"Data Analyst 1"

Department/Program Description:

Big Local News, situated in the journalism program in the Department of Communication at Stanford, allows journalists – whether freelancers, reporters from one company or collaborators across multiple news organizations – to share data and work together as they report out stories. Our work is designed to be journalist-driven and transformative, to help find solutions for local newsrooms’ ability to produce accountability journalism and create impact. The Stanford Journalism program’s mission is to serve the public’s need for facts in a just, self-governed society. We develop tools to make it easier to discover important stories and lower the cost of accountability journalism through better use of data and algorithms. We aim to be pioneers in the field of computational journalism, partnering with media and technology companies and with faculty and students from the social sciences and engineering.

Position Summary: The Department of Communication is seeking a Data Analyst 1. The Data Analyst 1 will work under general supervision of the director of Big Local News within the department and conduct data collection, analysis and training in service of Big Local News’ mission of supporting local journalism and partnering where applicable with researchers on data analyses for that purpose.

This is a 95% FTE, 2-year fixed-term exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.

CORE DUTIES:

• Identify and select usable data from subtle and complex data patterns. Assess and produce relevant, standard, or custom information (reports, charts, graphs and tables) from structured data sources by querying data repositories and generating the associated information.
• Collect, manage and clean datasets using an extraction and reporting programming language to ensure data integrity.
• Research and reconcile data discrepancies occurring among various information systems and reports.
• Collaborate with data managers to define and implement data standards and common data elements for data collection.
• Identify new sources of data and methods to improve data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Serve as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requests for statistics or surveys.
• Lead the implementation of data standards and common data elements for data collection.
• Collaborate with technical staff to standardize and systemize routine reports, dashboards, and metrics.
• Other duties may also be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree and one year of experience or a combination of education and relevant experience. Experience in a quantitative discipline such as economics, finance, statistics, or engineering.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge and demonstrated experience using and applying analytical software, database management system software, database reporting software, database user interface and query software, and data mining software.
• Ability to collect data using a variety of methods, such as data mining and hardcopy or electronic documentation study, to improve or expand databases.
• Strong listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a deadline-oriented environment; highly organized, flexible and rigorous attention to detail.
• Ability to use logic to calculate data; efficiently construct a database or scrutinize the form of a question.
• Ability to work with data of varying levels of quality and validity.
• Demonstrated ability to produce data in a clear and understandable manner meeting user requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with multiple internal and external customers.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Constantly perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently stand/walk, sit, use a telephone, and grasp lightly/fine manipulation.
• Occasionally grasp forcefully, writing by hand.
• Rarely sort/file paperwork; lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.

The expected pay range for this position is $80,148.00 to $99,773.00 per annum. The actual pay will be prorated based on the 95% FTE.