Senior Program Specialist, Multistate Data Collaborative

Job Description

Senior Program Specialist, Multistate Data Collaborative

Background on NASWA   

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering the unemployment insurance (UI), veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.  

Position Overview

The Multistate Data Collaborative (MSDC) is looking for a collaborative, detail-oriented Senior Program Specialist to join its lean, high-impact team. This role focuses on state engagement and operations execution, serving as a day-to-day point of contact for member states, coordinating meetings and events, and keeping projects, contacts, and data on track. The Senior Program Specialist will also support state-level policy innovation by contributing to policy briefs and stakeholder materials and helping design and implement learning opportunities for MSDC members. Additionally, this position will provide project management support for specific engagements, in conjunction with contractors, and support day-to-day operations and outreach for NASWA’s Workforce & Labor Market Information Committee.

The Senior Program Specialist is expected to operate independently and take ownership of specific parts of the MSDC’s growing portfolio. You’ll be instrumental in helping the MSDC stay organized, keep member states engaged, and develop resources and learning opportunities that provide value to the entire network.

Background on the Multistate Data Collaborative  

The Multistate Data Collaborative (MSDC) is a dynamic and innovative enterprise dedicated to bringing state agency leaders together across sectors and state boundaries to harness the power of data for enhancing public policies and practices. The MSDC works in critical areas such as workforce development, education, human services, and corrections. By facilitating cross-sector, data-informed decision-making, MSDC supports states in improving outcomes for their communities. Its mission is to create a collaborative environment where state agency data leaders and program administrators use administrative data to shape more effective, equitable, and efficient public services.

Roles and Responsibilities  

• Serve as a primary point of contact for MSDC member states and members of NASWA’s Workforce & Labor Market Information Committee, building and maintaining relationships with state agency staff and leadership.
• Conduct policy research and analysis on cross-sector issues relevant to MSDC members, with a focus on workforce and labor market information, human services, education, and corrections.
• Collaborate with state agency staff and MSDC leadership to identify common themes, challenges, and promising practices across states.
• Design and facilitate peer learning activities, webinars, and workshops.
• Develop policy memos, briefs, playbooks, and summary documents translating data and research findings into actionable insights for public-sector audiences.
• Track state and federal policy developments relevant to MSDC’s work and advise the team on implications for strategic priorities.
• Organize and synthesize stakeholder feedback and learning agenda inputs from member states.
• Coordinate meeting and event logistics for convenings, webinars, and workshops, including scheduling, materials preparation, note-taking, and follow-up.
• Maintain and update contact lists, project trackers, and data systems to support member engagement, grant reporting, and stakeholder communications.
• Contribute to grant planning, proposal development, and reporting.

Required Competencies and Experience   

• 3-5 years of experience in a public policy, research, government, or state/local association role, ideally related to workforce, education, human services, or corrections.
• Interest in and aptitude for growing into research, policy analysis, and workforce and labor market information (LMI) expertise over time.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor content for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency with common productivity, scheduling, and data-tracking tools (e.g., Microsoft Office/365, CRM or contact-management systems, project trackers).

Relevant Experience Preferred   

• 4+ years of progressively responsible experience in a comparable role.
• Familiarity with workforce and labor market information (LMI) data systems or sources.
• Experience working with state agencies, national policy organizations, or philanthropic partners.
• Experience supporting collaborative initiatives, working groups, or communities of practice.
• Familiarity with evaluation or applied research methods (quantitative and/or qualitative).
• Experience coordinating meetings, conferences, or member/stakeholder events.

Education   

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, sociology, economics, political science, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree or additional relevant experience preferred.

Job Details   

Location: Remote/U.S. Based  

Reports to:   Senior Manager, Multistate Data Collaborative

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range:  $70,000 - $90,000 commensurate with experience.  

Please Note: NASWA is funded, in part, by multi-year grants. This position is supported in part by grant funding currently secured through October 31, 2027. Continued grant-funded activities beyond this date will be subject to future funding availability.

Benefits: NASWA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer retirement contributions through our 401(k) plan; educational assistance; paid annual and sick leave; and additional benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

Travel:     Estimated 3-5 trips per year

How to Apply:   Please send resume and cover letter to View email address on ziprecruiter.com. Position posting will close on November 13, 2026.

Employment Opportunity Statement  

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.  

NASWA is an equal opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.