Job Title: RESEARCH DATA ANALYST & TECHNICAL SPECIALIST - Nevada System of Higher Education, Reno, NV

Deadline Date: November 22, 2009

Starting Date: January 4, 2010

Institution: The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) invites applications and nominations for the position of Research Data Analyst and Technical Specialist. This is a renewable, full-time, non-tenured, administrative position and reports to the Director of Institutional Research. The position will be located at Reno, Nevada. The NSHE is comprised of eight institutions: Two universities, a state college, four community colleges, and a research institute. The public system of higher education in Nevada continues to experience growth, with significant challenges and opportunities in serving 100,000 students and 12,000 employees. For more information about the Nevada System of Higher Education, please visit our Web site.

Job Duties: NSHE is seeking a Research Data Analyst and Technical Specialist to provide professional support in data management and reporting. Projects vary in complexity and periodicity, ranging from ad-hoc and short-term to ongoing and scheduled projects. Projects will range across the entire higher education decision support spectrum, including data on students, the research enterprise, teaching, admissions, human resources, finance, and other topics as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The duties of this position will include, but not be limited to, the following areas of responsibility within Academic and Student Affairs:
• Collect, extract, compile, and report institutional data. Data sources include:
--NSHE data warehouses (Oracle)
--Other locally maintained databases
--IPEDS, National Student Clearinghouse
--U.S. Census, state workforce and demographer data
--P-12 data

• Retrieve accurate data from the Oracle multidimensional student data warehouses for both internal and external data requests (surveys, reports, etc.). Develop and condition large scale datasets.

• Provide direct support in the development, publication and dissemination of reports and presentations including compilation of data, creation of charts and tables, design of report, and incorporating input from various sources. Create handouts, presentations, overheads, etc. for a variety of audiences.

• Assist with the cleaning and standardization of data. Extract and analyze systems data to identify errors and inconsistencies and work with appropriate individuals to resolve data inaccuracies/inconsistencies. Assist with activities that ensure the PeopleSoft implementation will result in accurate data for systemwide reporting.

• Act as the IPEDS keyholder to coordinate the submissions from seven institutions including verification of data submitted.

• Assist in the development and maintenance of the Common Course Catalog being implemented as part of the Peoplesoft implementation.

• Provide support as needed to the Director of Institutional Research and all Academic and Student Affairs professional staff as requested.

Qualifications: The successful candidate must have an earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience in institutional research and/or working with large data sets.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Successful candidates must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities. It is recommended that applicants for this position address each of the following items in the letter of application:

Skills:
• Advanced skills in a variety of computer applications and reporting tools including, but not limited to, MS Access, Excel, Powerpoint and Word.
• Experience with databases, data query, and data access. Data sources include the NSHE data warehouses (Oracle), other locally maintained databases, IPEDS, National Student Clearinghouse, U.S. Census, state workforce and demographer data and P-12 data.
• Ability to work with large data sets, verifying and checking data thoroughly for accuracy and completeness, importing and exporting files between software.
• Strong organizational abilities as well as highly developed written communication skills.
• Capable of working independently in a changing environment with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize and organize tasks to meet deadlines and follow through on assignments with minimal direction, often under pressure.

Abilities:
• Ability to exercise judgment to solve administrative problems where the answer is not apparent.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both an oral and written manner.
• Ability to adhere to stringent deadlines.
• Ability to process large amounts of information and break it down into critical elements.
• Ability to discern critical information.
• Ability to determine the most appropriate format for conveying information to a specific audience.

Salary/Benefits: Minimum starting salary $50,000

To Apply: The application process will be handled through the HR Search on-line search process. Application materials must include a current resume, detailed cover letter, and names, addresses, and telephone numbers of four professional references willing to be contacted. Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, since the initial review will serve to evaluate applicants based on documented, relevant qualifications and professional work experience. The review of materials will begin immediately. Materials should be addressed to Lori Mandracchio, Search Coordinator, and are to be submitted via on-line application . For assistance with NSHE’s on-line applicant portal, contact Lori Mandracchio at (702) 889-8426 or via e-mail.

EEO/AA: The Nevada System of Higher Education hires only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. The NSHE is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and encourages the nomination and candidacies of women and minorities.