Data Systems Manager

Job Title – Data Systems Manager

Reports to – Sr. Director of Housing & Program Development

Employee Status – Full-time, Exempt

Organization Overview

United Friends of the Children empowers current and former foster/justice involved youth on their journey to self-sufficiency through service-enriched programs, advocacy, and consistent relationships with a community of people who care.

Founded over 40 years ago, United Friends’ is a leading provider of youth development services to current and former foster youth in Los Angeles County. Through its housing and education programs, the organization has helped thousands of young people imagine and actualize their own dreams and futures. United Friends’ programs focus on commitment, trauma-informed care, and empowerment by prioritizing a whole-person-development approach. Through a Social Justice Positive Youth Development (SJPYD) model, we center building relationships with youth over an extended period to achieve greater outcomes. Around those relationships, United Friends wraps an array of supportive services to help youth successfully transition to adulthood. As a result of services, United Friends alumni have greater housing and economic stability, higher educational attainment and a stronger sense of community and emotional wellbeing.

Position Overview

United Friends of the Children is committed to measuring impact and utilizing data to ensure effective programming and services. The Data Systems Manager plays an instrumental role overseeing organizational databases used to collect data that supports in evaluating outcomes for the Education and Housing programs. This role works closely with management and leadership to ensure data quality and compliance with policies and procedures. The role leads pivotal projects to gather data for reports to funders and supports staff in effective data use to strengthen program performance.

United Friends currently implements a hybrid work environment – schedule is determined at the discretion of management and the needs of the program and/or agency. This position will work full-time hours, Monday- Friday, and report to the downtown office, as needed. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required throughout the year. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who brings critical thinking, creativity, initiative, good judgment, integrity, and a deep commitment to social justice and equity – along with a sense of humor – to the work.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Systems Infrastructure

• Lead the design, development, and ongoing improvement of data systems that support program staff and management to successfully measure and track outcomes (e.g. Apricot and HMIS).
• Maintain data governance practices, including data quality standards, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant data privacy, security, and reporting regulations.
• Oversee data workflows and system integration to ensure effective and accurate data collection and reporting.
• Partner with management and leadership to align data systems with funding requirements, evaluation outcomes, and program needs.
• Collaborate with program directors to identify areas to enhance systems, streamline processes, and improve data collection and accessibility across teams.

Database Systems Management

• Partner with consultants and IT Manager to oversee and execute data management projects, including building reports and data quality controls.
• Manage day-to-day functionality and maintenance of data systems and platforms, including troubleshooting technical issues and staff support.
• Oversee staff access and permissions to ensure appropriate and secure use of the data systems.
• Train and support staff on data systems and best practices pertaining to data collection and reporting.
• Monitor overall data quality to ensure accuracy and compliance with policy and procedures by conducting routine quality assurance reports to identify missing, inconsistent, or incomplete data entries.
• Create user-friendly tools, guides/manuals, and resources to support effective use and continuity of the database across teams.
• Develop proficiency and technical expertise in database systems through training and research.

Data Analysis

• Collect, organize, and analyze large quantities of data to generate reports measuring outcomes and deliverables.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and data visualizations for management and leadership, and prepare required reports and information for funders or internal use.
• Collaborate and support leadership in using data, reports, and internal assessment of outcomes to continuously improve and understand data that impacts deliverables and evaluation initiatives.

Other

• Other duties as assigned.

General United Friends Responsibilities

o Act as a role model within the organization to uphold and implement United Friends’ organizational values:

• Embrace program evaluation that leads to excellence and impact
• Build effective and empowering partnerships with the youth, community and each other
• Create a fun and exciting environment that inspires learning and innovation
• Communicate openly, honestly and with humility across all groups
• Work together as one organization

o Staff hold a commitment to:

• A culturally responsive Trauma-Informed Approach to our population and client centered advocacy
• Strong knowledge of the communities served and centralize this cultural understanding into the work.
• Support in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI)
• Evaluating the completeness, accuracy and relevance of data to determine information value and improve client services.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in data sciences, social sciences, or related fields.
• 3 years of direct experience in a non-profit organization managing databases, interpreting data, and implementing quality assurance controls.
• Strong attention to detail and organization with the ability to manage competing priorities or projects.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to translate and deliver data into meaningful reports or information.
• Demonstrated expertise in software platforms, such as Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis programs, such as Microsoft Access, Excel and/or statistical software packages.
• Working knowledge of Apricot database to inform and create report design and generation.
• Ability to work with database users at all levels of technical expertise with patience and encouragement.
• Eager to learn new programs and technology.
• High accountability and integrity in the work produced.
• Solution-oriented and excellent communication skills.
• Works responsibly with sensitive and confidential information.
• Establishes and cultivates respectful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Must have valid California Driver’s License and an insured and reliable vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• An understanding of the unique challenges former foster care youth experience

A comprehensive benefit package is offered and includes:

• 100% employee base plan medical and dental coverage
• Acupuncture/Chiropractic insurance (employer-sponsored)
• Life/Disability insurance (employer-sponsored)
• Voluntary Plans
• 403b voluntary retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• LegalShield
• Pet Insurance
• Generous sick and vacation allowances
• Flexible, fun environment
• Amazing partners in the work