Chief Research and Data Officer

Overview

The Department of Innovation and Technology is seeking a visionary leader to drive evidence-based decision-making and foster a culture of data-informed governance in the City of Boston.

 

The Chief Research and Data Officer will spearhead the mission of leveraging data, research, and analytics to enhance the quality of life for Boston's residents and optimize government operations. This role combines cutting-edge research methodologies, advanced data analysis techniques, and strategic performance improvement to address complex urban challenges and deliver superior outcomes for those who live, work, and visit Boston.

 

Our Research and Data team continues to broaden the lens used to inform decision-making in the City. Over the past few years, our team has:

• Supported departments with advice and guidance on how to measure the performance of programs, benchmark metrics, and research approaches to program delivery.
• Supported decision-making at all levels by promoting and developing problem-solving skills through training and development and building qualitative data tools that allow us to understand problems from a human perspective.
• Advised the Office of Management and Budget and other stakeholders to drive investments in the programs that have the biggest impact.
• Reviewed the literature, interpreted academic research on policy areas, and provided critical analysis of studies to make sure policymakers understand the quality and limitations of research.
• Built guidelines and standards for ethical and effective data governance and decision-making.
• Used the state of the art analytical methods to drive better outcomes for residents and employees.

 

The Chief Research and Data Officer will be an integral part of the Department of Innovation & Technology leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer. This role demands close collaboration with City departments, external partners, and the public to solidify Boston's position as a leader in data-driven and research-informed governance.

Responsibilities

Lead and Expand the Team

• Direct and manage an interdisciplinary team of data scientists, researchers, analysts, and project managers.
• Develop long-term research and data strategies aligned with City priorities.
• Cultivate a team culture that values rigorous research, innovative analysis, and impactful outcomes.

Drive Evidence-Based Performance Improvements

• Collaborate with City leaders to identify research opportunities and data-driven solutions for urban challenges.
• Design and implement comprehensive research projects to inform policy decisions and service delivery.
• Develop frameworks for translating research findings into actionable insights for City departments.
• Lead the integration of diverse data sources and research methodologies to provide a holistic understanding of complex issues.

Enhance Data and Research Infrastructure

• Oversee the evolution of the City's data warehouse and analytics platforms to support advanced research capabilities.
• Promote the adoption of rigorous research methodologies, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs.
• Expand the use of qualitative and mixed-methods research approaches to complement quantitative analyses.
• Ensure ethical standards in research practices, data collection, and analysis.

Foster a Culture of Evidence-Based Decision Making

• Develop training programs to enhance data literacy and research skills across City departments.
• Create systems for knowledge sharing and cross-departmental collaboration on research initiatives.
• Implement processes for integrating research findings into policy development and program design.

Expand Partnerships and Public Engagement

• Establish and manage partnerships with academic institutions, think tanks, and research organizations.
• Develop a civic research program that engages residents in the research process and disseminates findings to the public.
• Represent the City of Boston in national and international forums on urban research and data-driven governance.

Ensure Ethical and Responsible Data Use

• Develop and enforce policies for ethical data collection, storage, and usage.
• Implement best practices for data privacy, security, and responsible AI use.
• Lead initiatives to address potential biases in data and ensure equitable application of data-driven solutions.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Seven plus (7+) years of progressive leadership experience in research, data analytics, or related fields, preferably in government or urban contexts.
• A bachelor's