Data Scientist

Position Summary

The Data Scientist provides expert analytical and data science support to advance the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s mission to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for those living with it. This role applies statistical modeling, evaluation methods, and data visualization to inform program strategy, demonstrate funding impact, and support operational decision-making for NKFM’s CKD Dashboard. The contractor works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery of time-bound analytics projects and to strengthen data quality and reporting practices.

Major Responsibilities:

Subject Matter Expertise

• Serve as the goto expert in data science, analytics, and evaluation to provide guidance to staff and stakeholders specific to the CKD Dashboard.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices in analytics, responsible AI/ML, and public health data applications.
• Apply specialized knowledge to solve complex problems and develop innovative, missionaligned solutions.

Project Support

• Lead or contribute to analytics projects aligned with program, development, and operational priorities, ensuring objectives are met within established timelines.
• Partner with program teams to define questions, success metrics, and evaluation approaches for initiatives and grant requirements.
• Track progress against milestones and deliverables; proactively communicate risks, dependencies, and recommendations.

Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct thorough analysis of program, participant, screening, education, and operational datasets; interpret findings and provide actionable insights.
• Build and maintain dashboards and recurring reports (e.g., program outputs/outcomes, referral patterns, engagement, equity indicators) using tools such as Power BI/Tableau, or QlikSense.
• Prepare clear summaries, presentations, and documentation for leadership, funders, and external partners, translating technical results for nontechnical audiences.

Training & Development

• Develop and deliver training sessions to strengthen the data literacy of our Data Management staff and improve the effectiveness of their dashboard/report usage.
• Create and maintain guides, data dictionaries, and standard operating procedures for reporting and analytics workflows.
• Mentor staff on basic analytics practices when appropriate to build sustainable internal capability.

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve data collection, validation, integration, and reporting processes across programs and systems.
• Recommend practical solutions that enhance efficiency, repeatability, and accuracy, with a focus on nonprofit resource constraints.
• Document and standardize best practices to support continuity across contracts and project cycles.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure analytics work adheres to relevant regulations, standards, and NKFM policies related to privacy, security, and responsible data use.
• Implement quality checks for datasets, dashboards, and outputs; address data anomalies and implement corrective recommendations.
• Support audit readiness and funder reporting integrity through transparent methods and reproducible analyses.

Customer & Stakeholder Support

• Provide specialized support to internal customers and, as appropriate, external partners by answering data questions and resolving reporting issues.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with program, development, and leadership stakeholders.
• Represent the analytics function in meetings and presentations as needed.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, or equivalent experience. Advanced degree or relevant certifications preferred
• 5+ years of experience in data science, analytics, evaluation, or a related area of specialization
• Experience in a communitybased, public facing, nonprofit, or healthcare setting preferred
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in MS Office Suite and modern analytics tools
• Community health experience preferred

Competencies

• Indepth knowledge of healthcare systems and data, including program evaluation and outcomes measurement.
• Strong analytical and problemsolving skills; ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Python and/or R, SQL, and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and modern data workflows.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to translate technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Attention to detail and accuracy; commitment to ethical, responsible data use.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse groups.
• You are culturally competent: committed to diversity, equity and inclusion aligned with personal and professional values.

Working Conditions

• Remote or office environment depending on project needs; occasional requirements to attend offsite meetings or events.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; manage multiple priorities during highvolume periods.
• Some positions may require occasional travel.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (only if participating in onsite events).

Compensation and Benefits

The hourly rate range for this contractor position is commensurate with experience and will typically fall between $45 and $50 per hour, depending on technical expertise and project scope. This is an internal contractual position and is not eligible for NKFM employee benefits. Hours and contract duration are dependent on program funding and organizational priorities.

Who We Are

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is a mission-driven organization dedicated to preventing kidney disease and improving the quality of life for those living with it. We pride ourselves on our innovative health initiatives and impact on the people of Michigan. We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the best employees possible. Working for the NKFM provides a challenging, rewarding, educational, and supportive work environment with opportunities for professional and personal growth. Our workforce has been the key to the NKFM being named a four-star charity, each year since 2006 by Charity Navigator and a Platinum level charity by Candid.

More About Us

We welcome diversity and highly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law. Learn more at https://nkfm.org/about-us/employment/

About The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan

The National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is a mission-driven organization dedicated to preventing kidney disease and improving the quality of life for those living with it. We pride ourselves on our innovative health initiatives and impact on the people of Michigan. We are dedicated to recruiting and retaining the best employees possible. Working for the NKFM provides a challenging, rewarding, educational, and supportive work environment with opportunity for professional and personal growth. Our workforce has been the key to the NKFM being named a four-star charity, each year since 2006 by Charity Navigator and a Platinum level charity by Candid.