Senior Data Analyst

The Wharton School•Philadelphia, PA

3d•$84,961 - $120,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Analyst for Institutional Research and Data Administration at the Wharton School supports the School’s teaching and research mission through the collection, validation, maintenance, analysis, and dissemination of data. Reporting to the Senior Director, Office of the Deputy Dean, the role serves a broad range of clients and collaborators, including the Dean, Deputy Dean, and academic and administrative departments. The analyst provides actionable insights through advanced analysis, reporting, and visualization to support data-informed decision-making, strategic planning, policy development, assessment, and evaluation. The position also develops and maintains formal processes, policies, and procedures to ensure data quality and integrity. The Senior Analyst is part of a two-person team overseeing institutional research and data administration and regularly handles sensitive and confidential information. The role designs, manages, and executes complex projects with diverse stakeholders and end-users, collaborating with technical colleagues across Wharton. Key work includes leading annual faculty reporting and merit processes, managing external ranking surveys, visualizing trends and patterns in complex datasets, data management and automation, and course evaluations for undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, economics, business analytics, computer science, or a related field.
Proficiency in data visualization and analytics tools such as Tableau or Power BI, with demonstrated ability to develop and maintain dashboards for executive decision-making.
Demonstrated experience managing and leading large, complex data projects involving multiple stakeholders and departments.
Strong knowledge of database management and query optimization, and knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R for advanced data analysis.
Understanding of data governance principles related to quality, security, access, and ethical use, and of formalized approaches to system design and maintenance.
Experience automating reporting processes and developing or implementing quality assurance and data validation protocols.
Ability to provide strategic insights and recommendations to leadership and non-technical stakeholders based on data analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear, concise reports for senior administrators.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and responsibly manage sensitive information.
Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining their interest and how their experience aligns with the position responsibilities; applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Nice To Haves

Four to six years of progressively responsible professional experience in data analysis, survey design, project management, and reporting in a higher education setting is strongly preferred.
Master’s degree in data analytics, statistics, business, information systems, or a related field.
Experience with survey platforms, learning management systems, and faculty reporting systems.
Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies.
Understanding of the national higher education context.

Responsibilities

Lead the full lifecycle of compiling, analyzing, and reporting faculty activity and performance data for the Dean and Deputy Dean.
Collect and analyze relevant faculty data and documentation from academic departments, and coordinate communication about confidential and sensitive information.
Manage processes and reporting related to faculty compensation, including annual faculty merit and summer research compensation.
Design, manage, and execute internal and external survey and data-collection projects, including external ranking surveys, online course evaluations, and faculty reporting.
Plan and coordinate complex data projects, including collaboration with IT on software conversions and modifications, collecting data across departments, communicating with external constituents and university community members, validating data, and delivering results.
Identify trends and patterns in complex datasets and use visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI to create dashboards and data stories for non-technical stakeholders.
Apply advanced analytical techniques to make complex data understandable, provide context and insights, and recommend actions or next steps where appropriate.
Manage ad hoc and recurring reporting requests from the Dean and Deputy Dean in a timely, client-centered manner.
Design, code, test, debug, and document data processes using data from multiple sources.
Automate regular reports, filter and clean data, and establish data validation and quality assurance processes.
Collaborate with colleagues to maintain data processes, documentation, and reporting structures for the Dean and Deputy Dean’s Office.
Work with Wharton Computing to help ensure applications, analysis, and databases are secure, reliable, and scalable.
Design quality-assurance procedures, contribute to data governance and security efforts, support standardization of data maintenance, and conduct systematic audits for accuracy.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies and perform other assigned duties and responsibilities.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, including libraries, athletic facilities, cultural and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including arts and entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and work hours.
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance reimbursing eligible expenses for up to two adoptions in a household.