Human Resources seeks candidates for a Research Analyst position in Institutional Research. This position reports to the Director of Institutional Research. The employee must work independently and collaboratively with various University constituencies and manage multiple, concurrent projects, use sound judgment in developing analyses and applying statistics, and communicate effectively. Completed work must be accurate and consistent. It is imperative that the employee exercise confidentiality and discretion in the performance of assigned duties.
Analysis and Reporting
Applying descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, design and conduct quantitative research and analysis from conception through final written report, interpreting and summarizing results and providing recommendations to Washburn leadership for use in planning and decision making.
Analyze complex datasets and clearly organize and summarize results in tables, charts, and other documents using quantitative and visual information for use by Washburn leadership in planning and decision making and by internal and external constituents requiring information about the University.
Work with University colleagues to determine information needs and how to best access information; this may include identifying problems and offering solutions to resolve those problems or looking for alternative ways to respond to questions. Develop report specifications and use SQL or other programming languages to generate data extracts, tables, and reports appropriate for the end user.
Determine data requirements and generate data-driven responses for mandated reporting to the federal and state governments and accrediting associations e.g., Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems (IPEDS), the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the Kansas Board of Regents, Higher Learning Commission.
Determine data requirements and generate data-driven responses for external surveys considered important to the University e.g., U.S. News, Common Data Set, College Board.
Document all project processes, sources, and techniques to ensure consistent application of methodology in future projects.
Technical
Effectively use a variety of software using advanced skills in Excel, Access and SPSS or SAS to run queries and perform analyses.
Extract data from relational databases and review output for reasonableness, validity, consistency, and accuracy.
Document query/report criteria and processes to ensure consistent application of methodology in future projects.
Other
Read publications daily, e.g., Chronicle of Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and monitor professional online discussion groups on higher education issues and topics, and communicate relevant information to the Director, other IR staff, and University colleagues to keep them apprised about significant activities on these issues.
Serve on project teams and University committees as assigned.
Participate in professional development activities to ensure currency and continuous skill enhancement relevant to the University’s needs
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.
REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree. Three years of work experience in research design, qualitative and quantitative statistical methods, data inference and analysis. Strong analytical, research, writing, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly verbally and in written, numerical, and graphical form; to manage effectively multiple projects concurrently; to work independently and collaboratively with multiple constituencies; to maintain confidentiality and discretion. Well-developed interpersonal and organizational skills. Demonstrated proficiency in use of a variety of software including Microsoft Office Suite and SPSS or SAS.
PREFERRED: Master’s degree. Experience in higher education policy development, analysis, and reporting. Experience in querying multiple tables within large relational databases using SQL or other programming language. Familiarity working with third party reporting tools.
Submit a letter of interest, resume, Resume Supplement for Administrative Positions, copy of official college transcript(s), and names and phone numbers of three professional references to getajob@washburn.edu or to Washburn University Human Resources, 263 Morgan Hall, 1700 SW College, Topeka, Kansas 66621. Review of applications will begin April 29, 2013, and continue until a suitably qualified candidate has been identified. Salary is mid $50K commensurate with qualifications. Excellent fringe benefits package. Employment at Washburn University may be conditioned upon satisfactory completion of a background check
TO ENRICH EDUCATION THROUGH DIVERSITY, WASHBURN UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. CANDIDATES FROM UNDER-REPRESENTED GROUPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
4/12/13