What does a data management specialist do?
A data management specialist is responsible for performing administrative functions related to data processing operations, such as updating the information in the database, proper disposal of outdated documents, and ensuring the security of confidential information in the system. Data management specialists collect data and manage data flow and disseminate information across the organization. They also sort files according to business requirements and send information to the senior management and other departments for business operations as required.
Data management specialist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data management specialist resumes:
- Lead key marketing partner events from PMI and MPA.
- Ensure that the CRF's are transmit to data entry staff and manage timely data entry.
- Manage and communicate proper usage of data to a wide variety of QA testers which result in improve data request submissions.
- Manage the collection, double entry, comparison edit, and locking of clinical trial database in accordance with FDA guidelines.
- Identify and recommend ERP system base solutions to automate current processes to improve efficiency, accuracy and standardization.
- Manage clinical trials by gathering data, monitoring adverse events, screening patients for eligibility and scheduling patients per protocol.
- Incorporate risk management methodology and tool into standard PMO procedures.
- Update SSIS packages and store procedures.
- Mentor other developers in SSIS and SQL.
- Install WebLogic server instances as windows services.
- Capture processes and translate them into Visio diagrams.
- Implement and develop a Medicare RBRVS cost reporting mechanism.
- Design and maintain company web site using HTML and JavaScript.
- Debug VBA code as required and make appropriate changes and updates.
- Complete monthly, quarterly and annual bank reconciliations for the companies.
Data management specialist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Data Management Specialists are proficient in Data Entry, Data Quality, and Data Collection. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Management Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Entry, 7%
Developed, monitored and enforced data entry guidelines to ensure data quality and consistency and provided recommendations to improve processes.
- Data Quality, 6%
Engineered and implemented quality control processes and data quality tools to ensure data integrity and completeness.
- Data Collection, 6%
Spearheaded selection and implementation of the first client/service database application resulting in the elimination of manual data collection and spreadsheets.
- Data Analysis, 6%
Support Oracle Federal HR Employee data analysis and trouble shooting, specification/requirement development, and data removal/correction as requested.
- Database Systems, 4%
Generated daily report from statewide database system, extracted data into Microsoft excel to perform quality assurance.
- Data Management, 4%
Gather customer input data for Configuration and Data Management requirements for product hardware, software, and engineering design data systems.
Most data management specialists use their skills in "data entry," "data quality," and "data collection" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential data management specialist responsibilities here:
Math skills. The most essential soft skill for a data management specialist to carry out their responsibilities is math skills. This skill is important for the role because "mathematicians and statisticians use statistics, calculus, and linear algebra to develop their models and analyses." Additionally, a data management specialist resume shows how their duties depend on math skills: "manage dataflows, move large amounts of quantitative data, and conduct data quality assessments. "
Problem-solving skills. Many data management specialist duties rely on problem-solving skills. "mathematicians and statisticians must devise solutions to problems encountered in science, engineering, and other fields.," so a data management specialist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways data management specialist responsibilities rely on problem-solving skills: "performed first-pass data-quality assessment, including data receipt, data entry, initial data review, and discrepancy resolution. "
Analytical skills. data management specialists are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to data management specialist responsibilities, because "mathematicians and statisticians use mathematical techniques and models to evaluate large amounts of data." A data management specialist resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "managed the collection, double entry, comparison edit, and locking of clinical trial database in accordance with fda guidelines. "
Communication skills. For certain data management specialist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a data management specialist rely on this skill, as "mathematicians and statisticians must be able to explain technical concepts and solutions in nontechnical ways." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what data management specialists do: "provide technical support to ior staff in use of electronic and web-based technology, including website development and electronic communications. "
The three companies that hire the most data management specialists are:
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Compare different data management specialists
Data management specialist vs. Clinical data coordinator
A clinical data coordinator is primarily in charge of managing and organizing data gathered from various clinical research programs. Their responsibilities revolve around coordinating with different departments, updating databases with accurate information, identifying errors and inconsistencies, performing corrective measures, and maintaining records of all transactions. They must also handle the documentation procedures, review sites, liaise with external vendors and suppliers, conduct audits, and train new staff. Furthermore, as a clinical data coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach goals, all while implementing the company's safety policies and regulations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a data management specialist are more likely to require skills like "data entry," "data quality," "data analysis," and "database systems." On the other hand, a job as a clinical data coordinator requires skills like "patients," "gcp," "oncology," and "electronic data capture." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Clinical data coordinators really shine in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $84,204. Comparatively, data management specialists tend to make the most money in the pharmaceutical industry with an average salary of $101,442.clinical data coordinators tend to reach similar levels of education than data management specialists. In fact, clinical data coordinators are 2.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Data management specialist vs. Clinical statistics manager
A clinical data associate is responsible for documenting and recording data from clinical research programs for various purposes, such as validation and future studies. Their responsibilities revolve around understanding the needs of every program, coordinating with different teams to gather accurate data, utilizing special tools and software, and preparing and processing data according to protocols and standards. Moreover, a clinical data associate typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that data management specialist responsibilities requires skills like "data entry," "data quality," "data analysis," and "database systems." But a clinical statistics manager might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "statistical software," "regulatory agencies," "python," and "sops."
In general, clinical statistics managers achieve higher levels of education than data management specialists. They're 11.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.7% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for data management specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Benjamin Clark Ph.D.
Associate Professor, University of Oregon
Data management specialist vs. Clinical data associate
A clinical data analyst is a healthcare professional trained in checking the validity of scientific experiments and gathered data. Clinical data analysts have a wide variety of responsibilities to fulfill. They ensure that standard processes and protocols are followed, and data is accurate and reliable to improve the best quality and efficiency of care. They ensure that the information has been collected appropriately for clinical trials from databases. Moreover, they manage and develop databases for healthcare facilities and commonly work in a clinical setting.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data management specialists are more likely to have skills like "data entry," "data analysis," "database systems," and "data integrity." But a clinical data associate is more likely to have skills like "clinical trial data," "cro," "edit checks," and "electronic data capture."
Clinical data associates earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $105,749. Data management specialists earn the highest pay from the pharmaceutical industry, with an average salary of $101,442.When it comes to education, clinical data associates tend to earn similar degree levels compared to data management specialists. In fact, they're 1.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Data management specialist vs. Clinical data analyst
Even though a few skill sets overlap between data management specialists and clinical data analysts, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a data management specialist might have more use for skills like "data entry," "database systems," "visualization," and "product data management." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of clinical data analysts require skills like "patients," "quality improvement," "patient safety," and "emr. "
In general, clinical data analysts earn the most working in the retail industry, with an average salary of $88,310. The highest-paying industry for a data management specialist is the pharmaceutical industry.clinical data analysts reach higher levels of education compared to data management specialists, in general. The difference is that they're 7.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.9% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of data management specialist
Updated January 8, 2025
