Senior Data and Visualization Analyst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Analytics and Institutional Research, the Senior Data and Visualization Analyst gathers, analyzes, interprets, and visualizes data to support campus decision makers and School/ College analysts, program planning, rankings, and external reporting activities. The Analyst supports the work of the Director and department which is to provide data, information, and analysis campus-wide in accordance with the aims of the strategic plan, to create a culture of evidence at all levels that applies the best possible information and analysis to decisions.

Essential Functions

• Data Analysis, Rankings, and Report Generation:
  • Collects, analyzes, and reports institutional data in the form of standardized reports, special analyses, rankings, and research reports.
  • Responds to internal and external requests for information including reports mandated by state, federal, and accrediting agencies and offices.
  • Develops and maintains documentation on analysis and reporting methodologies.
• Data Administration and Statistical Programming:
  • Designs, implements, and maintains statistical programs using SAS (strongly preferred) or other statistical software.
  • Designs, implements, and maintains institutional databases to facilitate responses to data/information requests.
  • Develops and maintains documentation on programming methodologies.
• Data Visualization:
  • Designs, validates, creates, and maintains dashboards and data visualizations for campus decision makers using Tableau software and data extracts.
  • Develops and maintains documentation on visualization methodologies.
• Outreach and Decision Support:
  • Collaborates with other campus offices (e.g., Admission, Financial Aid) to ensure data consistency and integrity.
  • Collaborates with school/college- and unit-level analysts to support local data and analytics consistency, clarity, and quality.
  • Supports campus offices using Flagship Analytics dashboards answering queries and providing individual and small group training as needed.
  • Represents University Analytics & Institutional Research in on- and off-campus settings.
  • Contributes to campus-wide data governance and data literacy efforts.
• Special Projects:
  • Uses knowledge of higher education issues, research methodologies, and statistics to assist with special projects (e.g., peer studies).

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s degree in a quantitatively-oriented field of study and at least three (3) years of related experience in higher education position.
• Knowledge of research, statistical, and evaluation methods.
• Proficiency with statistical software (preferably SAS), spreadsheet, word processing, database, and other software packages appropriate for analytical and presentation purposes in cloud and PC environments.
• Knowledge of client-server database querying tools and other analytic processing tools.
• Proficiency with data visualization software (preferably Tableau).
• Familiarity with issues related to higher education.
• Ability to effectively communicate (oral and written) complex issues.
• Ability to work effectively with varied constituents.
• Ability to work independently and accurately within specified time frame.
• Requires accuracy, attention to detail and working with confidential, sensitive data such as SSNs, Human Resources data, etc.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Typical office environment activity.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm with occasional nights/weekends needed for deadline-driven work.
• May require occasional travel to meetings within the state.

Salary Information

Salary Level 29

Exempt Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.