Data Analyst Lead

The Data Analyst Lead role with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health offers a unique opportunity to shape how data informs behavioral health services across the Commonwealth. In this position, you will lead advanced analytics that directly support critical systems of care, spanning inpatient, outpatient, community, forensic, and prevention services. You will work at the intersection of data, policy, and operations-transforming complex datasets into meaningful insights that drive quality improvement, strategic planning, and real-world outcomes for individuals and families served by DMH.

This role is ideal for a technically strong and strategically minded professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. You will partner with senior leadership, clinicians, and program teams to translate business questions into hypothesis-driven tests of statistical models in order to, influence decision-making at the highest levels. The position requires expertise with, and enthusiasm for, modern analytics tools and evolving technologies, including AI-assisted programming and data visualization. Candidates will find this role especially compelling if they are motivated by using modern data tools to generate hypothesis-driven data insights to improve public sector systems and advance equitable, high-quality behavioral health care.


Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Design and execute advanced, hypothesis-driven analyses to evaluate program performance, service utilization, quality outcomes, and operational efficiency across DMH services.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for system and process improvement.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, clinical teams, and program managers to translate business needs into technical specifications and analytic solutions.
• Lead analytic scoping sessions and guide stakeholders toward feasible, evidence-based approaches to complex business questions.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and analytic tools using business intelligence and statistical platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, R, Python, SAS, SQL).
• Present analytic findings and insights to non-technical audiences in a clear, concise, and actionable manner to support decision-making and policy development.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements, including HIPAA and other federal and state standards.
• Contribute to data governance efforts, including data quality assessments, metadata documentation, and standardization practices.
• Identify opportunities to modernize analytics processes through automation, innovation, and the use of emerging technologies, including AI-assisted tools.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to analysts and staff, while supporting cross-agency initiatives with partners across EOHHS and related organizations.

Required Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and ability to perform data analysis and apply query design principles, data visualization, and/or statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of data analytics and use of business intelligence and technical tools to source and organize data.
• Ability to problem solve, use deductive and inductive reasoning, and apply critical thinking skills to complex matters.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Capacity to use data analysis and business intelligence to interpret trends to support organizational activity.
• Ability to prepare recommendations, reports and revisions based on business data analytics.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with colleagues, superiors, and internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the methods of statistical report writing.
• Knowledge of project management and business planning.
• Ability to adapt to new tools and concepts in the field of Data Analytics.
• Ability to engage in effective communication by creating, preparing and presenting visual data appropriate to the audience.
• Capacity to sufficiently explain and caveat analyses to indicate circumstances or applications when results are likely to be biased or misleading.
• Ability to learn and apply advanced methodologies as necessitated by research question

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher with a major in Healthcare Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or related.
• 3+ years of employment experience utilizing modern analytics and data platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Python, R, Snowflake)
• Familiarity with healthcare economics, behavioral health, or public sector data systems and environments
• Knowledge of data privacy and security regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2
• Experience working with large, complex datasets in secure or cloud-based environments
• Experience with AI-assisted analytics or automation tools to enhance data workflows
• Experience with healthcare claims analysis

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.


Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io Ext. #4

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have (A) at least four years of full-time or equivalent part-time professional experience performing related duties that include business data recovery, analysis, query design, reporting and statistical analysis; or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitution below.

Substitutions:

I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience

II. A Master's degree or higher with a major in Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, Information Management, Statistics or a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience


Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.


Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.


An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.