Research Analyst I

Position: Research Analyst I

Job Summary:

Assists the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment in the planning, administering, and evaluating of institutional research activities and assessment processes to support the University's mission. Supports data-informed decision-making by extracting, validating, analyzing, and presenting institutional data through reporting tools and interactive data visualizations. 

Essential Job Functions, Duties, & Responsibilities:

• Query databases and other data sources to extract data; cross-check, validate, cleanse, and reconcile data as needed to ensure accuracy, consistency, completeness, and reliability before use in reports, dashboards, and analyses. 
• Manipulate and analyze large and complex data sets to complete internal and external reports, respond to data requests, identify trends, and support institutional planning and decision-making. 
• Develop, maintain, and enhance interactive data visualizations, dashboards, and reports using Tableau and Microsoft Power BI, as appropriate to the needs of the University and its audiences. 
• Fulfill internal and external requests for institutional data and information, working with university personnel to clarify requirements, identify appropriate data sources, determine methodology, and provide accurate and timely responses. 
• Use advanced Microsoft Excel skills to organize, clean, validate, analyze, and reconcile data; create formulas and lookup functions; work with pivot tables and other analytical tools; and prepare data for reporting and visualization. 
• Evaluate the validity and reasonableness of data by comparing information across systems and sources, investigating discrepancies and anomalies, documenting data issues, and applying appropriate quality-control procedures. 
• Complete surveys from various publishers seeking information about the University and assist in the completion of federal, state, accreditation, and other required reports, ensuring submitted data are accurate, consistent, and appropriately documented. 
• Respond to internal and external requests for information and collaborate with university personnel in the design of projects, assessment activities, dashboards, and data reporting solutions. 
• Assist in the collection of survey data, analysis of data, validation of results, and reporting of survey findings. 
• Assist in the collection and organization of data, reports, documentation, definitions, and supporting materials for the University's accreditation process. 
• Document data sources, methodologies, business rules, assumptions, and validation procedures to promote consistency, transparency, and reproducibility of institutional reporting. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working with large data sets, data extraction, data validation, data quality assurance, data cleansing, data analysis, reporting, and data visualization is required. 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including advanced formulas and functions, lookup functions, pivot tables, data cleaning, data validation, and analytical techniques. 
• Ability to fulfill and manage data requests by gathering requirements, identifying appropriate data sources, analyzing information, and delivering accurate, clear, and timely results. 
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment. 
• Ability to pay attention to details and strong organizational skills are required.
• Proficient in use of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Demonstrated experience with Tableau and/or Microsoft Power BI for developing interactive dashboards, reports, and data visualizations is preferred.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in the social sciences, statistics, business, computer science or other relevant field.
• Three years of related work experience, preferably in a higher education setting (an equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved may be considered).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SQL or other database query languages for extracting, joining, and analyzing data from relational databases. 
• Experience with data integration and ETL processes, including combining data from multiple systems, transforming data, and developing repeatable data workflows. 
• Experience developing and maintaining data models for institutional reporting, dashboards, and analytical purposes. 
• Experience with statistical analysis and/or statistical software, such as R, Python, SPSS, SAS, or similar tools. 
• Experience working with student information systems, learning management systems, or other higher education administrative data systems. 
• Knowledge of institutional research practices and higher education data reporting, including familiarity with IPEDS, accreditation reporting, enrollment, retention, graduation, and student success data. 

Physical Demands:

• Light sedentary office work. 
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. 

Lincoln University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and institutional needs. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at 573-681-5018.