Senior Data Analyst

Job Information
Job Title: Senior Data Analyst 
Job Requisition ID: 65212
Ministry: Advanced Education
Location: Edmonton or Calgary
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: December 18, 2024
Classification: Subsidiary 02B 3625 Program Services 4
Salary: $2757.39 to $ 3604.17 bi-weekly ($71,967- $ 94,068 /year)

The Government of Alberta is committed to a diverse and inclusive public service that reflects the population we serve to best meet the needs of Albertans. Consider joining a team where diversity, inclusion and innovation are valued and supported. For more information on diversity and inclusion, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/diversity-inclusion-policy.aspx

Ministry of Advanced Education
Advanced Education supports Albertans by providing the education and training opportunities they need to prepare for the workforce.  This is accomplished by: approving programs of study; funding public post-secondary institutions and other adult learning providers; providing financial aid for learners; registering and certifying apprentices; and, supporting academic research and innovation.

Programs and services are driven by 3 outcomes: (1) Adult learning opportunities are accessible and affordable for all Albertans; (2) High-quality education, skills development and research make a positive contribution to Alberta’s economy, society, culture and environment; and, (3) The adult learning system is accountable and coordinated.

 For more information on the Ministry of Advanced Education, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/advanced-education.aspx. 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Creative Problem Solving - Facilitates the creation of a work environment for generating and finding newer ideas to solve existing and potential problems 
• Develop Networks - Develops and sustains a network of relationships across the division and with other GOA ministries on issues and work with other branches to develop effective communication channels to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of interactions.
• Drive for Results - Plans for and delivers results, from concrete deliverables to process improvements, managing resources effectively and ensuring attention to detail.

Role Responsibilities

The Forecasting, Analytics, and Research Unit (FAR) plays a pivotal role in supporting the Ministry of Advanced Education's strategic planning and policy development. FAR is responsible for analyzing data on trends, policy issues, and opportunities within Alberta's advanced education system and across other jurisdictions. The unit develops critical intelligence mechanisms, facilitates evidence-based decision-making, and leads research and analytics initiatives to produce key resources that guide ministry priorities.

Reporting to the Manager of Research and Analysis, the Senior Data Analyst is a cornerstone in advancing the ministry's strategic goals. This role is instrumental in producing critical knowledge and analytical products that enhance our understanding of the impacts of strategic decisions and policy choices.

This position leads labour market analytics, a critical function in addressing several priority commitments, including the graduate retention tax credit, targeted enrollment expansion for in-demand occupations, and career education initiatives.

By contributing to the ministry's evidence base, this position empowers executive decision-makers with the data and insights needed to make informed, high-stakes decisions. It involves designing, implementing, and reporting on major departmental surveys, as well as overseeing complex research and analytics projects. The role demands exceptional expertise in research methodologies, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement, coupled with the ability to deliver high-quality, actionable insights that support strategic priorities.

Here is a list of key responsibilities for the Senior Data Analyst:

1. Lead Research and Analytics Projects

• Conduct labor market demand analyses, including current and forecasted needs.
• Assess the alignment between Alberta's post-secondary education system outputs and labor market demands, identifying gaps and areas for improvement.
• Support the development of mapping framework for occupations (NOCs) to post-secondary programs (CIPs) to address a critical gap in aligning post-secondary outputs with labor market needs.
• Synthesize research findings into key insights and actionable recommendations for priority ministry initiatives.
• Compile findings into briefing notes, reports, presentations, and other formats tailored to various audiences.
• Liaise with stakeholders across ministries (e.g., Service Alberta, Technology and Innovation, and Jobs Economy and Trade) to procure and integrate datasets, ensuring robust data management.

2. Oversee Major Departmental Surveys

• Lead key surveys such as the Graduate Outcomes Survey, Employment Success Survey, and other student and stakeholder surveys.
• Manage contracts with external resources, ensuring deliverables are accurate, timely, and aligned with the ministry's objectives.
• Collaborate with the business units and other Senior Data Analysts to refine survey instruments and methodologies.
• Conduct rigorous analysis of survey data to inform strategic policy and program decisions.
• Develop tools such as infographics and interactive dashboards to visualize survey results for internal and external audiences.

Role Responsibilities (continued)

3. Advanced Data Analytics and Reporting

• Work with stakeholders to understand their information needs and develop appropriate quantitative methodologies.
• Conduct advanced analytics, including statistical modeling, forecasting, rate calculations, and impact analysis.
• Translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights for executives and stakeholders through effective data visualization.
• Respond to urgent data inquiries and develop evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers.

4. Conduct Literature Reviews and Jurisdictional Scans

• Analyze jurisdictional data from sources like Statistics Canada and the OECD to identify best practices and comparative insights.
• Produce concise, actionable comparisons of jurisdictional data with appropriate caveats.
• Conduct literature reviews on topics relevant to the ministry's mandate and initiatives.

5. Develop Performance Metrics and Indicators

• Design methodologies to calculate outcome-level performance metrics and indicators of the post-secondary system's health.
• Collaborate with partners to address data gaps through innovative surveys or data collection efforts.
• Summarize existing literature on metrics and ensure methodologies align with best practices and stakeholder needs.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:  1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or  1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required Experience and Knowledge:

• Extensive experience with research design, methodology, and advanced qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. Ability to employ innovative approaches to complex problem-solving and effectively interpret and communicate results.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages and tools, such as Python, R, SAS, or SPSS, with the ability to write and optimize scripts for data analysis.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as familiarity with emerging software tools relevant to the role.
• Strong understanding of descriptive and inferential statistical methods, such as regression analyses, causal inference techniques (e.g., propensity score matching), and time series forecasting.

Preferred Skills and Attributes:

• Demonstrated expertise in social sciences research methodologies, techniques, and hypothesis testing.
• Experience in translating complex statistical analyses into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences, including through presentations and briefing notes.
• Proven ability to document analytic methods to ensure reproducibility and auditability of findings.
• Strong project management experience, with the ability to lead and manage research and advanced analytics projects effectively.
• Strategic and critical thinking skills with a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative solutions at a systemic level.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to synthesize and present complex information to diverse audiences.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of Government of Alberta data-sharing policies, including best practices in drafting data-sharing agreements.
• Familiarity with the interpretation and application of relevant legislation, such as the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Statistics Act, and the Post-Secondary Learning Act.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This permanent position is located in Edmonton or Calgary and works 36.25 hours per week, 8:15am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security screening. 

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.

How To Apply
Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Candidates are required to apply for a job online. Please visit https://www.alberta.ca/job-application-resources#before for more information. Please visit Recruitment Principles, for more information.

It is recommended applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada obtain an evaluation of their credentials from the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)(https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment.aspx) or from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator; please visit the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada for more information (https://canalliance.org/en/default.html).

It is recommended that applicants include the assessment certificate from IQAS or any other educational assessment service as part of their application.

Closing Statement
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Rashi Vaktania at Rashi.vaktania@gov.ab.ca.