Senior Data Analyst

Description:

About Missing Link Security

Missing Link Security (MLS) is a trusted government contractor with a mission to secure the nation’s information by increasing awareness, countering threats, mitigating risks, and enforcing compliance. Our professionals are passionate about protecting our country, communities, and information systems while delivering innovation and excellence across federal programs.

If you are an experienced Senior Data Analyst seeking to make a measurable impact in national education and child development programs, MLS invites you to join our dynamic, mission-driven team.

Company: Missing Link Security (MLS)
Location: Remote – DMV Area Preferred
Clearance Required: Public Trust
Travel: Up to 5%

Position Overview

The Senior Data Analyst will support the Head Start Monitoring System, a nationwide initiative administered by the Office of Head Start (OHS) under the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

This role combines advanced data analytics, technical system oversight, and operational security expertise to enhance program visibility, accountability, and performance outcomes. You will lead analytical projects, design and optimize data systems, and deliver insights that inform decisions across Head Start’s national portfolio of early childhood education programs.

Position Description: Senior Data Analyst

Our team is seeking a data analyst with experience—or a strong interest—in early childhood education or social services. You will join a collaborative data and analytics team supporting the Head Start Monitoring System. We seek an outstanding critical thinker with experience in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating data in the context of education, who possesses strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to continuous process improvement.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, plan, and conduct qualitative and quantitative data analyses aligned with the priorities of the Office of Head Start, focusing on factors impacting quality in early childhood education and policy trends.
• Oversee data quality control processes, including data cleaning, structuring, and validation.
• Analyze, interpret, and report on qualitative and quantitative data; produce clear, concise, and accessible reports and products for diverse stakeholders (e.g., grantees, federal staff, Congress).
• Develop and present comprehensive data reports, PowerPoint presentations, and data dashboards.
• Maintain and update detailed specifications, workflows, and standardized procedures to support team collaboration, process consistency, replication, and quality control.
• Design and implement performance measurement frameworks and reliability systems.
• Manage complex project tasks and mentor junior staff.
• Deliver high-quality work under tight timeframes.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience.
• Experience and subject-matter knowledge in early childhood, elementary, and/or secondary education.
• Proven ability to conceptualize and manage multiple complex data analyses.
• Proficiency with SQL, Python, or similar programming languages.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data requests into actionable analysis plans.
• Strong writing and presentation skills, with experience producing high-impact deliverables such as data reports, presentations, issue briefs, memos, and data visualizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of early childhood education systems, particularly Head Start and Early Head Start program monitoring, management, operations, or the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Experience supporting early childhood education quality improvement initiatives, including Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS), professional development systems, early learning guidelines, child assessment, state prekindergarten, and other early childhood programs and initiatives.
• Familiarity with key federal early childhood laws, policies, and regulations.
• Experience developing data dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

Missing Link Security does not discriminate in employment opportunities, terms, and conditions of employment, or practices on the basis of race, age, gender, religious or political beliefs, national origin or heritage, disability, sexual orientation, or any characteristic protected by law.