Data Specialist
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
**Please attach a visual portfolio to your application – dashboards, data visualizations, user interfaces, or tools. All applications must have a portfolio to be considered.**
Who We Are:
We design places where people love to be together.
Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus: to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses, amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and pure joy shared in human moments.
We’ve designed and delivered some of the world's most memorable civic, sports and entertainment buildings, from iconic stadia to ground-breaking live music venues. Populous is where architects and designers of all kinds create moments bigger than ourselves. We offer the best of both worlds: the resources and impact of the design giants and the tightly knit atmosphere and growth opportunities of smaller firms.
But we don’t just design spaces – we design the tools that power strategic decisions behind them. Our digital team transforms complex data into experiences that drive design, strategy, and business performance.
What We Offer:
Professional & Personal Development Programs + Summer Hours + Hybrid Schedule + On-Site Gym + Paid Architect Licensure & Certifications Exams + Wedding Pay + Charitable Match Program + Market Leading Wellness Health and Welfare Benefits.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are seeking a talented and motivated Data Specialist who blends analytical thinking with visual communication and technical rigor. You will collaborate with architecture and operations teams to create dashboards, data tools, and user experiences that turn numbers into decisions.
This is not a passive reporting role – it is about making data clear, actionable, and engaging. You will be working in Power BI, Microsoft Power Platform, and server-based data environments to support stadium planning, scenario modeling, and strategic decision-making.
What Your Day Could Consist Of:
- Collaborate with architects, strategists, and business teams to create compelling, intuitive data tools.
- Design and deliver dashboards and reporting systems using Power BI and Power Platform (Power Apps/Power Automate.)
- Build tools that communicate design options, revenue impacts, and scenario modeling in a user-friendly format.
- Connect to and work within server0based SQL and cloud-hosted databases, ensuring data integrity, scalability, and performance.
- Support integration of large datasets from APIs, documents, and third-party tools.
- Translate KPIs into interactive visual experiences for internal and client use.
- Ensure user experience and visual clarity in every product delivery.
Requirements For Success:
- A strong portfolio of dashboards, apps, or visual storytelling tools (Power BI, Figma, web apps, or similar.)
- Hands-on experience with server-based technologies, including SQL Server, Azure SQL, or other enterprise data platforms.
- Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate.)
- Ability to transform raw data into actionable insights using Excel, Python, or JavaScript.
- Understanding of data modeling, integration, and performance optimization in server environments.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills – you are a bridge between data and people.
Essential Qualifications:
- Willing and able to relocate to Kansas City – this is a hybrid, in-office role.
- Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, HCI, Information Systems, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in a data or digital-focused role, preferably in a professional services environment.
- Experience with cloud and server-based data technologies.
- Passion for making data approachable, usable, and beautifully presented.
- Portfolio submission required for review.
Additional Information:
- Occasional overtime may be required.
- Occasional travel may be required.
**Please attach a visual portfolio to your application – dashboards, data visualizations, user interfaces, or tools. All applications must have a portfolio to be considered.**
Populous offers a competitive salary and bonus packages. We strive to offer our staff the best benefits package in the industry, at the lowest cost to employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k, FSA/HSA, paid time off and continuing education benefits. Populous is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
No. 1 Most Innovative Company in Architecture by Fast Company
No. 1 Firm in Cultural on Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Giants
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Cultural Facilities by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Convention Centers by BD+C
No. 1 Architecture Firm in Performing Arts and Concert Venues by BD+C
Instagram: @WeArePopulous
X: @Populous