Data Associate, PolicyMap, The Reinvestment Fund

Posted by on July 30, 2012

The Reinvestment Fund’s online data analysis and mapping service group, PolicyMap, is currently recruiting for a Data Associate.

To apply please mail, email, or fax resume with cover letter, salary requirement and research and/or writing sample by August 17, 2012, to: Human Resources, The Reinvestment Fund , 1700 Market Street, 19th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103 / hr@trfund.com / 215-574-5900 fax

The Reinvestment Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. TRF does not discriminate in hiring or employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, national origin, non-job related disability, or status as a veteran. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

PolicyMap is The Reinvestment Fund’s national online mapping tool and platform that provides users with the ability to easily create maps, tables, chart and reports. What began as solely a mapping tool has grown into a platform from which our clients leverage data and access their own instances of the mapping interface—either through maps on their websites or through proprietary site licenses. Launched in 2008, we now have over 300 clients, including agencies of the Federal Government, Fortune 500 companies, major universities, non-profits, real estate firms, and the media. In our first four years, our team has built a tool with comprehensive data and features, and has established a sizable market presence. We are now seeking an additional Data Associate for our data development team. The PolicyMap team has a collaborative approach to work that emphasizes independence and work ownership. The 3-person data team is agile, creative, and uses the best tools and approaches at hand for each task.

TRF has long recognized that information drives change in all sectors: public, private, and civic — and that getting that information has not always been simple or efficient. Data and analytics need to be reliable, consistent, and relevant. They need to be readily accessible. And they need to be responsive to the issues public and civic organizations are trying to understand. Changes in technology and the advent of online mapping applications are creating a new opportunity for the public and civic sectors to increase their ability to use and share good data and analytics to inform decisions.

Applications will be accepted through August 17, 2012.

SUMMARY:

The PolicyMap Data Associate will be a member of a team responsible for acquiring, processing, updating, and maintaining datasets. The Data Associate will have direct contact with PolicyMap clients and potential clients and be responsible for interpreting clients’ needs and providing assistance with their dataset preparation. The Data Associate will also have an active role in quality assurance of the PolicyMap site, including testing of beta products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Set Processing

·         Research and procure large and small public, proprietary, and subscriber datasets

·         Process data using MS Access and ArcGIS

·         Communicate with development team to ensure data appears properly in PolicyMap

·         Author documentation of process and dataset indicators

·         Provide validation and quality assurance of datasets

Client Services

·         Assist and advise clients with preparation of their subscriber dataset and separate mapping interface or site license

·         Maintain client contact throughout entire process

Other

·         Participate in testing beta versions

·         Provide quality assurance for datasets and client deliverables

·         Brainstorm with team about new functionality and site improvements

·         Contribute to biweekly blog postings

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

·         Bachelor’s degree required

·         Master’s Degree and/or 2 year’s commensurate work experience preferred (can include internships)

·         Experience in applied social research and/or community development

·         Strong technical and compositional writing skills

·         Experience using U.S. Census data

·         Experience working with data in spreadsheets, statistical software, and GIS

·         Experience working with ArcGIS

·         Experience in database development and management a plus

·         Experience working with Access, SQL, or other databases a plus

·         Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

COMPETENCIES:

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

·         Ownership/Accountability – Actively manages work and issues through to completion.

·         Customer Service – Understands and manages customer expectations.

·         Initiative – Anticipates and communicates challenges and opportunities.

·         Commitment – Demonstrates sense of passion and urgency for work, mission and organization.

·         Adaptability – Sees opportunity and risk for continuous improvement.

·         Efficiency and Productivity – Determines priorities and allocates time and focus accordingly.

·         Professional/Technical Expertise – Understands and applies technical/procedural knowledge of job.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

TRF offers a competitive salary based on experience and skills, as well as an excellent benefits package including employer-paid health, disability and life insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, and transportation), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, and EAP program.