Institutional Research Data Analyst - Internal Candidates Only

Virginia Commonwealth University•Richmond, VA

3d•$65,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Provost is seeking an Institutional Research Data Analyst to support strategic/compliance reporting, data platforms, and institutional data needs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This University & Academic Professional appointment reports to the Director of Institutional Research in the Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support (IRDS). The role involves performing data extraction, manipulation, analysis, and interpretation for both external and internal requests, responding to federal and state reporting requirements and surveys, and providing institutional research data to various academic and administrative units. The analyst will also collaborate on projects, support survey design and analysis, create data visualizations using platforms like Tableau, and engage in continuing learning opportunities. Additionally, the position will support external platforms such as Academic Analytics and Explorance Blue, becoming an expert in the latter to train other analysts. Documentation for processes and reporting will also be a key responsibility. The role's responsibilities are not limited to the listed items.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required with a major in statistics, mathematics, economics, sociology, computer science, or other quantitative social sciences discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2-3 years experience working in higher education, preferably in an Institutional Research Office.
Experience in extracting, analyzing, and interpreting data from a variety of sources (information systems).
Ability to draw conclusions and communicate data findings, applying statistical principles and methods to meet a range of information requirements; gathering and analyzing data and generating statistical reports.
Experience (2-3 years) with statistical software tools/packages such as SAS (preferred), SPSS, R etc. to produce high quality analysis.
Demonstrated computer skills including knowledge and familiarity with spreadsheets, programming languages, relational databases and SQL.
Extensive survey design and ability to analyze the results to help support research questions and presentations.
Familiarity with higher education data domains (e.g. admissions, enrollment, financial aid, employee, finance, development, sponsored research) in a university setting.
Interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in written form.
Strong organizational and documentation skills.
Ability to take initiative when working independently and yet work effectively in a team environment with people who have a diverse array of experiences and backgrounds.
Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Nice To Haves

Hands on experience with data visualization and business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Power BI, SASVA
Ellucian/Banner experience
Experience working with a course evaluation platform.

Responsibilities

Perform data extraction, manipulation, analysis, and interpretation of findings/results to prepare institutional responses to external and internal inquiries ("ad hoc" requests) on a wide range of subjects including student admissions, enrollment, persistence, success, financial aid, personnel planning, and compensation studies.
Respond to federal and state reporting and guidebook surveys, national rankings, and national studies by preparing accurate and timely reports and/or data files.
Provide institutional research data to academic units and programs as well as administrative constituencies throughout the institution.
Collaborate on projects within IRDS along with other stakeholders at VCU.
Provide support with survey design, analysis, and presentations.
Create data visualizations/dashboards using platforms such as Tableau.
Seek and participate in continuing learning opportunities, including topics such as SAS programming, data subject domain knowledge, expanding data topics, and University-level initiatives and information delivery efforts.
Provide support for different external platforms such as Academic Analytics, Explorance Blue, and any new platforms that the IRDS office supports for the University.
Become an expert in the course evaluation platform Explorance Blue to include training Analysts on the IR team so that it is collaboratively supported and other stakeholders.
Create documentation for the processes related to platforms and statutory reporting.