Policy & Data Analyst

The Policy & Data Analyst supports the Agency's programs and strategic initiatives by working closely with internal and external partners to collect, analyze, interpret, and report data that informs planning, decision-making, and continuous quality improvement. The ideal candidate can effectively communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences and has experience analyzing data in social services, public health, early care and education, or a related field.

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and report data to support program planning, policy development, performance measurement, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Develop reports, dashboards, presentations, and other data products that communicate findings and support decision-making.
• Maintain data systems, databases, and automated records while ensuring data quality and integrity; document analytic work, including data sources, query logic, and key assumptions to support team continuity and ensure work is reviewable and reusable by others.  
• Research, compile, validate, and integrate data from multiple sources to identify trends, measure outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations; coordinate on data integration workflows as needed.
• Partner with program staff to improve data collection processes, reporting practices, and the effective use of data across the Agency.
• Provide technical support, training, and guidance on data systems, reporting tools, and data management practices.
• Support ongoing enhancements to data systems, reporting processes, and analytical tools, including SQL-based automation of recurring reports and queries, to reduce manual processing and improve efficiency and organizational effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Additional experience and/or education can be substituted to meet typical qualifications. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible data evaluation experience and completion of a bachelor’s degree in data science, social sciences, health care, public health, public administration, or a closely related field.  

Additional relevant work experience may be substituted to meet the college coursework/bachelor's degree standard. 

Knowledge of:

• Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting methods.
• SQL and cloud-based data warehouse platforms (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery); database management, data quality, and validation practices; business intelligence and data visualization tools, particularly Tableau.
• Query development, data automation, and statistical reporting techniques; foundational understanding of ETL/ELT concepts and how data moves from source systems into a data warehouse environment.
• Program evaluation, performance measurement, and continuous improvement practices (such as Results Based Accountability or similar frameworks).
• Applicable laws, regulations, and best practices related to data management and privacy.
• Modern data systems and software used for analysis and reporting; AI-assisted analytic tools and their appropriate use in data workflows, including awareness of data privacy boundaries and the importance of human review of AI-generated outputs.
• Principles of effective customer service and professional communication.

Ability to:

• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data from multiple sources to support decision-making.
• Write SQL queries and develop Tableau dashboards, reports, and other data products that communicate meaningful insights to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain accurate data systems and ensure data quality and integrity.
• Research issues, identify trends, and develop practical recommendations.
• Explain technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while exercising sound judgment.
• Build effective working relationships and collaborate with staff across the Agency and external partners.
• Prepare clear, concise reports, correspondence, and presentations; use AI tools such as Claude responsibly to support analytic work while applying sound judgement to validate outputs and adhere to agency data privacy standards.

Please note: 

• We are currently working a hybrid 2 day per week in-office schedule and employees also come to the office to attend meetings and as requested. 
• All First 5 employees must live and work in California. 
• The salary range for this position is $94,500 to $136,000 and as an independent government agency, the posted salary is the set salary range for this position. We cannot offer salaries above this posted range.  
• We conduct reference and background checks for all potential employees. 

About First 5 Alameda County 

First 5 Alameda County believes every child in Alameda County should have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential. Through innovative programs and policy advocacy, we help provide children and their families access to resources that support their first five years of development. 

Join our mission-driven team that in partnership with the community, supports a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves peak years of child development. 

First 5 Alameda County Benefits 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package with health care options to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their families. These benefits include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, & Vision Coverage, $1,500 credit per year to spend on benefits, Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Employer Paid & Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Retirement Plans including the ACERA Pension Plan, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Plan and more. 

We also offer paid vacation, paid time off and sick time. We have 17 paid holidays including the week between Christmas Day and New Year's Day as paid time off.