Data Projects Specialist

Description

The Data Projects Specialist is responsible for developing, maintaining, and analyzing data systems that support program reporting, strategic planning, and partner engagement. This role leads the creation and management of spreadsheets, dashboards, and reporting tools, translating complex datasets into actionable insights for organizational decision-making.

This position coordinates monthly, quarterly, and annual data processes, including survey creation, data extraction, and reporting consolidation across platforms such as Service Insights, Tableau, and internal tracking systems. The Specialist plays a key role in ensuring data integrity through validation, troubleshooting, and database maintenance. 

Working closely with the Programs leadership team, the Data Projects Specialist supports large-scale data initiatives such as Service Insights implementation, Service Area Assessments, and grant reporting. This role also collaborates with internal staff and external partners to collect, analyze, and report data related to community impact, agency performance, and food insecurity trends. 

The Data Projects Specialist is a critical contributor to data-driven strategy, helping identify service gaps, monitor key performance indicators, and provide insights that strengthen Arkansas Foodbank programs and partnerships.

Arkansas Foodbank team members will demonstrate a commitment to our mission and to the fight against hunger in Arkansas. They must have a clear understanding of and ability to articulate the mission and vision of Arkansas Foodbank and a desire to work with diverse populations. Team members must exemplify Arkansas Foodbank values while representing the organization at public, social, and business settings. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.  Individuals in this position may occasionally work irregular hours as necessary.

The Data Projects Specialist will be comfortable learning new technology, as well as an eagerness to utilize Arkansas Foodbank software systems. They will possess strong interpersonal skills, a spirit of collaboration and teamwork, and a commitment to hunger relief. 

1. Develop and maintain spreadsheets, dashboards, and reporting tools that track program performance, agency activity, and community impact.

2. Compile and analyze data to produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, including Service Insights reporting and strategic planning metrics.

3. Lead survey data management, including designing surveys, extracting results, and analyzing findings from platforms such as Policy Map, Alchemer, Power BI and internal survey tools.

4. Improve key data systems ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and usability across departments.

5. Conduct data validation and cleanup, identifying errors, duplicates, and inconsistencies and coordinating corrections with internal teams and external partners.

6. Develop customized reports and datasets in response to organizational needs, including county - level analysis, demographic reporting, and program performance metrics.

7. Support large-scale data initiatives from Feeding America including compiling multi-source data and contributing to analysis and reporting.

8. Coordinate recurring reporting workflows, including monthly status tracking, KPI monitoring, and strategic plan measure updates.

9. Provide technical assistance and guidance to staff and partner agencies on data systems, reporting expectations, and data entry best practices.

10. Collaborate with Programs, Development, and Leadership teams to align reporting outputs with grant requirements, strategic priorities, and funding needs.

11. Create and maintain documentation, templates, and tools to standardize reporting processes and improve efficiency across teams.

12. Assist with grant reporting by ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and submission of required metrics.

13. Support onboarding, training, and implementation of data systems for staff and partner agencies as needed.

14. Analyze trends across datasets (e.g., partner activity, food insecurity indicators, survey results) to identify gaps and recommend strategic improvements.

15. Participate in cross-functional meetings to align data strategy and reporting practices across the organization.

16. Contribute to continuous improvement of reporting methods, data quality processes, and system efficiency.

17. Manage multiple data projects simultaneously, prioritizing deadlines and ensuring high-quality deliverables.

18. Provide technical assistance to Program and Operations department on key data systems. 

19. Support Arkansas Foodbank staff and agencies in the implementation of new strategies, programs or initiatives.

20. Provide support with projects and special events including training opportunities, agency onboarding, community meetings, and other Programs events as needed. 

21. Contribute to the continuous improvement of data practices and reporting methods to enhance the impact of Arkansas Foodbank programs. 

22. Contribute to a positive team environment by demonstrating collaboration and teamwork.

23. Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively internally and externally. 

24. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders. 

25.  Exceptional communication skills, demonstrated through written work and speaking experience with diverse audiences. Producing and delivering clear, concise presentations and reporting. 

26. Ability to conduct oneself in a calm and professional manner when dealing with the public and/or difficult situations. 

27. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, allowing for effective decision-making and troubleshooting. 

28. Deep commitment to the mission of Arkansas Foodbank and a passion for addressing issues of food insecurity in our community.

Requirements

Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred for the candidate or employee, however, other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval of management. 

· The equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) preferably in MIS, Business, Nonprofit Management, Community Development, Health Administration, or a related field and 

· Minimum two (2) years of experience in community outreach, service leadership, social services or related field 

Or 

· Associate degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) preferably in Business or a related field and four (4) years of experience in business administration, project management, public service, human services, non-profit management or community development-related experience public service, human services, non-profit management or community development-related experience.

· Experience in a non-profit organization is preferred 

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams with a strong emphasis on data analysis and reporting in Excel.

· Valid Arkansas driver’s license and proof of insurance required

• Must pass a background check

• Must pass a preemployment drug screening

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to hot and/or humid conditions. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, walk and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift/move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. Frequently required to operate vehicles.

ADA

Arkansas Foodbank is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of this position, please contact human resources. 

Diversity Statement

Arkansas Foodbank values the individuality of all employees, volunteers, donors, and neighbors. We believe lived experiences provide unique viewpoints and ideas that strengthen and enrich our organization. We strive to create an inclusive culture that values different perspectives and reflects our organizational values.