Senior Institutional Research Analyst - Strategic Analytics and Institutional Research

JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional position responsible for providing advanced technical and analytical expertise in institutional research and data systems. Responsible for managing enterprise data environments, developing business intelligence solutions, and maintaining key institutional research systems. Responsible for database administration, systems analysis, tool development, and creation of sustainable data pipelines to support strategic decision-making, accreditation, and compliance reporting. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of Institutional Analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree is required. Coursework in data science, data analytics, computer science, information systems, statistics, or a related field is preferred.

Three years of related experience is required. Professional work experience with database administration, data management, data analytics, institutional research, and/or programming is required. Experience in higher education procedures, institutional research, information technology, business processes, and/or the integration of cross-functional administrative areas is preferred. Demonstrated experience with advanced dynamic data visualization reporting in a higher education setting is preferred. Professional data management or business intelligence certification or credentialing is preferred. Additional education may substitute for experience on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Designs and fully documents data extraction methods, protocols, and schedules.
2. Prepares, provides, and troubleshoots data analysis for office and university leadership.
3. Maintains the office's local and cloud-hosted data repositories, ensuring secure data handling in compliance with institutional policy and privacy regulations.
4. Implements and monitors complex data quality controls and validation processes to ensure accuracy and reliability of institutional data.
5. Monitors performance of data queries, troubleshoots system issues, and recommends improvements to enhance database efficiency and scalability.
6. Analyzes user system and application needs, evaluates alternative solutions, and recommends technology solutions to optimize data management and business intelligence.
7. Develops sustainable data pipelines and documentation to support statutory and custom internal and external reporting.
8. Creates data element dictionaries and documents data definitions, source mappings, logic, and data governance procedures for both technical and non-technical users.
9. Collaborates with departments across campus to ensure alignment between institutional systems and reporting requirements.
10. Conducts advanced qualitative and quantitative research and queries. Manipulates and analyzes complex datasets to provide actionable insights for decision-making.
11. Develops and maintains dashboards, reports, and visualization tools that translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership and other constituents.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Serves and/or consults on university committees as needed.
2. Attends professional meetings. seminars. and training as needed.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of relational databases, data warehousing, and cloud-hosted data environments, including security, privacy, and compliance standards.
3. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, appropriate research methods and designs.
4. Knowledge of object-oriented programming, SQL, data modeling, and/or scripting for data extraction, transformation, and loading processes.
5. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, institutional research best practices and statutory reporting requirements.
6. Knowledge and understanding of metadata management, data dictionaries, and source-to-target mapping for technical and non-technical audiences.
7. Skill in effectively managing multiple assignments simultaneously with accuracy, attention to detail, and satisfactory work product.
8. Skill in using analytical software tools, data analysis methods, research methods, and various computer applications.
9. Ability to transform complex datasets into actionable insights through statistical analysis and visual storytelling.
10. Ability to identify technical challenges, analyze alternatives, and implement effective solutions that support institutional objectives.
11. Ability to exhibit professional demeanor and strong customer service orientation.
12. Ability to learn office and university-specific software.
13. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
14. Ability to work with and maintain confidential information.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Safety Statement

Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance.

This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check.

This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.