Research Analyst

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Effectiveness analyzes, reports and provides guidance on data and reporting for the purposes of promoting an evidence-based decision making environment. This position reports to the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Effectiveness and is responsible for collecting, managing, cleaning, validating, and preparing large data sets used for internal and external reporting. Coordinating preparation of statistical reports for distribution to internal stakeholders and supporting the collection of marketing surveys, including CDS. This position supports the analysis of assessment data, including coordination with national benchmarking agents such as HERI and HEDS.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, economics, political science, statistics, or computer science from an accredited college or institution
• 3 + years of experience in performing statistical analysis and creating statistical reports
• Knowledge and experience in managing data for research/quality improvement or analyzing qualitative data including data extraction and manipulation using business intelligence applications
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and prior experience with statistical software packages such as SPSS, SAS, or R, Adobe Acrobat and Keynote programs
• Strong ability to understand and follow detailed reporting definitions and requirements
• Experience with validating data to ensure multiple data sets are correct
• Working knowledge of and ability to apply standard theories, principles, practices, and techniques applicable to institutional research; develop conclusions; and offer recommendations
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, detail-oriented, highly organized, able to balance priorities; takes initiative, reliable and resourceful
• Ability to work well in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment with students, faculty and staff
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within the university’s schools and professional units
• Ability to handle information with tact and discretion and recognize the confidential nature of the institution’s data

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, economics, political science, statistics, or computer science from an accredited college or institution
• Experience with Datatel/Colleague student information system and other higher education related software and systems, student enrollment and tracking
• Prior experience in higher education
• Knowledge of STEM, Architecture and / or design education a plus

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Data Analysis and Reporting –70%

• Conduct audits and complete data clean-up including verifying cohort data in preparation for federal reporting cycle, collecting and building data set and insuring reliability
• Under the supervision of the director, use appropriate statistical methods and programs to analyze data
• Assist in maintaining Document Repository files, collections, and information for data sets created and statistical analysis performed
• Respond to standard data requests (general retention and graduation figures) in a timely fashion
• Coordinate with the IT office to manage annual updates of institutional data reports
• Coordinate with director and schools to develop assessment protocols
• Assist in the collection, analysis and verification of assessment related data, including developing database for longitudinal data collection from term review rubrics and core competency rubrics
• Coordinate with IT to develop business object queries to extract data
• Coordinate on special requests for reports generated by assessment needs system

Institutional and External Surveys–25%

• Facilitate cross-departmental collection and reporting of annual marketing surveys including U.S. News and World Report, Peterson’s, Princeton Review, College Board, and Common Data Set
• Develop communications and timelines for surveys, data sets and reports
• Uploads materials and monitor survey activity and response rates,
• Completes analysis of results and producing institutional and departmental reports for internal and external purposes

Other duties–5%

• Provides support and development on ad hoc institutional research projects
• Maintains working relationships and insured compliance and cooperation with all other internal departments
• Other duties as assigned