Senior Data Scientist - Internal Only

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

Salary/Position Classification

• $75,000-$80,000 annual, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• 100% Remote Work Availability: Yes
• Hybrid Work Availability (requires some time on campus): Yes

Purpose of Position

This position works to develop, track and monitor data used in strategic planning, decision support, and institutional effectiveness efforts; to assist units in interpreting data and trends to ensure effective and efficient management of resources; to create and to assist with the maintenance of data analytic tools for specific units as well as the institution as a whole; and to serve as a project manager in process improvement initiatives. This position will also work collaboratively with units across the institution to coordinate their approach to data analysis, resource allocation, and improve utilization of data in their decision-making.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop SQL queries to extract and consolidate data from multiple databases, clean and preprocess data for statistical analysis and predictive modeling.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of PeopleSoft Databases in the university.
• Develop scripts in PBCS (Oracle Planning and Budgeting Cloud Service) to automate and streamline routine analysis and reporting tasks.
• Review source data for errors and discrepancies; develop data validation process with data management software (e.g., SAS, Access, and Excel) for routine analysis and models.
• Apply advanced time series analysis methods, such as autoregressive moving average (ARMA) and exponential smoothing, to model and analyze trends and patterns in various data sets and metrics.
• Perform trend analysis to detect patterns, inconsistencies, and signs of impending changes in revenue and expense for each unit; interpret causes of changes in financial data trends.
• Perform multidimensional analysis on data with business intelligence software (e.g., Power BI and Tableau) to examine data from various perspectives and provide insights.
• Select and apply appropriate predictive modeling techniques, such as regression models and time series analysis, to assist units with various projections; analyze actuals vs. forecasts to measure forecast accuracy; apply forecasting techniques, such as modeling trend and seasonality, to improve the quality of forecasting.
• Work closely with units to understand business processes within each unit, and assist units with estimating revenue and costs, and establishing preliminary budgets based on projections on student credit hours, enrollments, revenue, grants, etc.; analyze and explore the correlations between performance metrics using multivariate statistical analysis methods; interpret dependence and association between performance metrics to assist units with decision making.
• Develop Excel spreadsheet models and BI dashboards for multi-period trend analysis of financial statements; perform financial modeling using sensitivity analysis and scenario analysis with advanced Excel features, such as VBA, macros, and pivot reporting, to evaluate the impacts of changing metrics on unit financial performance and provide sound decision support to units; design and develop resource allocation decision models using Excel and Excel Solver (a specialized decision support add-in) to create optimal budget allocation plans for units to improve financial performance and institutional effectiveness in different scenarios.
• Design and develop calculators for budgeting and resource allocation; work closely with units to test and refine the calculators; prepare documentation and provide training on calculators and related procedures.
• Develop reporting methods, and provide reports to units on a regular basis; design and develop reports and dashboards with business intelligence software to deliver analyses and data visualizations; build interactive features, such as search filters, range sliders, and toggle elements, in the dashboards to enable units to perform further analysis independently; review KPIs with units regularly to make sure the KPIs are actionable and provide accurate measurements on unit effectiveness; redesign KPIs, as needed, to fit the changing needs of units; create end-user presentations or manuals for dashboards and reports; work collaboratively with units across the institution to coordinate approaches to data analysis and resource allocation and improve utilization of data in decision-making; think creatively about how data and analytical tools can be utilized for strategic planning purposes and answer questions posed by units; develop ideas and lead new projects; attend department meetings; other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals
• Attention to detail with excellent follow through on tasks
• Requires the ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet established goals and objectives
• High degree of initiative and demonstrated ability to work independently with a professional attitude and efficiency with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take complex information and/or large data sets and analyze them for data-based decision-making
• Ability to work independently

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in a field with coursework in statistical analysis and scripting (e.g. economics, business, statistics, public administration, mathematics or related field)
• Two years of relevant experience with data analysis and modeling for decision support
• Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, VBA programming, data models) and spreadsheet model development
• Proficiency in business intelligence software (i.e. Power BI, Tableau)
• Experience in data extraction, transformation, and consolidation using data management software or programming languages such as SAS, SQL, Python, or R.
• 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. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a higher education setting
• Project Management skills