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Data Systems Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Data & Systems Specialist is responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing data and business processes for NWF's mission-critical supporter systems. This role is a vital resource for ...

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IT & Automation Systems Specialist Onsite | Full-Time | Direct Hire | Excellent Benefits | $74,000 ... Support user access, operational software, and production data systems. * Mentor maintenance ...

Documenting known issues, solutions, configuration items, data integrations, and system information will also be required. The System Specialist will work within the Enterprise Application Services ...

Documenting known issues, solutions, configuration items, data integrations, and system information will also be required. The System Specialist will work within the Enterprise Application Services ...

$80K - $100K/yr

The Systems Specialist will develop solutions driven by requirements and supported by data to include statistical analysis, research design and decision support in order to improve decision making ...

The Systems Specialist will develop solutions driven by requirements and supported by data to include statistical analysis, research design and decision support in order to improve decision making ...

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Grant Systems Specialist

Rockville, MD ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

This role will provide technical expertise in grant reporting systems, data collection tools, and performance tracking. The Grant Systems Specialist will work closely with federal staff and grant ...

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Data Systems Specialist information

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$36K

$68.4K

$116K

How much do data systems specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for data systems specialist in the United States is $68,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a data systems specialist?

A Data Systems Specialist is a professional responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing data management systems within an organization. They ensure that databases and data systems operate efficiently, securely, and are tailored to meet business needs. Their duties often include data integration, troubleshooting, data quality assurance, and supporting users with technical issues. Data Systems Specialists may also assist with data migration, backups, and implementing new technologies to improve data workflows.

How does a data systems specialist typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Data Systems Specialist regularly works alongside teams such as IT, analytics, operations, and management to ensure data flows efficiently and securely across systems. They often serve as a bridge between technical and non-technical staff, translating business requirements into data solutions and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as the role frequently involves gathering feedback from end users, coordinating with software vendors, and supporting cross-functional projects to optimize or upgrade data infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data systems specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Systems Specialist, you need expertise in database management, data integration, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with SQL, ETL tools, data warehousing platforms, and relevant certifications such as Microsoft or Oracle database credentials is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and ensure data accuracy. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining reliable data systems, enabling informed business decisions, and supporting organizational data needs.

What is the difference between Data Systems Specialist vs Data Analyst?

AspectData Systems SpecialistData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or related field; certifications like CompTIA Data+ or Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst AssociateBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related; certifications like Microsoft Data Analyst Associate or Tableau Desktop Specialist
Work EnvironmentIT departments, data management teams, technical support rolesBusiness units, marketing, finance, reporting teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, healthcare, finance, government agenciesRetail, marketing, finance, consulting firms

While both roles involve working with data, Data Systems Specialists focus on managing and maintaining data infrastructure and systems, ensuring data integrity and security. Data Analysts interpret data to generate insights and support decision-making. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Are data systems specialists in high demand?

Data Systems Specialists are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on data management and technology infrastructure across industries. They often require skills in database management, systems analysis, and familiarity with tools like SQL and cloud platforms, making their expertise valuable in many organizations.
More about Data Systems Specialist jobs

What cities are hiring for Data Systems Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Data Systems Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Data Systems Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Data Systems Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Data Systems Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,438 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Data & Systems Specialist

NWF

Reston, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.
To support our mission, we are seeking a Data & Systems Specialist to join our Data & Technology Department. This role works at the intersection of data, systems, and stakeholder support. The Data & Systems Specialist is responsible for managing, maintaining, and optimizing data and business processes for NWF's mission-critical supporter systems. This role is a vital resource for system users, developers, project managers, data analysts, and vendors. They work with stakeholders to ensure alignment with the organization's fundraising, engagement, programmatic, and operational goals. They provide user support, manage process documentation, and execute training plans to enhance user adoption and optimization. The Data & Systems Specialist plays a key role in ensuring the data hygiene, data governance, and integrity of our supporter systems. The person in this role is expected to be proactive, detail-oriented, and an effective communicator. The Data & Systems Specialist will be part of the Data & Systems team and report to the Senior Manager of System Strategy & Projects.
Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility):
System Administration
  • Serve as primary administrator for the CRM database (currently Microsoft Dynamics). Configure fields, forms, views, automations, reports, dashboards, and user security permissions.
  • Troubleshoot system issues and partner with key stakeholders to identify and deploy practical solutions.
  • Execute system improvements and upgrades in collaboration with system users, developers, project managers, data analysts, and vendors.
  • Create and perform quality assurance testing scripts related to functionality enhancements or bug fixes.
  • Build queries and run reports to distribute to system stakeholders.
  • Serve as a backup for NWF's Data Operations Manager to perform key functions when coverage is needed.

User Support and Training
  • Manage the CRM support inbox, acting as primary point of contact for CRM-related questions and feedback.
  • Provide hands-on support to CRM users, addressing database questions, data inquiries, technical issues, and ensuring efficient and effective system utilization.
  • Regularly meet with CRM super users and gather feedback to improve functionality and data processes.
  • Develop and deliver optimized help documentation, training sessions, user surveys, and newsletter communications.
  • Create and maintain documentation related to system usage, processes, and connections across systems.

Data Hygiene and Data Governance
  • Manage NWF's Data Protection inbox to resolve data privacy and data removal requests from our supporters.
  • Monitor and manage data integrity tasks for NWF's supporter data. Conduct regular data integrity checks to identify and resolve any data issues.
  • Perform data management tasks such as data imports, exports, appends, and merges.
  • Research, develop, and maintain data governance policies for NWF's supporter data, ensuring compliance with applicable organization and policy standards.

Collaboration and Strategy
  • Partner with cross-functional teams and data owners (e.g. development, fundraising, legal, marketing, and operations) to align system capabilities with organizational requirements.
  • Develop and implement strategies for improving operational efficiency, such as streamlining processes, eliminating redundancies, and elevating system capabilities.
  • Collaborate with data owners and the Data Strategy team to ensure system configuration allows for seamless analytics and reporting.
  • Help evaluate and adopt emerging technologies - including AI-powered tools - to enhance productivity.

Qualifications:
Skills and Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to troubleshoot creatively and critically think through implications beyond what is immediately apparent.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a positive outlook.
  • Excellent communication skills. Comfortable sharing technical concepts in a way everyone can understand.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Flexibility, reliability, determination, and a sense of humor.
  • A passion for continuous improvement and learning new technologies. Willingness to adapt to changing organizational needs and proactively seek solutions.
  • The employee's actions are expected to reflect the values of the National Wildlife Federation.

Minimum Experience
  • 2+ years experience in an administrator role for an enterprise CRM (Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, Blackbaud CRM).
  • 2+ years experience serving as a support contact for CRM users, technical staff, and vendors.
  • 2+ years experience implementing data hygiene best practices, crafting data governance principles, and performing data integrity tasks.
  • 2+ years experience conducting data imports, exports, and validation activities for enterprise systems.

Preferred Experience
  • Knowledge of nonprofit operations, including donor database management, fundraising campaigns, and program delivery.
  • Experience with Salesforce nonprofit applications or Salesforce Administrator certification.
  • Experience implementing system data integrations and APIs.
  • Experience with Tableau or a similar reporting platform.
  • Experience working with complex data sets in SQL Server.

Minimum Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

pplicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation's required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.
Travel Requirements:
There may be 1-10 travel days per year to attend conferences and perform field office visits.
Location and Work Mode:
This position will be based in Reston, Virginia. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work hybrid or fully remote to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers
Physical Requirements of the Job:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience.
We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America's best small employers! We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling. We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting. We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.
We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health:
  • Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member - including pets), and 11 holidays
  • We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
  • Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
  • Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options - all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
  • Therapist available at no cost
  • Pet insurance and discount perk program
  • Annual wellbeing allowance

In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances:
  • Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
  • Annual year end retirement contribution
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
  • Pet adoption stipend
  • Student Loan management

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation's benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.
Application:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. NWF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.
For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers
We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Whether you're new to the field, returning to work after a gap in your employment, or are taking the next step in your career path, if you believe you could excel in this role we encourage you to apply! Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. To be eligible for this role you must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S.
Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at hrhelp@nwf.org or 703-438-6244.
If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.