Senior Data & MERL Specialist - Texas

Human Trafficking Institute

10d•Remote

About The Position

The Senior Data & MERL Specialist plays a central role in strengthening Human Trafficking Institute’s data and monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning capacity across the Texas Program. The role helps shape and execute HTI’s Texas data strategy, manage existing data systems, and inform future investments so they can scale with program expansion. The specialist develops and maintains high-quality datasets and dashboards, leads survey and indicator tracking, and translates data into actionable insights for internal learning and external reporting. The work supports strategic decision-making, program effectiveness, accountability, and continuous improvement across HTI’s Texas work. Data processes must align with HTI’s Theory of Change, log frame, and data governance standards, including protections for sensitive and victim-related information. This is a full-time, remote position based in Texas. Meetings may occur outside local 8 a.m.–5 p.m. hours, and travel within Texas may be required up to 30% of the time. The position involves prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer, and occasional lifting of up to 10 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, economics, social sciences, or a related field.
5–7 years of experience in data management or analysis.
Hands-on experience cleaning, matching, and managing messy data from multiple sources, with clear documentation of methods.
Working proficiency in at least one of SQL, R, or Python for repeatable data cleaning and analysis.
Experience handling confidential or sensitive data in accordance with privacy and security requirements.
Legally authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship.
Ability to travel within Texas up to 30%.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods, work on a computer, and lift up to 10 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

Experience integrating data across multiple systems or sources.
Experience working with criminal justice-sector, county or municipal, or social-impact data.
Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL).
Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar data analytics platforms.
Experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM.
Experience with inferential or multivariate statistical methods, or evaluation design.
Experience with qualitative methods such as key informant interviews or focus groups.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain structured databases and data dictionaries, including standard indicator and KPI definitions.
Ensure Texas KPIs and performance indicators are supported by verifiable, regularly collected data sources for grant, donor, and organization-wide reporting.
Collect, clean, and consolidate data from external partners, external sources, and internal program activities.
Coordinate with external partners and internal teams to ensure timely data submissions and quality assurance.
Partner with county leads to build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders that support reliable data sharing and coordination.
Manage public information requests by tracking requests, standardizing responses, and documenting sources.
Identify opportunities to automate workflows and improve data processes within existing tools.
Conduct periodic data quality reviews and produce analytical summaries for leadership and donors.
Protect sensitive information and comply with HTI data governance, privacy, and security standards.
Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and support program decision-making.
Develop and maintain interactive dashboards and visualizations in Power BI or similar tools.
Use descriptive and exploratory analytics to identify emerging patterns and inform program strategy.
Conduct appropriate statistical analyses, such as pre/post comparisons and comparisons across counties, roles, and time, and communicate results and limitations clearly.
Assess current operations and data practices against program needs.
Partner with the Global MERL Manager to align the Texas data program with organizational data and MERL strategy.
Manage existing MERL systems and tools, identify evolving needs, and recommend new systems and tools.
Manage consultants and vendors developing relevant systems and tools.
Design and maintain monitoring tools for Texas trainings and capacity-building activities, including pre- and post-training surveys aligned with program learning objectives and Global HTI MERL standards.
Coordinate Texas learning cycles, including after-action reviews and quarterly reflection sessions, in partnership with the Global MERL Manager.
Produce accessible visual and narrative summaries for internal learning, donor reporting, and planning discussions.
Translate findings into actionable recommendations for the Texas team and leadership, and ensure timely responses to reporting, grant, and partner data requirements.
Present data and findings to external audiences, including partners, county stakeholders, funders, and leadership.
Collaborate with the Global MERL Manager and Texas team to align data activities with program goals and the Theory of Change.
Contribute Texas data to organization-wide reporting, including the Global KPI Sheet, while maintaining consistency with global indicator definitions.
Provide light assistance to applied research initiatives, including data preparation, descriptive analyses, documentation, and support for commissioned evaluations through data provision and partner coordination.
Identify new data sources, such as public court data and academic partners, to strengthen the Texas evidence base.
Analyze and synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources to identify trends, root causes, and actionable solutions.
Communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences through written and verbal presentations.
Manage competing and changing priorities, deliver high-quality results with minimal supervision, and ensure timely follow-up and team success.
Build collaborative relationships across departments and with external stakeholders.
Maintain attention to detail in documents, data, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, compliance, and quality.
Learn and apply new concepts, tools, and processes in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Support organizational goals with a service-oriented mindset, professionalism, humility, and commitment to mission-driven values.