NASWA is seeking a Business Analyst to support its State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) program. This role provides comprehensive program support to states and employers/third-party administrators (TPAs) that are current or prospective SIDES users.
Background on NASWAThe National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, D.C. and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, and business services, in addition to administering unemployment insurance (UI), veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.
Background on SIDESThe Unemployment Insurance (UI) State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) allows for the electronic transmission of information requests from UI agencies to employers and/or third-party administrators (TPAs), as well as transmission of replies containing the requested information back to the UI agencies.
SIDES was developed through a strategic partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and a five-state consortium of Unemployment Insurance (UI) agencies. The SIDES system provides a secure electronic infrastructure with a single point of connection, which is used and valued by state UI agencies and employers. SIDES uses nationally standardized data formats to facilitate the exchange of information necessary for the administration of state UI laws. These electronic data exchanges support timely and proper payment of unemployment benefits, prevent and detect improper payments, and reduce administrative costs.
Overview of PositionNASWA is seeking a Business Analyst to support its State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) program. This role provides comprehensive program support to states and employers/third-party administrators (TPAs) that are current or prospective SIDES users.
Key responsibilities include documenting detailed business requirements for SIDES exchanges, creating step-by-step test cases for E-Response, and analyzing response trends to identify gaps, delays, or improper payment risks.
The Business Analyst partners closely with the SIDES technical analyst, state UI business teams, project management staff, and private-sector stakeholders to support the promotion, implementation, and ongoing operation of SIDES data exchanges.
Roles and Responsibilities- Requirements Gathering: Lead the collection and documentation of business requirements through interviews, workshops, and surveys to inform project scope and objectives. Independently evaluate states’ current business processes and suggest ways SIDES integration could be implemented effectively. Lead requirements gathering sessions for new SIDES exchanges or rewrites.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engage with stakeholders to gather and document business requirements, ensuring that all perspectives are considered in the analysis. Assist states in developing business processes around new SIDES exchanges. Actively engage with states to implement programs with the goal of reducing the separation IPPR and increasing employer participation in the SIDES program.
- Process Optimization: Analyze existing business processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement, proposing solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Provide input and design ideas for improvements of overall SIDES operations including enhancement/system defect forms, organization of documentation. Identify areas of improvement and assist in development of enhancements and/or streamlining standard formats, including fine tuning current exchanges and accompanying data elements.
- Project Management: Manage smaller projects or components of larger projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and successful project delivery. Act as the project manager for new SIDES exchanges and re-writes to include development of project plans, schedules, and status updates.
- Documentation: Create comprehensive documentation, including Business Requirements Documents (BRDs), Use Case documentation, and User Stories, to provide clarity and direction for project teams.
- Data Analysis: Utilize data analysis techniques to interpret data trends and insights, supporting decision-making processes within the organization. Conduct business process analysis for states related to SIDES implementations, successful practices and employer communication efforts.
- Testing Support: Create detailed step-by-step test case scenarios for all SIDES-related testing (webservice, E-Response) that can be used internally and externally. Work closely with states and integrated partners to conduct all required testing prior to go-live.
- Communications: Act as a liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams, ensuring smooth communication and understanding of project objectives. Assist the SIDES Senior Manager in the development, preparation and presentation of SIDES training and marketing collateral.
- Mentoring/Collaboration: Provide guidance and support to junior analysts, helping them develop their technical skills in areas such as data analysis and requirements gathering.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated on developments in business analysis, data analytics, and project management to enhance skills and knowledge.
Competencies RequiredRequirements Management
- Eliciting, documenting, and validating requirements
- Translating business needs into functional specifications
- Managing requirements traceability and change control
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Facilitating workshops and requirements sessions
- Translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
- Negotiating priorities and managing expectations
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
- Advanced data analysis and interpretation
- Root cause analysis and solution design
- Business process modeling (BPMN, UML)
Technical Proficiency
- Familiarity with BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
- Understanding of APIs, integrations, and system workflows
Strategic & Business Acumen
- Understanding organizational goals and KPIs
- Aligning solutions with business strategy
- Cost-benefit and impact analysis
Project & Change Management Support
- Assisting in UAT planning and execution
- Contributing to change management and adoption strategies
Soft Skills & Professional Attributes
- Critical thinking and adaptability
- Strong documentation and presentation skills
- Collaborative mindset with cross-functional team
Relevant Experience Required- Interviewing and listening skills to elicit detailed requirements.
- Analytical skills for transforming defined business needs into software requirements.
- Verbal and written communication skills, ability to create effective requirements documents and review them with key project stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization.
- Basic understanding of IT/software design and development.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Specific experience with UI IT systems, specifically SIDES, preferred.
Education- Undergraduate degree, preferably in information technology or business administration discipline from an accredited college or university
- Three plus years’ experience in business analysis
Job DetailsLocation: Remote/U.S. Based
Reports To: Senior Manager, SIDES
Position Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $90,000-$100,000 commensurate with experience.
Benefits: NASWA offers comprehensive benefits including a generous health care package, 401(k), educational assistance, paid time off and other great options.
Travel Requirements: Periodic travel in the United States for meeting with states and conferences for marketing SIDES. Travel could be up to 25 percent during peak periods.
Sponsorship: NASWA is currently unable to sponsor applicants for work visas.
How to Apply:Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected] no later than August 4, 2026.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.NASWA is an equal-opportunity employer. NASWA does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, military status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation or any other characteristic protected by Federal or District of Columbia law. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all facets of employment, including recruiting, hiring, employment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, compensation, and training opportunities.