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Job Analysis:
The Data Visualization Specialist role at the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development focuses on transforming complex, multifaceted datasets related to community safety—such as gun violence trends and other safety indicators—into clear, accessible visual narratives that inform decision-making and public programming. Beyond simply generating charts or maps, this position demands a thorough understanding of data acquisition, cleaning, integration, and advanced spatial analysis using tools like ArcGIS. The specialist must bridge the gap between raw data and diverse audiences by translating scientific and analytical findings into compelling stories that resonate with both technical stakeholders and community members. This requires not only strong technical skills but also the ability to communicate with empathy and clarity. Given the public-sector context, the candidate is expected to navigate the nuances of social science and public health data, contend with noisy or incomplete datasets, and anticipate how data visualization can support policy goals. Success in this role means fostering trust, enabling actionable insights for community-based organizations, and supporting the agency’s broader safety initiatives through persuasive, data-driven storytelling. The required qualifications highlight a strong academic foundation in physical, biological, environmental, or social sciences combined with practical research experience, underscoring the role's analytical rigor and the need for methodological robustness. The ability to work independently yet collaboratively, manage complex datasets, and produce outputs within a politically and socially sensitive framework will define effectiveness in the first year.
Company Analysis:
Lensa operates as a cutting-edge career technology company with a mission centered on simplifying and personalizing the job search experience through sophisticated machine learning and data-driven matching tools. Although the Data Visualization Specialist role is embedded within a New York City government agency (DYCD), it is sourced through Lensa’s platform, reflecting the company’s reach across sectors and its commitment to meaningful workforce placement. Lensa’s culture likely reflects innovation, efficiency, and a strong data orientation, given its technological foundation and emphasis on matching candidates to roles aligned with their skills and personalities. For the candidate, this means benefiting from and contributing to an ecosystem that values precision, continuous improvement, and impact measurement—skills that align well with DYCD’s goals of addressing complex social challenges with evidence-based solutions. The candidate will function at the intersection of public service and data science, within a hierarchical government structure but influenced by a tech-enabled recruitment process from Lensa, which points to a hybrid dynamic of institutional stability and innovation-driven agility. The role itself is strategically vital to the City's efforts to reduce violence and support community development, aligning analytical capabilities with social impact. Candidates who thrive will be those who understand the political and social context, can navigate multiple stakeholder perspectives, and are motivated by public service values, while also embracing data as a transformative tool for empowerment and change.
