Role Overview & Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Public Health Data Scientist serves as the organization's principal subject matter expert on population-level health and community conditions data. The role supports measurement of MHM's long-term strategic impact and systems-change influence and synthesizes complex information into meaningful reports that inform strategy, advance health equity, and guide organizational decision-making.

Salary

The annual salary rate begins at $83, 423. Mid range at $106, 365. Actual starting rate will be commensurate with experience and education.

Scope and Impact

This role leads organizational efforts related to public health data, including the development and maintenance of major data systems such as the Community Conditions Dashboard. Responsibilities span MHM's entire 74-county service area, influencing organizational strategy, Board-level decision-making, and cross-sector partnerships. The position manages multiple projects simultaneously and collaborates widely across departments and with external partners.

Decision-Making Authority

The Public Health Data Scientist operates with significant independence in data analysis, interpretation, development of recommendations, and creation of data tools and algorithms. The role provides expert guidance to leaders, influences strategic decisions, and ensures high-quality data governance. The position also oversees external data contracts and recommends adoption of new tools, indicators, and methodologies.

Interactions / Working Relationships

The position collaborates frequently with internal departments, the Strategy & Impact team, senior leadership, the MHM Board of Directors, external organizations, community partners, persons with lived experience, grassroots organizations, patients, and clients. Interactions include data collection, interpretation, presentations, project coordination, and cross-functional strategic alignment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Serve as MHM's lead expert for population-level health and community conditions data (20%).

Measure long-term strategic impact and systems-change influence, including forecasting opportunities and barriers (10%).

Develop, manage, and analyze large, complex data sets, including statistical modeling, algorithm development, and data mining (15%).

Create data visualizations, dashboards, maps, and communication products, including maintaining the Community Conditions Dashboard (10%).

Synthesize insights to inform strategy and recommendations for leadership and the Board, presenting complex information to varied audiences (10%).

Identify, recommend, and monitor new community indicators and data sources while applying an equity lens (10%).

Lead or support data projects across the organization, providing guidance on collection, interpretation, and reporting (10%).

Manage data quality, develop new procedures, implement software, and train stakeholders to improve data workflows (10%).

Collaborate with internal and external partners, convening groups, developing deliverables, and supporting strategic planning (3%).

Conduct special research and rapid-response data requests for leadership and the Board (2%).

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others, but it does provide subject matter leadership, project coordination, and guidance across departments

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Master's degree in Social/Behavioral Sciences, Public Health, or related field.
• Licenses/Certifications: None required.
• Experience:
• Five years of experience with statistical analysis and secondary population-level data.
• Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis and producing data visualizations.
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge:
• Knowledge of data visualization tools; strong analytical, conceptual, organizational and change-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Ability to translate complex analyses to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in a related field.
• Five years of community development, public health, research, or nonprofit experience.
• Experience addressing health disparities and working with underserved populations.
• Strategic planning, organizational development, change management, and evaluation experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred).
• Familiarity with Vital Conditions, SDoH, root causes of health inequities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Collaboration, facilitation, and cross-functional coordination
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Strategic and systems-level thinking
• Communication (written, verbal, and data translation)
• Creativity and problem solving
• Relationship building and influencing skills
• Ability to design and manage workflows
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills
• Equity-centered analytical mindset

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (required).
• Spanish bilingual preferred.
• Ability to explain technical terms to audiences with varying knowledge levels.

Technology and Tools

• Data analysis & visualization tools (multiple types; GIS mapping highly preferred)
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Internet research tools
• Ability to customize toolbars, embed data, and create advanced reports
• Experience implementing new software and managing data workflows

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Typical work setting: Office, field, and travel across MHM's 74-county service area; some evening/weekend work required.
• Travel expectations: Up to 15% within the service area; potential out-of-state travel.
• Physical requirements: Bending, stooping, twisting, walking, climbing step stools, standing/sitting for periods, lifting up to 25 pounds.
• Driving: Must maintain a valid driver's license, vehicle access, and auto insurance.