DATA AND RESEARCH ANALYST - 72071

Executive Service

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Background Check:

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position. A Motor Vehicle Records screening will be conducted prior to employment.

Who we are and what we do:

The Department of Disability and Aging supports people to live the lives they envision for themselves by ensuring people can exercise rights, engage with the community and experience optimal health. At DDA, we are responsible for administration and oversight of services and supports for more than 1.5 million older adults and Tennesseans with disabilities.

Job Overview:

The Policy and Research Analyst, based within the Program Operations Division, supports the development, evaluation, and management of programmatic policies and initiatives serving individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. This position plays a key role in gathering and analyzing information, tracking policy trends, and producing clear, well-organized reports to guide decision-making. The Analyst will assist in drafting policy recommendations, conducting research, and maintaining accurate program data This role collaborates with internal teams, service providers, and community partners to support the implementation and management of policy programs that are effective, compliant, and aligned with the organizations goals and priorities. The Analyst will also contribute to program evaluations, help prepare materials for leadership and external partners, and support special projects that improve service delivery and operational efficiency. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills who is ready to apply their education and experience to support the mission of improving outcomes for individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Policy Development & Management Develop, review, and update policies and procedures for DDA Operations to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
2. Support program leadership in implementing new policies and initiatives, including stakeholder communications and training.
3. Research & Analysis Conduct research to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
4. Compile, analyze, and interpret data from multiple sources, including internal program data, state reports, and national studies.
5. Prepare briefing papers, policy summaries, and evidence-based recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.
6. Program Evaluation & Reporting.
7. Track key performance indicators for ID/DD programs and prepare regular reports for senior leadership and oversight bodies.
8. Coordinate with data systems teams to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of program data.
9. Assist in developing evaluation frameworks to measure the impact of policy changes and program initiatives.
10. Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration.
11. Collaborate with state agencies, advocacy groups, providers, and families to gather input and share policy updates.
12. Represent the agency at meetings, work groups, and conferences related to ID/DD policies and programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of full-time professional staff administrative experience or related work.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in business administration, Public Administration, Public Policy, or a related field. Experience in lieu of education will be considered on a year-for-year basis. Minimum of 3 years of experience in policy analysis, research, program coordination, or related administrative work. Strong skills in data review, interpretation, and reporting for decision-making. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint; ability to learn and adapt to new technology tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.