Associate Policy and Planning Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY

This full-time academic staff position works with administrators, faculty, and staff to analyze data and publish reports that measure and document the performance of the University of Wisconsin River Falls. The Associate Policy and Planning Analyst (APP) coordinates and provides responses to data requests from UW System and external entities. The APP Analyst also works with administrators to support and measure efforts towards meeting institutional goals, works with faculty to support research efforts, and engages in individual research and analysis to answer ad hoc inquiries. The APP Analyst follows a methodology for documenting data requests, and maintains procedures for both obtaining data in a consistent manner and replicating results for periodic reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES

35% Provide Support for University Decision Making: Prepares analytical information needed by university leaders for evaluation, assessment, planning, and management decisions (e.g. recruitment and retention). Conducts data gathering, cleansing, analysis, and reports for projects which range from complex institutional research projects to standardized reports. Consults with each requesting entity to fully define the project. Conducts regularly scheduled analyses to update data for institutional requirements (e.g. outcomes data for federal reporting). Assists with the annual study of academic unit performance in support of the Program Prioritization and Program Audit and Review process. Regularly updates information about the university on the Institutional Research web site.

20% Provide Data, Reports, and Support for External Organizations: Develops reports on institutional data and university activities to meet mandatory federal, state, UW system and accreditor reporting requirements. Develops, coordinates, collects data and prepares responses for entities such as the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the Higher Learning Commission’s annual Institutional Update, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the National Postsecondary Student Aid study, the UW System Central Data Request, the Common Data Set and other standardized data collection activities. Assists with the development and maintenance of a calendar of required data submissions to ensure timely submission of complete and accurate data.

10% Survey Administration: Serves as an administrator of survey software tools (e.g. Qualtrics) used by the university. Trains and supports faculty, staff, and students in the use of appropriate survey software tools. Implements policies and procedures related to campus surveys.

5% Distributed Data Gathering and Analysis Support: Assists users of data analysis tools on campus to collect and correctly analyze data and information. Serves as a subject matter expert for the analytical use of various data sources and tools. Answers questions and provide assistance for staff developing ad hoc queries and reports.

20% Accreditation and Certification Support: Works with ad hoc and standing committees and university administrators to provide data, reports and analyses in support of institutional accreditation, certification, and eligibility for such organizations as the U.S. Department of Education, the State of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin System, the Higher Learning Commission and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

5% University Service: Provides appropriate representation on university committees when requested (e.g. search and screen committees for related offices), serves as a liaison to offices that are users of data, provides consultative services to on-campus users of data.

5% Special Projects: Other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree and at least one year of experience as a data, business or reporting analyst; or a Bachelor’s degree and a graduate certificate in data science, institutional research, or related field from a regionally-accredited educational institution;
• Demonstrated proficiency querying large, complex databases using commercial reporting tools (e.g. Hyperion/Brio, Cognos, PeopleSoft query, Oracle Business Intelligence suite) or SQL based RDBMS such as MySQL, SQL Server or Toad; and
• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to diverse student populations and ability to contribute to the University’s commitment to enhancing student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnic cultural heritages.

Additional Desired Qualifications:
• Experience working with online information management systems;
• Background in statistical data analysis and use of statistical packages (e.g. SPSS, R, SAS, Minitab etc.);
• Proficiency with developing queries using SQL;
• Experience with data warehouses, data marts and dimensional data models;
• Experience with PeopleSoft for HR, Financials and/or Campus Solutions;
• Experience working in higher education;
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness of work submissions;
• Strong communication skills;
• Evidence of ability to work both independently and as a team member; and
• Master’s Degree in computer science, data science or related field.

Only materials submitted through https://jobs.uwrf.edu/ can be considered.

Submit:

• Curriculum vitae (resume)
• Letter of interest specifying qualifications and experience (cover letter)
• An unofficial transcript (official copies of transcripts will be required if hired).
• Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references who can specifically comment on your experience and professional preparation (references).

Inquiries should be addressed to:

Molly Van Wagner
Director of Grants and Research
molly.van-wagner@uwrf.edu   

Deadline to Apply: Initial review of applications will begin upon receipt. For full consideration, applicants should submit all required materials by October 31, 2020.  A criminal background check will be completed on final candidates.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released.  See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 

UW-River Falls does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources at 715-425-3221.

UW-River Falls Diversity Statement: We declare that diversity and inclusivity are core values. We dedicate ourselves to build a culture grounded in principles of equity, social justice, and excellence. We fundamentally affirm and embrace the multiple identities, values, belief systems, and cultural practices of all individuals and communities. We will address fundamental issues of bias, discrimination, and exclusion.

The University is committed to creating an educational community which enhances student awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnicities and cultures and identities which actively supports tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each person without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs. Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse ethnic and cultural heritages are especially sought in applicants.

UWRF is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer subject to all state and federal regulations pertaining to non-discrimination based upon sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, age, arrest and/or conviction record, veteran status, and membership in the national guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of the United States or the State of Wisconsin. All persons, especially women, persons of color, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.  Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of your identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

For a copy of the UWRF campus safety information, see http:www.uwrf.edu/Police/CampusRecordsCrimes.cfm or call University Police at (715) 425-3133 for a paper copy. This material includes crime statistics (Annual Security Report) and information on crime prevention, sexual assault, and drug/alcohol issues.