Data Visualization Specialist

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Mayor’s Office of Chief Counsel and PhillyStat360 is charged with providing Mayor Parker, her Chief of Staff, her Chief Deputy Mayors and her office with direct legal counsel while spearheading the Mayor’s initiative, PhillyStat360 which will provide line of sight and wrap-around integration for all city services to ensure that Philadelphians have a government they can see, touch and feel.

Key projects for the office include:

• Creating a system that provides timely and accurate information regarding the provision of city services.
• Developing an accountability and management model, based upon existing CompStat processes, that allows for the rapid deployment of City operational resources to address quality of life and community concerns by using effective tactics and strategies that are routinely reassessed for effectiveness.
• Implementing a sustainable system that provides for relentless follow-up and the authority to nimbly adjust and adapt strategies and tactics when necessary to ensure effective performance of city services and enhance community satisfaction so that Philadelphians have a government that they can see, touch, and feel.
• Counsel/PhillyStat360 will comprise a small, diverse, and nimble team whose members, collectively, have expertise and experience in domains including law, City operational departments, project and performance management, data analysis/data science, policy research and analysis, persuasion/communication, and engagement/collaboration. For most projects, the office will use a matrixed approach, pairing PhillyStat360 team members with those from City operational departments who have the specific expertise – ranging from human-centered design to user experience to digital services – needed for the project.

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Data Visualization Specialist is responsible for creating organizational value by combining exceptional analytical skills with knowledge of data visualization techniques to deliver actionable information, analyses and reports aligned to Performance Management objectives. This role works cooperatively with the PhillyStat360 team, OIT, and the City departments to understand program objectives and manage complex projects.

This position is responsible for working closely with the Chief Counsel/Director and their First Deputy to support implementation of processes and systems to maximize employee and City-wide performance on quality-of-life issues in an environment that promotes positive morale, equity, diversity and inclusion. This position will directly focus on City departmental delivery of services relating to quality-of-life concerns.

The Data Visualization Specialist may supervise the day-to-day work of associate data coordinators.

Essential Functions:

• Acquire data from multiple sources, both internal and external. Ensure data accuracy and integrity by cleaning and preprocessing data.
• Use appropriate statistical and geospatial analysis techniques to explore and identify patterns, trends, and correlations.
• Prepare and present reports, summaries, and recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Develop and test data-driven hypotheses to answer specific questions.
• Build predictive models, including regression, AI, machine learning, or time series models to forecast trends and outcomes.
• Work with database systems to retrieve, manipulate, and analyze data efficiently.
• Conduct training sessions and workshops to educate stakeholders on best practices for data visualization and dashboard usage.
• Stay abreast of latest features and updates in data visualization software and provide recommendations for adoption.
• Write SQL queries to extract relevant data.
• Utilize SQL queries to extract, clean, and transform data from various sources for analysis.
• Apply statistical techniques and predictive analytics using R and Python to derive insights from complex datasets.
• Conduct spatial analysis and create geographic visualizations using ArcGIS to identify patterns and trends in spatial data.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand data requirements and design customized dashboards tailored to their needs.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of dashboard data by regularly validating and updating data sources.
• Optimize dashboard performance and user experience by implementing best practices in design and usability.
• Design and develop interactive dashboards and visualizations using Tableau, PowerBI, and other industry-standard tools.
• Create visually compelling charts, graphs, and maps to effectively communicate key insights and findings to stakeholders.
• Generate automated reports and presentations for internal and external audiences, incorporating dynamic visualizations to enhance understanding.
• Ensure data security and compliance with data privacy regulations.
• Prepare standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure complete documentation of datasets, scripting routines, and workflows.
• Serve as Subject Matter Expert for agencies to ensure compliance with appropriate data management, integration, and sharing protocols.
• Participate in meetings and events within department, city and the greater data analytics community.
• Serves as primary liaison between employees to implement Office initiatives, policies, practices, and procedures as well as trouble shooting issues as they arise.
• Present reports at departmental meetings, informational sessions, and select conferences.
• Mentors, supervises, and evaluates subordinate staff and interns.
• Ensures compliance with standard operating procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Experience with Tableau and/or PowerBI applications for data visualization and analytics.
• Proficiency with R and/or Python, and SQL programming languages for data analysis and manipulation.
• Experience developing statistical methods and analyses, including predictive analytics, and correlation and regression models using appropriate statistical software tools.
• Familiarity with industry-standard data visualization and graphics tools for creating professional reports, presentations, web content, and educational materials.
• Proficiency in developing database query strategies from spatial and non-spatial relational databases.
• Knowledge of cloud services and data management principles.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements related to Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
• Experience using ESRI ArcGIS software suite to publish data and produce GIS applications.
• Proficiency in spatial data creation, editing, and maintenance using ESRI ArcGIS software.

Skills:

• Ability to effectively communicate complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong project planning, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships and collaborations while working independently and taking initiative.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proficiency in data analysis and manipulation using R, Python, SQL, and other relevant programming languages.
• Experience with data visualization and graphics tools for creating professional reports, presentations, web content, and educational materials.
• Ability to develop database query strategies to extract and manipulate data from spatial and non-spatial relational databases.
• Experience handling regulatory requirements related to PII.
• Proficiency in using ESRI ArcGIS software suite to publish data and produce GIS applications.
• Proficiency in spatial data creation, editing, and maintenance using ESRI ArcGIS software.

Abilities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines.
• Willingness to expand professional competency by taking advantage of appropriate continuing education and training opportunities.
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and methodologies in data analysis, visualization, and GIS.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve project goals and objectives.
• Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Science, Statistics, Data Science, Information Management, Geographic Information Systems, Urban Planning or a related field.
• Four or more years of relevant professional experience in data analysis, data visualization, and dashboard development, with demonstrated experience serving as a lead using various programming languages.
• Any additional education, certifications and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume and reference.

Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx