Director of Data & Research

Position Description

The Director of Data & Research is a collaborative strategic leader who translates data into actionable insights that strengthen programming and demonstrates the impact of RISE initiatives. This role leads the organization’s data, research, and evaluation strategy, including data collection, program measurement, evaluation, and reporting to diverse audiences. The Director works closely with departmental teams to support program management, ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements, and integrate data insights into program improvement. The position also oversees evaluation initiatives, guides research projects, and manages research partnerships to advance evidence-based practices in reentry programming.

At a time of strategic growth, RISE is looking for an individual with experience in quantitative and qualitative data management and impact reporting. The Director of Data & Research should work well in a collaborative environment, have strong project management skills, and be able to prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously. They have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. They will be responsible for crafting reports and dynamic visualizations that translate data insights into understandable and actionable information for senior management, board members, external stakeholders, and funders to ensure communications effectively convey the value and impact of ongoing RISE initiatives. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Programs.

About RISE

RISE is the largest nonprofit organization in Nebraska focused solely on habilitative programming in prisons and reentry support. At RISE, transformation starts pre-release and continues post-release. Our inside/out model bridges incarceration to the community and considers all the critical steps in that journey. We prepare and train people for each phase through intensive character development, employment readiness, job creation through entrepreneurship, family programming, and case management. We transform people in the community by building awareness and empathy that leads to support and opportunity. These connections heal families, create employment pathways, and lower recidivism. The mission of RISE is to break generational cycles of incarceration.

RISE has received a “Best Places to Work in Omaha” award from Baird Holm and the Greater Omaha Chamber. RISE is a recipient of the Non-Profit Association of the Midlands Catalyst Award, honoring non-profits that inspire action, advance excellence and innovation, and drive transformation while making a meaningful impact. In 2025, RISE received the Roger Baldwin Civil Libertarian of the Year Award from the ACLU of Nebraska.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with RISE program directors to develop and execute data evaluation strategies to strengthen programming and service impact.
• Conduct deep dives into complex data sets to extract trends, patterns, and actionable insights. Utilize advanced analytical techniques to drive program strategies and foster an environment of continuous improvement.
• Support RISE’s innovative and client-centered culture by building efficient processes that synthesize key performance indicators (KPIs) from RISE’s Strategic Plan and programmatic objectives in a regular and user-friendly way (dashboards, interactive data visualizations, etc.) to measure and amplify program effectiveness and overall impact.
• Keep apprised of research in the fields of criminal justice and reentry to inform the work RISE carries out and follows best practices, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive care.
• Oversee and manage CRM software relationships, design and/or upgrades.
• Maintain databases and data collection systems. Oversee the integration and optimization of data analytics tools and dashboards to bolster data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Develop policies and practices for data integrity, security, and compliance with regulatory standards, safeguarding the organization against data-related risks. Develop and deliver data governance training and technical support for employees.
• Perform regular audits and quality assurance checks to verify data accuracy and integrity. Work closely with departmental teams to enhance program management and adherence to grant reporting requirements.
• Support the Development Team for funding requests and reporting on grant deliverables.
• Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision to the data analytics team, including hiring, training, and mentoring staff to ensure they possess the skills necessary for high performance.
• Oversee program evaluation initiatives, maintain and update organizational logic models, and guide external research projects.
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement in data management and evaluation practices and champions a culture of data-based competency and data-based decision making.
• Other duties as agreed upon.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing evaluation frameworks and data collection systems, preferably in the non-profit sector. Experience in the criminal justice system or reentry is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in data analytics or social science with extensive experience and coursework in data analysis. Master's degree preferred.
• Experience managing complex datasets and data collection systems.
• Experience in CRM implementation, maintenance, and management preferred.
• Experience supervising and managing teams required.
• Strong proficiency in data analysis tools and software, and a solid understanding of statistical methodologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in merging datasets derived from internal and external sources for strategic insights.
• Knowledge of data governance principles, data quality frameworks, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• Strategic mindset with the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and drive business outcomes.

Other

• Must be willing to work flexible hours, occasionally working evenings and weekends.
• Must have access to a vehicle, possess a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• RISE is a background friendly employer and seeks to employ those who have lived experience within the system we serve; however, this job is contingent on receiving approval to enter NDCS facilities based on a security check. Additionally, background checks may be run on final candidates as a compliance measure.
• FLSA classification: Exempt
• Employment Status: Full-time
• RISE is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Submit Resume and Cover letter on our website at www.seeusrise.org/careers