Data Science at DHS

　　At Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), our mission is to improve the welfare of the County's most vulnerable residents. We operate, influence, and fund essential services worth over $1 billion that more than 200,000 residents depend on each year, including treatment for mental health and addiction, homeless housing, and child and older adult protective services. Over the past 20 years, we have built a national reputation for being on the cutting edge of state and local governments using analytics and technology to deliver more effective and efficient public services. While we know much more about the use of analytics and software than when we first started, we still have much to learn. Above all, we are convinced that there remain significant opportunities for data and technology to improve the lives of our clients, and for DHS to extend its leadership role in inspiring governments to make similar investments.

　　Chief Data Scientist Role

　　We're hiring for our first Chief Data Scientist to build a data science team from scratch across machine learning, economics, optimization, and UX design, attracting top-tier talent to tackle mission-critical social issues using our nationally recognized, integrated human services data in partnership with world-class academics. The seniority, scope, and autonomy of the role reflects our belief that data science and technology will shape the future success of the department. As Chief Data Scientist, you will be a player-coach capable of setting research priorities, hiring and mentoring talent, and providing hands-on instruction and technical guidance to maintain high quality for our work. You will need a strong technical track record (e.g., Ph.D. in quantitative social sciences or industry experience), experience building and implementing statistical models, and proven results leading teams. You will partner closely with our 40-person Analytics team, Technology team, program managers, and senior leadership to define priorities, scope new solutions, and deliver results that materially improve clients' lives.

　　We are looking for someone who:

　　Can recruit top-tier technical talent. Nothing will shape the team's success more than the people we attract. Can mentor, motivate, and coach data scientists and UX designers. We expect our leaders to invest in and grow talented individual contributors. Has the technical depth to play an editor-in-chief role on our work. You must be able to contribute to scientific and methodological conversations on machine learning, causal inference, and optimization. Can balance methodological rigor with simplicity and time-to-market considerations. Works backwards from the clients needs to ensure that each piece of work the team produces answers the "So what?" question. Has a track record of applied research. We are particularly interested in experience building scalable, repeatable models that become automated scientific products for decision making. Can set the research and model development roadmap, working closely with counterparts in Analytics, Technology, program offices, and senior leadership roles. Has a Ph.D. in economics, statistics, computer science, or related field, or industry experience building and deploying machine learning and causal models.

　　Application

　　Resume and/or LinkedIn profile 1-2 page written document on your interest in the role

　　"DHS strives to be the kind of place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come to grow and do their best work."

　　-From the organization's statement on Equity and Inclusion

　　AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D