Principal Consultant, Data & Analytics (8-Week Engagement)

Principal Consultant, Data & Analytics (8-Week Engagement) Employment Type: Contract (1099 Independent Contractor – AB5 compliant) Location: San Jose, CA (local on-site, limited hybrid flexibility) Duration: 8 weeks | Approx. 40 hours/week | Start: ASAP Second Harvest of Silicon Valley Overview Second Harvest of Silicon Valley is seeking a senior consultant to support the definition of a modern Data & Analytics capability. This engagement will focus on establishing a clear operating model, governance framework, and Center of Excellence (CoE) aligned to business strategy and organizational needs. Engagement Scope (8 weeks) The consultant will lead a structured engagement to: • Assess current-state data, analytics, and governance capabilities across the organization • Define the scope, mandate, and value proposition of the Data & Analytics function • Design a Data & Analytics Center of Excellence (CoE), including structure and engagement model • Recommend roles, skills, and capacity across analytics, data engineering, and AI • Establish governance principles, decision rights, and ways of working • Identify and prioritize key analytics and AI use cases aligned to business needs • Recommend enabling technology capabilities and architectural principles (non-vendor specific) • Develop a practical 12–24 month roadmap for capability development Key Deliverables • Current-state capability assessment and key insights • Analytics and AI use case inventory and prioritization • Data & Analytics CoE design, including structure and engagement model • Roles and skills framework with capacity guidance • Operating model and governance framework • Technology and architecture recommendations • 12–24 month implementation roadmap • Executive-level readout and recommendations Ideal Consultant Profile • 10+ years of senior level consulting, or operational experience, leading data and analytics strategy, operating models, or CoE design engagements. • Track record advising on or building data and analytics capabilities • Strong understanding of analytics, data engineering, governance, and AI concepts • Ability to engage senior stakeholders and translate strategy into practical recommendations Engagement Details • Duration: 8 weeks • Executive Sponsor: Chief Operating Officer • Location: Flexible, with availability for key stakeholder engagement How to Apply • Submit a brief statement of interest, résumé, and hourly or project rate to Jenn Handforth, jhandforth@shfb.org with subject line: • “Principal Consultant, Data & Analytics (8-Week Engagement)”