"Senior Analytics and Data Solutions Specialist"

Position Summary:

The Institutional Research and Analytics (IRA) team within the Office of Institutional Data, Evaluation, Analytics, and Strategy (IDEAS) seeks a versatile data professional who can translate advanced analytics and predictive modeling into scalable, actionable solutions for campus partners. Reporting to the Executive Director of Institutional Research and Analytics, the Senior Analytics and Data Solutions Specialist serves as a high-level consultant and advanced analytics lead within the Institutional Research and Analytics team. This position is responsible for designing and implementing predictive and statistical models to address complex research questions while building sustainable, accurate data sources. A critical component of this role is serving as a technical mentor, promoting the adoption of reproducible research methodologies and a consistent advanced analytics framework across the team. By leveraging domain expertise in higher education and advanced analytics methodologies, this role develops scalable data solutions and predictive models that directly inform institutional strategy.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate operates comfortably at the intersection of stakeholder partnership and advanced analytics. You combine strong technical execution with the ability to translate complex institutional needs into rigorous, reproducible analytical solutions using Python, R, and/or SQL. You understand the interconnected nature of admissions, student, HR, research, and finance data, and can apply advanced statistical and predictive modeling techniques to deepen and extend existing reporting and analytical practices. As a mentor and technical leader, you will help the team broaden its analytical toolkit--building on a strong foundation of descriptive analysis to incorporate predictive and prescriptive approaches that inform institutional strategy.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Occasional work-related travel is expected. For the right candidate, this could be a fully remote position, permitting all tasks to be completed from any location within the United States, with working hours remaining standard Central Time. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

$100,000-$120,000 (commensurate with experience)
*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.*

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (data science, statistics, social sciences, or a related area)
  • In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• Minimum of 4+ years of professional work experience in data management, data science, or analytical solution development
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
• Skills:
  • Solution Translation: Demonstrated ability to partner with diverse stakeholders to translate complex business needs into clear technical specifications, analytical approaches, and decision-ready deliverables
  • Advanced Analytics and Modeling: Proficiency in Python and/or R to conduct advanced statistical and predictive modeling (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, forecasting). Ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies to solve institutional research questions
  • Data Management: Advanced experience querying and transforming data within centralized enterprise data platforms, including strong SQL proficiency
  • Analytic Development and Data Communication: Experience developing enterprise-scale dashboards (e.g., Tableau) and communicating complex findings through clear data visualization and narrative storytelling tailored to executive audiences

Preferences:

• 5+ years of professional work experience
• Experience in higher education or similarly complex institutional environments
• Experience working with student lifecycle, HR, finance, or research administration data systems
• Master's or doctoral degree preferred

Essential Functions:

• Stakeholder Consultation & Solution Design (30%): Partners with campus leadership and subject matter experts to define analytical needs and clarify research questions. Independently determines appropriate analytical methodologies, modeling approaches, and data presentation strategies to deliver actionable solutions
• Advanced Analytics & Modeling (30%): Designs and implements advanced statistical and predictive modeling approaches to address complex institutional questions. Applies appropriate modeling techniques, ensuring models are interpretable, well-documented, and decision-relevant
• Sustainable Data Development (20%): Designs and maintains scalable, reliable data pipelines and analytical workflows that support both descriptive reporting and predictive modeling. Automates data preparation and validation processes to ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and long-term sustainability
• Technical Mentorship (15%): Guides the continued evolution of the team's advanced analytics practice. Promotes reproducible research standards and supports the expansion of predictive and prescriptive analytical capabilities
• Documentation & Quality Assurance (5%): Develops comprehensive technical documentation and ensures analytical products meet institutional standards for data governance, accuracy, transparency, and reproducibility

Additional Functions:

• Contributes to special projects and emerging priorities as needed to advance departmental and institutional goals. Duties may expand or shift in alignment with strategic initiatives
• Performs other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional priorities

Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format. Your materials should demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and experience in translating complex business needs into technical solutions using advanced analytics, including predictive modeling and statistical analysis, to drive institutional decision-making.

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