Lead Data Steward (Operations & Policy Analyst 3)

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care is excited to announce a permanent opening for a Lead Data Steward (Operations & Policy Analyst 3). This role will shape how the agency manages, protects, and shares its most valuable asset, data! In this role, you will lead and support Data Stewards, drive the development of agency-wide data policies & procedures, and serve as a data analyst and architect for critical DELC data. You will influence data standards, coordinate governance committees, and ensure compliance with statewide requirements, all while helping DELC harness high-quality, reliable data to inform decisions and improve outcomes for Oregon’s children and families. 

Please note, the anticipated start date for this position is January 5th, 2026. 

This position will work a hybrid schedule of working both in the office and at an alternate location (home). In office work is expected once per month, or as needed, reporting to our office in Salem. 

Do you have questions about the role or application process? Join us for a virtual Informational Session on Wednesday, November 12th, from 12:00PM – 12:30PM (PDT). Speak directly with the hiring manager, learn more about the position, and get your questions answered! You're welcome to join the informational session at any time, but we highly recommend joining us right at 12PM. This will help ensure the manager can share all the key details just once and leave plenty of time to answer everyone's questions. We look forward to connecting with you! Save the link below to use on the day of the session and feel free to share it with others who may be interested. [Use this link to attend the meeting on the 12th] 

The informational session will be conducted using TEAMS. If you're new to TEAMS or joining from a mobile device, check out these instructions beforehand. We look forward to connecting with you! 

About the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC): 

At DELC, we are dedicated to helping Oregon’s young children and families learn and thrive. As the state agency responsible for early learning programs, child care licensing, and family support services, we play a crucial role in shaping the future of Oregon’s children from birth to kindergarten. 

We administer state-funded early learning programs, including home visiting and site-based infant, toddler, and preschool services. We also develop coordinated systems through Early Learning Hubs and collaborate with Child Care Resource and Referral organizations to provide training, coaching, and quality improvement opportunities for early learning providers. 

With over 275,000 young children in Oregon, we have a unique opportunity to transform early childhood support systems, creating a brighter future for families across the state. Research shows that investing in early childhood has lifelong benefits, and now is your chance to be part of an agency making a lasting impact for generations to come. 

Why Join Our Team? We are passionate about equity in early childhood education. At DELC, we value dedication, integrity, and collective wisdom, fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace where all employees can thrive. We challenge ourselves to lead with courage, refine practices, and drive meaningful change for children and families statewide. 

What We Offer: 

• Comprehensive Benefits: Low-cost medical, vision, and dental coverage for you and your family, plus optional benefits like life and disability insurance, deferred compensation, and flexible spending accounts. 

• Work-Life Balance: 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 1 special day, monthly sick leave, and vacation accruals that increase every 5 years. 

• Student Loan Forgiveness: Potential federal loan forgiveness after 120 qualifying payments. 

• Inclusive Culture: A diverse, welcoming workplace committed to equity and continuous improvement. 

Our Commitment to Equity: Equity is at the heart of our mission. We strive to remove barriers, foster inclusiveness, and create meaningful change for underrepresented communities. Our goal is to ensure all DELC employees, child care providers and the children and families we support thrive. If you are ready to make a difference and help shape Oregon’s future, we would love to have you on our team! 

What you will do: 

This role serves as DELC’s central hub for data governance, providing leadership, guidance, and coordination across the agency’s data management efforts. You will provide guidance to Data Stewards, support the development and implementation of data policies and standards, and ensure compliance with state Open Data requirements. This position also coordinates governance committees, tracks key data assets, and advises staff on best practices for data quality, security, and sharing, helping DELC use data effectively to support decision-making and program outcomes. 

To view a complete job description, click here 

What we are looking for (minimum qualifications): 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business or Public Administration, Computer Science, Finance, or related degree; and four years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work in data analysis, database design, coding, or general data management. OR; 

• Any combination of experience and education equivalent to seven years of professional level in: data analysis, database design, coding, or general data management. 

In addition, we are looking for applicants that have the following Desired Attributes (requested skills): 

• Experience leading or supporting data governance, program monitoring, or data quality monitoring; providing training to staff or external partners on data governance.

• Knowledge of data management best practices, data modeling principles and/or Open Data requirements.

• Experience using SQL, Python, or R for data cleaning and analysis; familiarity with BI tools such as Power BI or Tableau; and working with data warehouses like Snowflake or similar platforms. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports and policy guidance for both technical and non-technical groups.  

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices in program and data work. 

The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Candidates of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as bilingual/multicultural individuals, are encouraged to apply. 

To Apply: 

The screening of candidates will be based on a review of an attached resume (limit to two pages). While a cover letter is not required, it is highly encouraged. If you submit a cover letter, please tailor it to the position and address your experience with the desired attributes listed above. Candidates whose backgrounds most closely match the desired attributes and experience section as outlined in this announcement will be invited to interview. For helpful tips on putting together your application materials and interviewing, visit our Resources for Job Seekers page.