Data Storytelling Specialist

Job Title: Data Analyst 

Reports to: Executive Director

Job Type: Contract  

Jurisdictions Served: 

Counties/Cities: Caroline, Culpeper, City of Fredericksburg, King George, Loudoun, Fauquier, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Prince William, Stafford, and Spotsylvania 



Foundation First (FF) is an innovative, results-oriented agency that serves as a non-partisan steward and capacity builder for increasing quality, access, and affordability within the Ready Region North Central Area (RRNC). FF/RRNC forges public and private partnerships on the priorities to levels of coordination, accountability, and family engagement to early education programs in every community in the Commonwealth. 

Position Summary 

We are seeking a Data Storytelling Specialist be responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing data to help drive informed business decisions. The Data Analyst will work closely with the Executive Director and Coordinator Team to identify data needs, interpret data trends, and present realistic actionable insights. A Data Storytelling Specialist in Early Childhood plays a critical role in translating complex data into compelling narratives that support data-driven decision-making and advocate for impactful early childhood initiatives. This position is ideal for individuals passionate about using data to tell stories that resonate with educators, policymakers, and families. 

Core Functions of FF/Ready Region North Central:

✓ Strengthening quality. We will ensure all components are in place to coordinate quality measurement and guide improvement in publicly funded classrooms as part of VQB5. 

✓ Building relationships. We will engage with regional leaders to facilitate buy-in for shared accountability and benefit. 

✓ Increasing access. We will build and strengthen better processes to help parents learn about and access ECCE programs in their community while helping ECCE providers connect with families. 

✓ Engaging families. We will establish and strengthen strategies and structures to ensure family engagement. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Data Collection and Analysis 
• Gather, analyze, and interpret data related to early childhood program outcomes, enrollment, family engagement, and community needs. 
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection. 

Narrative Development 

• Create compelling, insightful narratives from quantitative and qualitative data that highlight successes, challenges, and areas of need within early childhood programs. 
• Translate data into easy-to-understand visuals, infographics, and reports that engage various stakeholders, including educators, families, policymakers, and funders. 

Dashboard and Report Design 

• Design and maintain data dashboards that track key metrics, supporting ongoing monitoring of program quality, family engagement, and child development outcomes. 
• Develop visually appealing and impactful reports tailored to specific audiences, incorporating charts, graphs, and other data visualizations. 

Stakeholder Collaboration 

• Partner with community task forces, family councils, superintendents, and local organizations to ensure that data stories align with community needs and initiatives. 
• Present data findings and stories in meetings, conferences, and workshops to support grant requirements, funding proposals, and policy advocacy. 

Training and Support 

• Conduct training sessions for staff and community partners on interpreting data, using dashboards, and understanding data-informed storytelling. 
• Provide technical support for data-related inquiries and help build data literacy across the organization. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of data storytelling methods and strategies, implementing enhancements as needed. 
• Stay updated with data visualization tools, storytelling techniques, and early childhood policy trends to refine storytelling approaches. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Early Childhood Education, Communications, or related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Experience: 3 years in data analysis, storytelling, or a related role, with experience in early childhood education or nonprofits highly desirable. 
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS), and familiarity with early childhood data sets. 
• Communication Skills: Exceptional storytelling and presentation abilities; able to convey complex information in accessible, engaging ways. 
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities with experience translating data insights into action items and impactful narratives. 

Key Competencies: 

• Storytelling and Visualization: Skilled at crafting data-driven narratives that inspire and inform stakeholders. 
• Attention to Detail: Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and clarity in data interpretation. 
• Collaboration and Engagement: Comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, including community members, educators, and families. 
• Adaptability: Able to navigate changing data requirements and shift storytelling strategies to meet evolving needs.

TRAVEL: All employees must be able to provide their own transportation around the Ready Regions 

North Central area to early childhood facilities and across the state for meetings and trainings. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Foundation First employees will work in multiple settings to include by not limited to in an RRNC area office, within an ECE program with staff/families, or remotely in their own office at home. Further guidance will be provided upon onboarding to current policies.