Director of Data & Performance

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Data & Performance serves as the City’s leader for data-informed decision-making, organizational performance, analytics, and data strategy. The Director leads the Data & Performance division, including the City’s GIS and Business Analytics teams, and manages a citywide portfolio that connects performance management, data governance, program and policy evaluation, process improvement, and emerging technology. Working closely with executive leadership, department directors, and partners across the City, the Director translates complex information into action, helps shape priorities and investments, and builds the systems, practices, and capabilities that improve City operations and outcomes for residents.

You’re the right fit for the position if:

• You translate complex problems and information into practical, actionable strategies.
• You move comfortably between executive conversations, operational details, and technical discussions.
• You build trust, bring people together, and influence across teams even when you do not have direct authority.
• You balance strategic thinking with practical execution and can lead through ambiguity and change.
• You are energized by helping others use data, technology, and continuous improvement to deliver better results.

The position reports to the Chief Innovation Officer and is part of the Department of Innovation & Technology. I&T is a nationally recognized government technology and innovation team working at the intersection of digital transformation, analytics, resident experience, and organizational performance. Team members partner directly with City leaders and departments to solve meaningful community challenges, modernize services, and improve quality of life for South Bend residents. Candidates who thrive in the Department bring curiosity, sound judgment, a customer-service mindset, and a commitment to learning. Learn more about the Department here: .

As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are called upon to serve in a manner that supports our core values: Excellence, Accountability, Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment as you carry out our primary employee expectations: champion values & organizational pride, champion operational excellence, make sound decisions, embrace coaching and accountability, communicate with excellence, value diverse people and perspectives, embrace personal development, exhibit a positive attitude and own your health, wellness & safety.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Applicable

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This list represents the types of duties required by the position. Other duties may be assigned as reasonably expected:

• Lead, manage, and develop the Data & Performance division, including the Business Analytics and GIS teams.
• Lead the City’s data and performance portfolio, aligning analytics, GIS, data governance, and emerging technologies with organizational priorities.
• Advise executive leadership and department leaders by translating data, research, and operational insights into clear recommendations, priorities, and investment decisions.
• Lead the City’s performance management program and strengthen how department leadership set goals, measure progress, evaluate results, and act on findings.
• Partner across departments to evaluate City operations, programs, services, and policies and identify opportunities for actionable improvement.
• Establish and maintain standards for data governance, quality, integrity, access, documentation, privacy, and responsible use.
• Guide the discovery and selection of technology platforms, analytics tools, automation, and artificial intelligence capabilities that improve City operations and resident services.
• Facilitate organizational change using human-centered design, service design, process improvement, and continuous improvement methods.
• Manage a portfolio of complex, cross-functional initiatives; set priorities, allocate team capacity, monitor risks and outcomes, and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Build data literacy and organizational capability by developing practical tools, standards, training, and partnerships that help City teams make better decisions.

NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

Perform other duties and assume other responsibilities as apparent or as assigned.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty in a satisfactory manner. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in public administration, business, analytics, data science, statistics, information management, social science, public policy, organizational improvement, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in analytics, performance management, organizational improvement, public-sector innovation, consulting, program evaluation, or a related field.
• Experience leading teams, major initiatives, or complex cross-functional projects from strategy through implementation.
• Experience advising leaders and communicating complex information, risks, and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships, facilitate decision-making, and guide stakeholders through change.
• Experience in local government, public service, civic technology, or a mission-driven organization is preferred but not required.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strategic leadership, sound judgment, and the ability to connect long-term direction with practical execution.
• Strong people leadership, coaching, project and portfolio management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, facilitation, written communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, executive leaders, elected officials, community partners, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to influence without direct authority, align diverse stakeholders, manage change, and navigate competing demands.
• Working knowledge of data governance, performance measurement, program evaluation, data management, privacy, and responsible data use.
• Familiarity with GIS platforms such as Esri; analytics methods and tools such as SQL or Python; and business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau.
• Familiarity with automation, artificial intelligence, database systems, human-centered design, service design, or continuous improvement methods is preferred.
• Ability to build organizational capability through clear standards, practical guidance, training, and coaching.
• Ability to work with sensitive information and apply appropriate safeguards for privacy, security, and confidentiality.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:

Valid Driver’s license required.

EQUIPMENT:

Desktop computer or laptop, telephone, fax, copy machine, scanner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office setting with moderate inside temperatures. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office. Entire office is smoke free.

This position is based in South Bend, Indiana. This position is eligible for hybrid work in the Department of Innovation & Technology, as long as engagement with city teams and work performance remains high.

DISCLAIMER:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at will employer.

REQUIRED:

• Pre-Employment Drug Screen
• Employee Background check

Essential Duty: Uphold Core Values

All employees of the City of South Bend are expected to uphold and actively demonstrate the City's Core Values in their daily work, which are summarized below:

• Excellence – Deliver high-quality service and strive for continuous improvement.
• Accountability – Take ownership of responsibilities and outcomes.
• Innovation – Seek creative solutions and embrace new ideas.
• Inclusion – Promote a respectful, equitable, and welcoming environment.
• Empowerment – Support and encourage others to grow and succeed.

This duty is fundamental to fostering a positive workplace culture and delivering exceptional public service. These values shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire our work every day.