.
Steadfast commitment to providing CSG members with timely, effective customer service.
Ability to facilitate complex technical conversation.
Analytical, with an ability to think critically, distill and present complex information in a concise manner.
Skill and competence to work effectively with a myriad of state officials, including high level executive, legislative and judicial officials.
Ability to work with leading experts in the state government field including researchers, policy experts, and program providers.
Ability to support proposal and grant applications.
Ability to work independently and to handle a variety of tasks and assignments concurrently while adhering to specific instructions, technical direction and deadlines.
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple partners, with a preference for having some exposure to working with public officials.
Self-motivated with ability to take initiative and see complex tasks through to completion.
Flexibility and willingness to take on new tasks as necessary to meet evolving needs and objectives of organization and its members.
Hard working, dependable, resourceful and willing to work non-traditional hours, usually dependent on events.
Aptitude for managing projects.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Git/GitHub for configuration management.
Knowledge of security monitoring and incident response procedures.
Experience with CLI tools and scripting.
Understanding of multi-state regulatory frameworks.
Experience with healthcare or regulatory compliance systems.
Familiarity with occupational licensing processes.

Responsibilities

Monitor application performance, system health, and database status, investigating technical issues using cloud console tools and responding to system alerts.
Assist clients with system configuration, onboarding processes, and user account management, including password resets, authentication issues, and access permissions.
Support bulk data imports, troubleshoot processing issues, monitor security metrics and incidents, and maintain compliance with established security procedures.
Maintain technical documentation, create knowledge base content, manage support requests, and collaborate with development teams on system enhancements.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and other consultants on relevant products.
Participate in planning, coordinating, and executing policy workshops, online webinars, technical tours, state visits, and delegations for state elected officials and staff.
Assist in the administration of collaborative projects aimed at addressing issues of top concern to state officials in one or more states.
Coordinate and collaborate with national organizations, researchers, and national policy experts in carrying out work on collaborative projects.
Prepare concise written responses to requests for information by members of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Develop and manage relationships with state officials and policymakers, including legislative and other governmental contacts.
Provide direct outreach to CSG members.
Assist with planning and executing regional and/or national conference programs and meetings.
Develop and expand a knowledge base on local, state, and federal policy, processes, and programming, and other relevant policy topics and best practices.
Assist with grant and proposal development.
Contribute to CSG newsletters and other communication pieces.
Travel overnight and for varying lengths to fulfill duties and responsibilities as needed (expected maximum of 10 nights per year).
Perform other assigned responsibilities and duties to support the overall mission of the organization.