Data Systems Specialist

Washington, D.C., DC
Full Time
Entry Level

The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights invites applications for the position of full time Data Systems Specialist, to be based in Washington, D.C. The Knowledge Management & Learning team collaborates across all programs at the Young Center to build operational capacity and support staff by promoting a culture of knowledge sharing across departments. We do this by recognizing the uniqueness of each dimension of the organization and its data governance needs. Under the supervision of the Knowledge Management & Learning Manager, the Data Systems Specialist will primarily support the day-to-day data management needs that supports org-wide data hygiene and accessibility. In addition, this role will be actively engaged in a portfolio of projects, led by the Knowledge Management & Learning Manager, that supports the implementation of Young Center data strategy. 

ABOUT THE YOUNG CENTER 

The Young Center for Immigrant Children's Rights is a national organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the rights and best interests—safety and well-being—of immigrant children in the United States. The Young Center’s Child Advocate Program (CAP) serves as the federally-appointed bests interests representative for unaccompanied and separated immigrant children in federal custody. Through CAP’s state initiative, we also serve and are appointed by the Superior Courts of New Jersey as independent Child Advocates to children released from federal custody into the New Jersey community. Child Advocates meet with children and learn their stories in order to identify and advocate for their best interests through an interdisciplinary, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive lens. The Young Center’s Policy Program fights for wholesale reform of the immigration system while pursuing immediate changes in policy and practice that center children’s rights and best interests in all decisions. The Technical Assistance Program, the Young Center’s newest program, offers intersectional expertise and critical resources to advocates and service providers working with immigrant children involved in child welfare and other state court systems. 

The Young Center has offices in Houston, San Antonio, and Harlingen, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; New York, New York; Washington, D.C.; Phoenix, Arizona; Los Angeles, California; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. We also serve children through our programs in New Jersey. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Support the Knowledge Management & Learning Manager in the planning, coordination, and execution of cross-departmental projects by gathering data, maintaining documentation, facilitating collaboration, and helping to ensure timely project deliverables. 

  • Serve as systems support for designated data platforms by addressing user issues, troubleshooting technical problems, and coordinating internal ticketing processes for system change requests, enhancements, and bug fixes in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and vendors. 

  • Manage and provision access to organizational digital systems by creating, distributing, and maintaining user accounts and login credentials for internal platforms, project management systems, and data storage solutions. Ensure appropriate access levels based on role and data security protocols. 

  • Test data systems and applications to ensure they function as intended, identifying bugs, usability issues, and gaps in functionality; document findings and collaborate with developers or vendors to support improvements and enhancements. 

  • Assist in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data to support organizational reporting, evaluation, and strategic decision-making, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper documentation. 

  • Support the Knowledge Management & Learning Manager in data analysis by preparing datasets, conducting basic analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, and contributing to the development of insights that inform organizational learning and strategy. 

  • Support and collaborate in modifying database functionality and data reporting tools by gathering user feedback, identifying system improvement needs, and working with internal teams or external vendors to implement enhancements that improve usability and reporting accuracy. 

  • Collaborate with the Knowledge Management & Learning Manager to provide guidance and training on data governance norms, promoting organization-wide understanding and adherence to best practices in data integrity, security, and ethical data use. 

  • Promote a child-centered approach to information sharing by ensuring that data practices—both internal and external—respect the dignity, privacy, and rights of children, and align with the organization’s mission and ethical standards. 

  • Coordinate and develop training materials for staff on data & knowledge management best practices, ensuring that all materials are clear, accessible, and aligned with organizational standards to support continuous learning and effective data usage across teams. 

  • Support the management of a centralized hub that stores and organizes critical information, ensuring easy and efficient access for internal staff, and maintaining up-to-date resources that enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing across departments. 

  • Provide ongoing support to staff in the daily use of data systems, assisting with troubleshooting, answering questions, and ensuring users can effectively navigate and utilize systems to meet their operational needs. 

  • Encourage a culture of knowledge sharing across the organization by fostering collaboration, facilitating open communication, and promoting the use of shared resources and best practices to enhance collective learning and efficiency. 

  • Other duties as assigned 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

  • At least two years of post-high school experience 

  • Minimum one year of relevant data analysis experience 

  • Experience working in a non-profit setting and/or a mission-driven organization 

  • Highly collaborative and willing to work creatively as part of an interdisciplinary environment  

  • Detail oriented with strong time management and organization skills 

  • Desire to learn, both as an individual and as part of an organization, and apply diversity, equity, inclusion, and/or anti-racism principles 

  • Familiar with data collection/analytics software and tools 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • An undergraduate college degree 

  • Experience—lived, volunteer, or professional—with immigration matters 

  • Commitment to culturally relevant and equitable evaluation (CREE) approach 

  • Project management experience  

  • Proficient in Microsoft office products, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, Monday.com, and Tango 

  • Familiarity with ClientTrack and Salesforce; and willingness to learn new technology (programmatic data management platforms for volunteer and client data) 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

Physical demands include regular attendance, keyboarding, sitting for long periods (at least 5 hours a day), and driving. Ability to use computer, telephone, and copy machine. Ability to travel by plane, car and other conveyances within U.S. Occasional lifting for event setup/preparation. 

APPLICATION DETAILS 

The Young Center is an "at-will" and equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate in and affirmatively factors diversity into its hiring practices. Young Center encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, ancestry, marital or parental status, pregnancy, citizenship, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, genetic information, or veterans’ status. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process; no applicant will be penalized for requesting an accommodation. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application. 

$59,100 to $65,900 is the standard new hire range for this position ($65,020-$72,490 for those residing in the Los Angeles and DC metropolitan areas; $67,965-$75,785 for those residing in the NYC metropolitan area). Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to location and experience. The Young Center does not ask for prior pay history from our candidates and our offer-making process is negotiation-free for salaries and benefits. We offer our best possible salary based on relevant experience. The range listed is just one component of the Young Center’s total compensation package for employees. The Young Center provides excellent benefits, including health/dental/vision insurance (employee & dependents) at no cost to the employee, paid vacation, sick time, and a 401(k) plan with employer match. 

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Please apply on the Young Center website with a resume, three references, and a writing or policy brief sample.  

To learn more about the Young Center’s work, please visit www.TheYoungCenter.org. 

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