Data Analyst

Overview

This role calls for a versatile analyst who can work across several areas at once: engaging with stakeholders to define practical problems, identifying the right data sources, and turning findings into clear recommendations. The position relies heavily on R and Python for deeper analysis and the creation of easy-to-understand visual outputs. Because the work is highly visible to external leaders, strong reports and presentations will play a major role in influencing practice and improving outcomes. The analyst will also have the opportunity to help shape new work streams and expand the team’s reach.

Foster Insights is an emerging organization that supports child welfare agencies and their partners in using data to improve outcomes for children and families. Through practical analytics and tools for agency leaders and staff, the organization aims to help children in foster care stay connected to their families and communities whenever possible. With a rapidly growing client base, the team is looking for people who are comfortable taking on varied responsibilities and helping build the organization from the ground up.

Digital Harbor Foundation works to advance learning, creativity, productivity, and community through education, with a vision of digital equity for all. Guided by the belief that access to opportunity is a basic right, the organization combines bold but practical action with design thinking, data analysis, collective impact, and a commitment to racial equity.

Responsibilities

• Partner with child welfare system leaders, including state directors, NGO executives, and program staff, to deliver meaningful analytical support.
• Turn research findings into clear written outputs such as reports, presentations, and supporting documentation with practical recommendations for policy and program improvements.
• Use literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, and exploratory analysis to identify root causes behind challenges in child welfare systems.
• Convert complicated datasets into formats that can be analyzed using tools such as R and Python.
• Develop clean, transparent, and maintainable code while using version control tools like Git.
• Apply statistical methods to large datasets to uncover trends, patterns, and actionable insights.
• Create and present data visualizations using suitable statistical and visualization packages.
• Collaborate with internal teammates and external partners to communicate insights and move solutions forward.
• Provide technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Maintain and analyze data, conduct literature reviews, and assist with reports, manuscripts, and other project documents.
• Take on other related duties as required.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science, computer science, economics, or a closely related discipline.
• Practical experience handling, cleaning, and analyzing data.
• Experience building data visualizations.
• Exposure to large datasets in a public policy or social services setting.
• Strong working knowledge of R.
• Familiarity with AWS GovCloud.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to align external stakeholder needs with high-quality deliverables.
• Strong organizational habits and careful attention to detail, especially when working with data.
• Professional judgment, tact, discretion, and a service-oriented mindset.
• Ability to manage several priorities at the same time, meet deadlines, and work independently with self-motivation.
• Strong critical thinking skills, including the ability to spot improvements and recommend effective changes.
• Solid analytical ability and a track record of producing useful insights with limited guidance.
• Comfort working independently and as part of a team.
• Applicants must be able to provide a resume, a 2–3 minute introductory video, and a short written response describing a time they used data to investigate a real-world problem; a portfolio link is optional.

Perks

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 100% of employee premiums and 85% of dependent premiums covered.
• Pre-tax HSA with a monthly employer contribution of $365.
• Pre-tax FSA option.
• Paid accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid basic life insurance.
• Optional supplemental life insurance for the employee, spouse, and dependent children.
• Pet insurance options, including Total Pet Plan and supplemental Wishbone coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program focused on health and wellness.
• Wellness reimbursement support.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% matching.
• 15 days of paid time off each year, increasing to 20 days after the third anniversary and 25 days after the sixth anniversary.
• 16 paid holidays each year, including 14 standard holidays and 2 flexible holidays, with Dec 25 to Jan 1 included.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave for mothers and fathers after the first year, for two weeks.

Additional Information

This is a fully remote position, though occasional travel may be needed for in-person meetings and to support job responsibilities. The team is primarily based in Chicago. Initial interviews will be held virtually. This opportunity is aligned with the mission and values of Digital Harbor and Foster Insights, and the employers are committed equal opportunity employers. The posting also notes that the job description is not exhaustive and that duties may change with or without notice. Compensation for the role is $70,000 per year.

Eligibility

Professionals with the required background in data analysis and related fields who can work remotely and participate in occasional travel for in-person meetings may apply. The role is intended for candidates who are aligned with the mission and values of the organizations and are comfortable contributing in a fast-moving, collaborative environment.