State launches review of data job classifications to recruit and retain analytics talent

The Data Analysis Technology Advisory Board opened a review of state job classifications for data, analytics and GIS roles on Oct. 25, 2025, with the stated aim of diagnosing barriers to recruitment and retention and proposing actionable recommendations.

Vanessa Reineke, an intern working on the project, summarized initial findings from the comptroller’s open payroll dataset: “there are just shy of 1,600 employees with jobs containing the tags research, data, info, and IT,” spread across 47 agencies and 93 different job titles. The board identified this fragmentation as an impediment to creating clear, competitive job series for data professionals.

Board members discussed approaches taken by other states. Staff cited Oregon’s model, in which a large set of existing data positions was consolidated into a smaller number of broader categories to clarify career paths and hiring expectations. Members suggested multiple strategies to bolster capacity: updating job descriptions, building partnerships with HR to improve resume screening and interview processes, adding internships and fellowships, and using contracts or public‑private partnerships to fill short‑term needs.

Thad Demkowski (DOT) asked staff to review the initial resume‑filtering process to ensure qualified candidates aren’t being eliminated before hiring managers see them. Board members also noted existing partnerships with higher education and local data programs that could be leveraged to augment staffing.

Staff said they will continue data collection, meet with agencies to identify specific classification problems and obstacles to hiring, and aim to present recommendations by next spring. No formal action was taken.