Data Operations Specialist (Remote)

About The Position

The Data Operations Specialist supports the integrity, accessibility, and operational use of organizational data across systems and platforms. This role is responsible for coordinating with data owners to maintain data pipelines and databases, ensuring data quality and compliance, supporting reporting and analytics needs, and partnering with cross-functional teams to optimize data workflows and enable data-driven decision-making.

This is a full time remote position that will be assigned to our corporate office in Bethesda, MD. Remote work is authorized for this position, preferably in the DC, MD, VA (NCR) area.

Salary Range

$55,000 - $62,000. Salaries are determined based on several factors including external market data, internal equity, and the candidate’s related knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachler’s degree in Data Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 0-2 years of experience in data operations, data management, systems administration, or analytics support.
• Proficiency with data tools such as Excel (advanced), SQL, or equivalent.
• Experience working with enterprise systems.
• Strong understanding of data structures, relational databases, and ETL concepts.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Experience in federal research, government contracting, grants management, or healthcare data environments.
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks and concepts (e.g., lineage, stewardship, quality rules).
• Exposure to cloud data environments (Azure, AWS, Snowflake, etc.).
• Basic scripting experience (Python, R, PowerShell, etc.).
• Data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Understanding of compliance frameworks: HIPAA, CUI, FISMA, NIST standards.

Key Competencies

• Data accuracy and quality mindset
• Systems and process orientation
• Ability to translate technical issues to non-technical users
• Strong documentation and communication skills
• Continuous improvement and curiosity mindset
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities

Responsibilities

Data Management & Integrity

• Maintain, validate, and reconcile data across enterprise systems and platforms.
• Perform routine data audits, reconciliation, and integrity checks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Develop and enforce data standards, naming conventions, and metadata practices in alignment with organizational policies.
• Support data documentation, version control, and audit readiness.

Data Operations & Workflow Support

• Monitor and support data pipelines, integrations, and automated processes between platforms.
• Troubleshoot data issues, conduct root-cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions to minimize recurring errors.
• Document data processes, workflows, and system configuration to support scalability and cross-team knowledge transfer.
• Partner with operational teams to identify and improve inefficient or manual data workflows.

Reporting & Analytics Enablement

• Collaborate with Office of Strategy and Impact (OSI) to prepare clean, validated datasets for dashboards, KPIs, and operational reporting.
• Assist with the development of data models, ETL processes, and reporting logic required for organizational insights.
• Support data requests from internal teams, ensuring proper access, security, and compliance.

Compliance & Security

• Ensure data handling aligns with federal, sponsor, and internal compliance requirements (e.g., NIST 800-171, HIPAA, CUI, DoD data governance).
• Partner with cybersecurity and information governance colleagues to maintain secure data environments and role-based access controls.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work collaboratively across IGS, departmental, and analytics teams to maintain accurate, validated data and ensure that operational and technical requirements are effectively aligned and continue to provide value back to the end user.
• Provide user support and training on data tools, dashboards, and system best practices.
• Participate in organizational data governance working groups or committees as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between technical and non‑technical users to translate data issues and solutions.