Technical Analyst, SIDES

National Association of State Workforce Agencies

February 26, 2026

NASWA is seeking a Technical Analyst to support its State Information Data Exchange System (SIDES) program. This role provides comprehensive technical support to states and employers/third-party administrators (TPAs) that are current or prospective SIDES users.

Background on NASWA

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, Washington, 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 SIDES

The 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 Position

Key responsibilities include reviewing and evaluating system architecture and operations; developing XML test data; supporting implementation of the SIDES model connector; creating technical project plans; troubleshooting system issues; assessing security protocols; and contributing to technical documentation.

The Technical Analyst partners closely with Information Technology Directors, state UI business and technical teams, project management staff, and private-sector stakeholders to support the development, implementation, and ongoing operation of SIDES data exchanges.

Roles and Responsibilities

Provide high-level and collaborative support:

Lead the development of new standard formats and new exchanges for SIDES.
Coordinate and provide ongoing technical support (troubleshooting, implementation support, validating system security protocols) to states, employers and TPAs during the development and implementation of SIDES exchanges.
Develop and maintain working relationships with state SIDES leads, UI leaders, state Communication teams, and IT stakeholders; in addition to employers and TPAs.
Contribute insight to support the execution of NASWA and SIDES strategic priorities.
Participate in strategy discussions as they relate to project deliverables with an emphasis on ensuring practicality and usefulness to state and employer/TPA operations.
Take ownership of assigned tasks and ensure that the end product is delivered in accordance with requirements and timelines.
Lead exchange rewrites.

Communications, Marketing and Outreach:

Assist the SIDES Senior Manager in the coordination and execution of the Annual SIDES Seminar; collaborating with the SIDES Operations Committee, Meetings team and other NASWA divisions.

Operations Support:

Create documentation of system business rules and test scenarios for the SIDES system.
Create XML test data and monitor system testing for SIDES.
Analyze test results, document and track defects, and perform retesting as needed.
Provide input and design ideas for improvements of overall SIDES operations including enhancement/system defect forms and 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.
Develop reports using the SIDES Admin Site and other tools as directed by the SIDES Senior Manager. Lead SIDES E-Response testing efforts.
Work closely with SIDES Support to troubleshoot reported technical issues.
Coordinate the creation of endpoints in test and production systems.

Competencies and Experience

Required

10+ years of experience in IT project management.
3-5 years of experience in the State Unemployment Insurance operations.
Strong communicator with excellent time management skills and a proven ability to learn quickly, solve problems, and navigate complex business and interpersonal situations.
Strong writing skills with the ability to translate technical jargon into user-friendly formats.
Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts in written and verbal English to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Skilled in basic mathematics and statistical concepts.
Ability to create XML data and read system logs.
Strong interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills.
Ability to work collaboratively under the direction of the SIDES Senior Manager while independently managing responsibilities with minimal supervision.
Proficient with Microsoft Office products: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project and Outlook.

Preferred

Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification.
Specific experience with SIDES and other UI IT systems and data is highly desirable.

Education

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Engineering, Business Administration or similar from an accredited college or university.

Job Details

Location: Remote/U.S. Based

Reports To: Senior Manager, SIDES

Position Type: Full-time

Salary Range: $95,000-$105,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits: NASWA offers competitive benefits including an exceptional health care package, 401(k), educational assistance, phone/internet stipend, plentiful 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.