Data Insights Specialist (HR Title: Data Analyst II)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

Founded in 1969, the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU is one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States. Them Meadows School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in advertising, art, art history, arts management and arts entrepreneurship, creative computation, music, theatre, dance, film and media arts, public affairs & corporate communication, journalism and fashion journalism. The goal of the Meadows School of the Arts, as a comprehensive educational institution, is to prepare students to meet the demands of professional careers. The Meadows School is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs, challenging its students to make a difference locally and globally by developing vital connections between art, entrepreneurship and change. The Meadows School of the Arts is also a convener for the arts in North Texas, serving as a catalyst for new collaborations and providing critical industry research.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Data Insights Specialist for the Meadows School of Arts at SMU will play a critical role in interpreting and representing data to support decision-making across the school. This position requires technical acumen in data analysis, including proficiency in Python, R, and SQL; data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI; and database platforms like PeopleSoft or Banner. It also requires strong people skills to communicate insights effectively to faculty, staff, and leadership. The ideal candidate will be adept at building relationships with stakeholders, understanding their data needs, and translating complex findings into actionable insights that support strategic initiatives.

This role is designed for someone who can bridge the gap between data visualization and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that data-driven insights are fully integrated into the decision-making processes of the Meadows School of the Arts.

Essential Functions:

• Using tools like Python, R, SQL, Tableau and/or Power BI, convert complex data sets, statistical analyses, and results of statistical models into effective and meaningful reports, interactive displays and data visualizations that convey the meaning of data-supported information in an easily digestible visual format for Meadows stakeholders.
  
• Synthesize data (enrollment, retention, graduation, placement, budget, faculty and staff) and provide actionable insights to increase efficacy of programs and resource utilization. Assist with the gathering of data for the Annual Census, Graduation Survey Report, SNAAP, and related surveys.
  
• Continuously monitor and analyze data and data visualizations to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed. Collaborate with the Registrar, Provost's office, University Decision Support and any other relevant university units on platforms, data sources, workbooks, reports and dashboards, along-with requisite authorization protocols.
  
• Assist with the School's utilization and maintenance of all relevant assessment platforms, including Interfolio, Planning, EvaluationKit, HEADS, and any other similar platforms. Provide training and documentation to offer greater self-service capabilities for stakeholders.
  
• Manage and archive Meadows records and databases, in conjunction with the Associate Deans, the Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Admission, the Director of Undergraduate Academic Services, the Director of Scholarships, and the Faculty Affairs Coordinator.
  
• Stay current on the latest trends impacting higher education and related data, identifying statistical research areas that merit investigation, and develop new hypotheses and approaches in order to generate effective visual reports with actionable insights that can advance the progress of Meadows' strategic plan.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in the field of data science, computer or information sciences, or related field is preferred

Two (2) years of work experience in data support services in higher education administration is required. Experience in the field of institutional research in higher education and in building effective data visualizations (including graphic design) is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate must be proficient in data analysis and manipulation tools like Python, R, and/or SQL, data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI; and database platforms like PeopleSoft or Banner.

Candidate ability to learn new concepts and technologies with formal classes or on the job training is preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by December 1, 2024.

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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