Job Information
Fairfield University Institutional Research Analyst in Fairfield, Connecticut
Job Description:
Institutional Research Department Mission Statement
Established in Fall 2007, the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) provides a comprehensive program of institutional research and planning. Consistent with its charge to support the University's mission and strategic objectives, the OIR reports to the Provost.
The OIR is charged with ensuring the integrity and reliability of information for effective decision-making and institutional planning. The Office coordinates the collection, organization, analysis, and reporting of all institutional data in order to provide consistent and timely information to trustees, administrators, faculty, and other internal and external constituencies. The Office produces the annual Fact Book, coordinates and analyzes surveys of students and other campus groups, and serves as the primary contact for compliance reporting to state, federal, and accrediting agencies. Members of the OIR staff also initiate major research projects and provide consultation on research methods, data integrity and database analysis, survey design and analysis, and institutional assessment activities.
Institutional Research Analyst’s Primary Function
The Institutional Research (IR) Data Analyst is responsible for performing activities in support of a comprehensive institutional research program which includes designing, conducting, writing and evaluation of University-wide research; assisting in developing and compiling information for planning and evidence-based decision-making; and developing and maintaining databases and queries in support of research functions.
Position Summary
As part of the OIR Team, the IR Data Analyst will have a strong command of technical skills and domain expertise necessary to construct, validate, and automate research reports. Their responsibilities will encompass the preparation of reports and data submissions, aligning with the needs of the institution and federal and state reporting requirements. With meticulous attention to detail, the Analyst will uphold the accuracy and integrity of the reported data while collaborating closely with stakeholders to gather pertinent information and ensure adherence to reporting standards. The Analyst will assist with:
Development of databases suitable for longitudinal studies, statistical analyses, and related activities in support of University decision making
Completing data requests and/or reports, facilitating the flow of information from the University’s Student Information System into various repositories of data
Designing Institutional Dashboards and Predictive Models
Assisting with the completion of federal reporting requirements, such as IPEDS
The IR Data Analyst is expected to maintain data from across campus required for strategic planning and data-driven decisions, as well as external reporting requirements. The Analyst will play a part in ensuring data integrity, maintaining databases, creating standard and custom reports, and developing dashboards and predictive models. The Analyst will also facilitate the access of and use of institutional data, while also working with campus partners to complete any institutional research needs within set deadlines.
The position is responsible for frequent handling of confidential data and must maintain compliance with FERPA and other applicable laws and regulations, as well as office standards. This person will work both independently and in a team environment.
Areas of Knowledge and Essential Functions
University Student Information System and Data Repository
Support new and existing development initiatives related to institutional research
Assisting in the design and management of information systems and databases to support institutional research activities
Data Preparation/Retrieval:
Maintain the normalization and accuracy of University data
Extract data from a variety of systems to support the completion of internal and external data reports, data/predictive models, and survey summaries
Collaborate with IR team on analytical data projects
Department Administration and Requests:
- Responsible for such items as incoming requests and ability to play key role in IR review process of reports and submissions
Required Knowledge and Abilities
Understanding of current issues and trends in higher education
Familiarity or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge in the area of federal and state rules and regulations related to Institutional Research and reporting
Possessing a keen ability to formulate insightful research questions, demonstrate proficiency in employing appropriate research methods, and effectively communicate research findings
Strong familiarity or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge in the area of Data Visualization tools, Statistical Programming and Predictive Modeling Software, and Databases (including but not limited to data warehouse or the like)
Assist in curating reports and dashboards, while ensuring that data products maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and privacy in accordance with data set guidelines
Develop and maintain documentation on dashboards, models, office and presentation standards to ensure accuracy and clarity of information
Conduct quality assurance and quality control reviews of dashboards, reports, submissions, etc. to ensure accuracy and reliability of data
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively on both repetitive tasks and new and unfamiliar projects
Oral Comprehension – the ability to comprehend direction, feedback, and opinions when others are speaking to you
Written Comprehension – the ability to comprehend information and ideas detailed in writing
Written Expression – the ability to explain and converse on ideas and information through writing
Ability to coordinate and complete multi-step projects requiring input and work from many individuals
Demonstrates ability to prepare documents with high level of accuracy and consistency
Skills
Project Management
Computer/Technical (e.g. Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Statistical Software tools, etc.)
Database Maintenance
Detail Oriented
Teamwork
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience working with data preparation, coordination and/or reporting in higher education
Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge working with statistical software and databases
Experience utilizing database querying tools and ability to extract and manipulate data for analysis
Utilizing data visualization software, such as Tableau or Power BI, to effectively present data and insights
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication (written and verbal) skills are critical along with ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituents, as well as ability to work independently
Detail-oriented along with the ability to handle multiple ongoing projects, and meet deadlines
Responsibilities may be changed and/or added at any time.
Category:
Academic - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. With campuses located in Fairfield, CT Bridgeport, CT, and Austin, TX, we strive to create a workforce that is rich in skill, knowledge, and pride in our work. Members of the Fairfield University community exhibit mutual respect, compassion, and inclusivity, aspiring to be a welcoming environment representative of an ever-changing and diverse global populace. As our University rises in national prominence, we are committed to fostering a healthy workplace and lifestyle for our employees. At Fairfield, the future is filled with opportunities as limitless as your potential, and they all begin with you.