Statewide Homeless Data Lead

General Summary

The Statewide Homeless Data Lead position is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and use of accurate, high-quality data to inform decisions across Maine’s homeless response system. This position plays a critical role in monitoring and analyzing hub-level data, improving the quality of by-name lists (BNLs), and aligning local data practices with state and federal standards. Working collaboratively with Homeless Hub Coordinators, service providers, and partners such as the Statewide Homeless Council (SHC) and Maine Continuum of Care (MCoC), this position leads efforts to strengthen data infrastructure, drive system improvements, and support Maine’s commitment to ending homelessness through data-informed strategies.

This position also serves as a key liaison to the HMIS Lead, MaineHousing, and the national Built for Zero initiative, helping align local efforts with best practices and ensure that data accurately reflects the lived experiences of people experiencing homelessness in Maine.

Essential Job Functions

• Support Homeless Service Hub Coordinators and core improvement teams in data activities, including timely and accurate data collection and case conferencing.
• Collaborate with providers working with subpopulations (e.g., youth, veterans, survivors of domestic violence) to ensure comprehensive data inclusion in by-name lists.
• Monitor and improve the quality and accuracy of the by-name list dataset by identifying discrepancies, facilitating data clean-up, and aligning data with real-world conditions.
• Lead and support HMIS data entry, including direct data entry and providing training, documentation, and technical assistance to community users.
• Troubleshoot and resolve data quality and systems-level issues by analyzing trends, identifying anomalies, and leveraging HMIS expertise.
• Develop and disseminate standard operating procedures (SOPs), data dictionaries, reporting protocols, and other documentation that standardizes community-wide data practices.
• Design and deliver trainings to build local data capacity and improve the overall community understanding of quality data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Generate and interpret recurring data products, including monthly inflow/outflow reports, Built for Zero metrics, and dashboards to support decision-making.
• Support strategic planning and policy development through data analysis and visualization in collaboration with state-level partners and local service providers.
• Participate in statewide data governance by attending MCoC and SHC meetings, contributing to outcomes and data committees, and acting as a point of contact for data-related inquiries.
• Identify needs and coordinate technical assistance with the HMIS Lead and MaineHousing to improve data systems, reporting tools, and workflows.
• Engage with national partners, including Built for Zero, to learn from peer communities and bring back tools, methods, and insights to Maine’s system.
• Analyze outcome data to evaluate whether interventions are achieving intended impacts and to identify broader system trends or shifts.

Other Responsibilities

• Represent the organization in community meetings, coalitions, and working groups.
• Contribute to cross-functional teams and special projects that support system-level improvements and organizational learning.
• Provide outstanding internal and external customer service in all communications and interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in data science, public health, social work, public policy, sociology, or a related field. A minimum of 3–5 years of experience in a data-focused role within social services, homeless services, or public health. Advanced degree preferred.

Required Skills and Experience

• Deep understanding of data systems used in social service or homeless response settings, especially HMIS.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret and communicate data clearly.
• Proficiency in data reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI) and experience analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and improve complex systems and processes.
• Experience developing training materials and conducting technical assistance sessions for diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across sectors and facilitate consensus around data practices and system improvements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and adapt to evolving priorities.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not currently supervise other staff.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers. A valid driver’s license, verifiable auto insurance, cell phone, and use of a personal vehicle required. We are focused on creating connections within the Southern Maine community. Our current hybrid model is focused on doing just that. This position requires at least 24 hours per week creating connections. Examples of creating connections include office time, external meetings/gatherings, training, volunteer engagement events, and even a cup of coffee with an internal/external partner. This is a statewide role and will require connecting with partners around the state virtually and in person as needed. In person meetings at Maine Housing will be expected during training and on an as needed basis.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, lift up to 25 pounds, and use hands to operate a computer and related office equipment.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position may require long hours including early morning meetings, evening events, and weekend work during peak times

Travel

Local travel within Maine may be required. Some out-of-state travel may be required for training, conferences, or meetings with national partners.

Other Duties

Please note: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Accepting resumes till October 17th. Please submit a cover letter and resume to hr@uwsme.org.