This position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates will not be reviewed or considered. 

Salary/Position Classification

• $71,000-$90,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

The Senior Data Scientist primarily supports University Analytics & Planning's core activity of capturing, analyzing and interpreting data on faculty, students, staff and other critical academic, physical and financial information for university decision-making. The candidate will be able to present the salient results of research in a clear, concise and compelling fashion. Reporting directly to the Chief Data Officer, the Senior Data Scientist will have the interest and skill to take the lead on research initiatives that answer important strategic questions for the University. This work will involve developing clear research objectives and questions, working with executives, faculty and staff across the university to collect and refine data, producing descriptive and inferential analyses, synthesizing findings in written and graphical reports, and presenting results to audiences. The Senior Data Scientist will oversee Data Scientists, determining projects and methods and assist with administrative duties within the office. This position is vital to the University’s Strategic Plan.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Uses predictive analytics and data mining to develop data models for student enrollment management, student success, financial aid modeling, etc.
  • Writes simple to complex queries for data extraction, data analysis, data maintenance and data integrity.
  • Transforms raw data to prepared datasets for analysis and reporting.
  • Analyzes, interprets, and presents data to faculty, staff, and University leadership for decision- making purposes.
  • Uses knowledge of quantitative research methods as applied in the social sciences, including statistical analysis, hypothesis testing, data collection, data coding and transformation, survey design, and sampling techniques to conduct statistical studies and support institutional research. 
• Supports the administrative mission of the Office of University Analytics & Planning in relation to data projects
  • Oversee the predictive and prescriptive processes and projects of the office and work independently to complete those projects.
  • Supervises Data Scientists
  • Serve on ad-hoc and standing committees as a representative of UAP 
• Data Management: Organization, Extraction and Maintenance
  • Assist with the maintenance of data sources as well as the process of developing and improving data sources to achieve the ability to report data as close to real-time as possible.
  • Automate reporting through the use of programming (R, SAS, SQL, Python, etc.).
  • Evaluate and assist in the revision of data processes to promote technological efficiency.
  • Extract, organize, and verify data from numerous software products on campus. 

Required Competencies

• Candidate must possess significant problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems as well as devise solutions. Problems are highly varied and complex, requiring new concepts and approaches.
• Candidate must have strong oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must be able to listen well to others and be able to clearly explain data usage and reporting.
• Candidate must be a team player and collaborative in working with colleagues, operational staff, and with key decision makers.
• Candidate must possess strong organizational, project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently.
• Candidate must be a self-starter with minimal supervision and demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team.
• Candidate must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with a strong focus on attention to detail in a highly analytical environment.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced degree in data-related field (e.g., Data Science, Mathematics, Computer Science…)
• Documented experience in one of the following areas: Prediction Analytics, AI/ML, Data Engineering/Database Management, Statistics.
• 3 years experience with any of the following: SAS/SQL/Python/PeopleSoft/Power BI
• 3 years data science experience or applicable research and statistical experience Appropriate portfolio of job-related, credit-bearing certificates or non-credit professional certifications could substitute in some cases.
• Two years experience in Institutional Research
• Experience creating or manipulating large databases.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex data projects
• Experience with student and faculty information
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in data/business analytics, data science, computer science, social sciences, statistics, or related field
• Five years of applied research experience with analysis and report presentation experience, preferably in higher education
• Experience creating Power BI reports