Data Strategist & Analytics Specialist

About the role

<p>SMX is seeking an experienced Data Strategist &amp; Analytics Specialist to serve as the primary data authority for our organization's Theater/Tactical Mission Network (TMN) operations. This individual will be responsible for the full data lifecycle — from sourcing and validation through workflow design and strategic planning — ensuring that data assets are accurate, actionable, and efficiently utilized across all supported units and subcontractor deliverables.</p> <p><strong>This position requires an active DoD Secret clearance with Top Secret SCI eligibility which requires US citizenship for work on DoD contracts.</strong></p> <p><strong>Essential Duties &amp; Responsibilities:</strong></p> <p>Data Source Validation</p> <ul> <li>Evaluate, vet, and validate data sources for accuracy, reliability, completeness, and relevance to mission requirements.</li> <li>Conduct structured assessments of data providers to determine operational and analytical value, and provide go/no-go recommendations to leadership.</li> <li>Maintain a registry of approved, conditional, and rejected data sources with supporting rationale.</li> </ul> <p>Data Visualization Review (DVR) Oversight</p> <ul> <li>Review and quality-assure Data Visualization Review (DVR) products created by subcontractors in response to supported unit Requests for Information (RFIs).</li> <li>Assess DVR deliverables against defined standards for accuracy, design fidelity, analytical integrity, and alignment with the originating RFI.</li> <li>Provide written feedback, approval, or rejection of subcontractor products, and coordinate revisions as needed.</li> </ul> <p>TMN Data Strategy Development</p> <ul> <li>Develop, document, and maintain a comprehensive TMN Data Strategy that aligns data collection, management, and dissemination practices with organizational and mission objectives.</li> <li>Identify capability gaps in current data infrastructure and recommend improvements.</li> <li>Establish data governance frameworks including ownership, stewardship, quality standards, and lifecycle policies.</li> </ul> <p>Data Usage &amp; Utilization Efficiency</p> <ul> <li>Analyze current data usage patterns and identify redundancies, inefficiencies, and underutilized assets across the organization.</li> <li>Implement best practices to maximize the value extracted from existing data resources while reducing waste and duplication.</li> <li>Collaborate with supported units and internal stakeholders to align data consumption with operational priorities.</li> </ul> <p>Data Workflow Design &amp; Implementation</p> <ul> <li>Design, document, and optimize end-to-end data workflows, including ingestion, processing, storage, access, and dissemination pipelines.</li> <li>Standardize workflow procedures to ensure repeatability, traceability, and quality control across all data operations.</li> <li>Work with technical teams to automate or streamline manual data processes where feasible.</li> </ul> <p>Data Provider Evaluation</p> <ul> <li>Conduct structured evaluations of current and prospective data providers to assess the value, reliability, and mission relevance of their offerings.</li> <li>Develop and apply a repeatable provider assessment methodology, including criteria such as data freshness, coverage, accuracy, licensing, and cost-benefit analysis.</li> <li>Produce provider validation reports and present findings and recommendations to decision-makers.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Required Skills/Experience:</strong></p> <ul> <li>&nbsp;Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Information Systems, Operations Research, Computer Science, or a related field (Master's preferred).</li> <li>5+ years of experience in data analysis, data management, or a related discipline, preferably in a defense, intelligence, or government contracting environment.</li> <li>Demonstrated experience reviewing and evaluating data products or visualizations for technical accuracy and analytical quality.</li> <li>Strong understanding of

Skills