Data Analyst, Office Of Data And Strategic Analytics

The Data Analyst is part of the Office of Data and Strategic Analytics (DSA) at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for leveraging data to support the Vanderbilt Libraries leadership. This position works closely with Library Technology and Assessment Services (LTAS) to increase the visibility of the Libraries in the life of the institution.

This position reports directly to the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment in DSA. Additionally, the Data Analyst is a full member of the LTAS team, and works to priorities defined by this team, with a strong dotted line of reporting and accountability to the Director of Library Technology and Assessment Services. This structure reflects Vanderbilt's commitment to radical collaboration.

Vanderbilt University is a dynamic institution, pushing new ideas into the frontiers of discovery, challenging the limits of what is possible and working diligently in the service of others. To help make this possible, the Chief Data Officer and DSA are based in the Chancellor's Office and work collaboratively with decision-makers and stakeholders across the university, supporting the strategic use of data. DSA comprises four teams: Academic Partnering, Administrative Partnering, Institutional Research and Assessment, and Data Governance, Solutions, and Consulting. DSA also works closely with data leaders in other parts of the university as well as with Information Technology teams.

Vanderbilt's Heard Libraries is a preeminent, academic research library system that acquires, preserves, and makes accessible the world's information. The Libraries nurture and inspire the next generation of leaders in America while fostering a culture of tolerance, empathy, and proactive change through outreach & engagement, collection development and information discovery, and research and learning. The Libraries will be a leader, partner, and ally in propelling knowledge to improve or solve the critical problems of our society.

Duties and Responsibilities

Data Collection and Management

• Make data and analytical information accessible, relevant, and usable to leaders and stakeholders in the Libraries.

• Collaborate with experts in the Libraries, DSA, and VUIT to ensure that the technical underpinnings and integration of data resources are fit for purpose.

• Collect, clean, and maintain large datasets from various sources, including library management systems, digital repositories, and user feedback.

• Integrate disparate sources of information, including quantitative and qualitative data, to provide evidence-based, actionable analyses.

• Research University, Library, and industry trends and gather benchmark data.

• Work with the Libraries and DSA to develop and implement assessment instruments for data collection, which includes things such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews.

• Remain abreast of developments elsewhere in the DSA team to identify what may be of use to the Libraries.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Create data outputs including data visualization with use of dashboarding tools like Tableau, Vanderbilt's preferred visualization tool.

• Use reports and analyses to identify potential data quality issues and recommend workable solutions.

• Identify projects (e.g., assessment, analysis, reporting) which may require input from the broader DSA team and facilitate those conversations.

• Draw on relationships with others in DSA to access specialist support as needed, leveraging cross-functional expertise to enhance data analytics initiatives.

Data Stewardship

• Contribute to Vanderbilt's data culture and data governance processes by assessing and communicating about data quality, by helping ensure data privacy standards are maintained, and by training on data usage and data literacy.

• Serve as a source of data expertise.

• Document data sources, data lineage, and definitions.

• Identify ways to improve existing data resources.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree is necessary.

• A master's degree is preferred.

• At least two years' experience working in a professional setting is necessary.

• Experience working with data collection, data analysis, reporting, presentation, and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.

• Knowledge of database management and query languages (e.g., SQL) is required.

• Ability to manipulate, transform, or merge datasets using tools such as Excel, R, SPSS, or python is preferred.

• Ability to do descriptive statistical analysis (e.g., compute means, variances, change over time) is required. Training in and experience of more advanced statistical techniques is preferred.

• Excellent problem solving and intellectual curiosity are necessary, with a strong desire to search for answers, explore new ideas, and make connections across knowledge bases to arrive at optimal solutions is necessary.

• Ability to learn quickly and independently and to identify one's own learning needs is required.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

• Strong time-management skills to effectively prioritize and complete campus area and institutional projects are necessary.