Salary: $163,500.00 - $173,472.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Tumwater, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number:Department: Dept. of Corrections
Division: BEST - Research & Data Analytics
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: 7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
DescriptionChief Data OfficerFull Time | PermanentLocation: Headquarters | Tumwater, WASalary Range: $163,500 - $173,472 AnnuallyIn this role, you will provide executive leadership for the department's data management, research, program evaluation, and analytics functions. You will oversee the development and execution of complex, scientifically rigorous research and analytical initiatives that inform programmatic, operational, and budgetary decisions across the agency. By establishing sound data governance practices and aligning analytical resources with agency priorities, you will help ensure that decisions are evidence-based and focused on improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals and those under community supervision.
Serving as the department's Chief Data Officer, you will act as the principal strategist and subject matter expert on the management and utilization of DOC's data assets. This position requires exceptional leadership, communication, and partnership skills to successfully guide enterprise data initiatives, develop innovative analytical approaches, and translate complex information into actionable insights for executive leaders and stakeholders. You will lead all phases of research and evaluation activities, including methodology development, data architecture and requirements, analysis, reporting, and the communication of findings to diverse audiences.
As a trusted advisor and representative of the agency, you will engage with the Office of the Governor, the Office of Financial Management, the Legislature, agency and community partners, and other external stakeholders on matters related to data strategy, research, and performance improvement. Through the responsible stewardship of public resources and a commitment to evidence-based decision making, you will help shape policies and practices that enhance public safety and advance DOC's mission.
Reporting directly to the Assistant Secretary of Business, Enterprise, and Strategic Transformation (BEST), this position serves as a member of both the Program Leadership Team and the Extended Leadership Team, providing executive-level leadership and contributing to the department's strategic direction and long-term success.
A completed application packet will include:- A cover letter regarding your interest in this position with our agency
- A detailed resume
- Three professional references
DutiesWe are looking for teammates who share our vision of public service and are committed to an equitable and inclusive culture that fosters and inspires excellence, while promoting innovation, engagement, and safety, leading to better outcomes for our incarcerated population, our agency, and our community.
As a
Chief Data Officer, some of your duties will include:
- Working with executive leadership to establish the vision for managing data as a business asset - to maximize the return on data assets
- Establishing the strategic direction for building the department's data management program and optimizing how the business uses data
- Defining and oversight of how the department prioritizes, maintains, and applies data and information to support the strategic plan and business processes
- Determining the department's data governance strategy, including overseeing data policies, data consistency, procedures, standards, and roles
- Developing processes for how the agency prioritizes, maintains, and presents data and information to measure performance
- Identifying new kinds, types and sources of data to enable business innovation throughout the organization
- Collaborating with the Chief Information Officer to understand the information technology infrastructure and the investments needed to address business needs, how IT and RDA can partner to solve business problems, and to align strategies for achieving long-term goals
- Collaborating with the Chief Information Security Officer to create policies and controls for the appropriate protection of information assets
- Ensuring the department is adhering to external regulations on data utilization, reporting, and distribution
- Allocating resources to work that align with DOC's strategic plan, assist with decision making, and result in improved outcomes
- Defining scope, goals, and objectives for complex research studies, with prioritization to internally conduct research and evaluation studies with substantial impact to DOC
- Ensuring all research and evaluation projects (internal and external, large and small-scale) are approved by the Washington State Institutional Review Board (WSIRB)
- Ensuring all projects involving research and/or data sharing involve a legal contract to protect DOC interests
- Ensures RDA produces valid, rigorous, professionally-sound, policy-relevant, information in simple, digestible formats
- Managing projects to ensure timely, on-budget completion of quality products that directly inform decisions
- Evaluating and recommending research and grants partnerships based on alignment with DOC priorities, the strength, rigor, and policy/practice impact of the proposal, expertise of the applicant, and available resources
- Providing technical advice and consultation to members of the PLT, ELT, and other key stakeholders requiring correctional data to inform decisions
- Providing consultation and senior-level analytical support to DOC's implementation of Results Washington and Results DOC with valid, consistent, and timely data
QualificationsWhat we need (required qualifications):- A Ph.D. in Social, Criminal Justice, or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
AND- Two (2) years of experience conducting policy- relevant data analysis in a public sector setting
OR- A Master's degree in Social, Criminal Justice or Behavioral Sciences, or a related field from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
AND- Four (4) years of experience conducting policy-relevant data analyses in a public sector setting.
OR- A High School Diploma or GED
AND- Ten (10) years of experience conducting policy - relevant data analysis in a public sector setting.
In addition to the above education/experience the below knowledge, skills and/or abilities are required:
- Two (2) years of experience supervising a research/analytics team
- Advanced experience in SAS, SPSS, or other advanced statistical analysis software
- Advanced training in multi-variate statistical methods and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Ability to define goals, analyze information, formulate logical and objective conclusions, recognize alternatives, and make recommendations to provide reliable professionally-sound, scientifically valid advice and consultation to senior level leadership to help guide program, policy, and budget decisions
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication, and public speaking skills. Ability to present complex ideas and information to a variety of internal and external audiences - both in written and presentation format - using plain talk principles
- Ability to supervise, coach, and mentor staff members
- Fosters an environment of supported learning
- Ability to plan, lead, organize, and control the work performed by RDA
- Assuring appropriate and optimum use of RDA's resources and enhance the effectiveness of staff through professional development opportunities
- Ability to work directly and collaboratively with the Department Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretaries, and other senior executives, external stakeholders, and internal staff at all levels across the Department on research, program evaluation, data analysis, and data management activities
- Demonstrated critical and applied quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
- Able to break down, sort, and synthesize information, identify key messages and central themes, form accurate conclusions about the meaning of the information, display through clear charts and graphics, and develop appropriate action steps and recommendations
What will make your application stand out (preferred qualifications): - Ph.D. or Master's degree in social, Criminal Justice or Behavioral Science or related field recognized by the Dept. of Education and Council of Higher Education (CHEA)
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to create systemic and long-term efficiencies through the application of LEAN principles
Supplemental Information 
