Data Specialist (Data Analytics Developer II)
About The Position
San Diego State University’s Program Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA) team is seeking a Data Specialist to help build the data foundation behind student success initiatives across the University. This position is part of PECA’s data engine. The Data Specialist will work with student-centered data from multiple sources, organizing, structuring, validating, and preparing datasets so they can be used for meaningful research, predictive modeling, reporting, and dashboards. Rather than focusing on traditional data pipelines or large-scale data infrastructure, this role is centered on understanding the nuances of the data itself and creating mature, reliable datasets that help SDSU better understand student engagement, retention, well-being, and success. The position will work with tools such as Python and R, with opportunities to apply SQL as the team’s data practices continue to evolve. The Data Specialist will join a collaborative team that provides data strategy, consultation, and insights to departments throughout Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, helping transform information about SDSU students into resources that inform programs, services, and interventions.
Requirements
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience.
- Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities shown above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Experience organizing, cleaning, transforming, and integrating data from multiple sources into reliable, usable datasets.
- Proficiency with Python and/or R, with familiarity with SQL and database concepts.
- Knowledge of data structures, data modeling, statistical methods, and data quality practices.
- Experience working with complex datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an interest in learning new tools, methods, and approaches independently.
- Experience with data visualization and dashboard tools.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills, including experience working with stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of or experience with student affairs in a university setting.
- Master’s Degree in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Policy, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Organize, clean, transform, and integrate student data from multiple sources into reliable, analysis-ready datasets.
- Support data modeling and statistical projects focused on student engagement, retention, well-being, and success.
- Create and maintain dashboards and accessible data resources that help campus partners explore and understand student data.
- Collaborate with PECA colleagues and campus partners to understand data needs and turn complex information into useful resources and insights.
- Support responsible data practices that prioritize accuracy, consistency, privacy, and appropriate use of student information.
Benefits
- 15 paid holidays
- vacation
- sick leave
- CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare
- reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC
- Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost
- CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents
- FlexCash
- life and disability insurance
- legal and pet plans
- Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
