Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

Title: Data Analyst, Data & Policy Analysis
Supervisor: Vice President, Data & Policy Analysis
Status: Full-Time; Exempt
Level: Manager
Location: Washington, DC
Application Deadline: March 3, 2021

Summary
The Data Analyst, Data & Policy Analysis is an early career data analytics position ideal for a person with technical skills and experience in transforming data to actionable information for different constituent groups. The three primary areas of focus for this survey design, data analysis, and publishing data reports. The incumbent will manage and combine multiple higher education-related institution-level education datasets to create analytic data files and variables using standard data management tools. The Data Analyst will perform standard analyses, prepare and present user-friendly results, and develop accurate documentation of the programming and processes in support of promoting and maintaining a data sharing culture within APLU and its members. The incumbent will also work with other members of the Data and Policy Analysis team and APLU staff to develop methods and models to promote a culture of data sharing, partner with internal and external stakeholders to plan and execute actionable analyses and contribute to the management of data needs across the association.  This full-time position is based in Washington, DC.

Background
APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  With a membership of 245 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement.  Annually, member campuses enroll 5.0 million undergraduates and 1.3 million graduate students, award 1.3 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $49.2 billion in university-based research.

The Office of Data & Policy Analysis (DPA) provides data and analytical support for various APLU offices. Specifically, DPA is responsible for much of APLU’s collection and analysis of data, policy support for the Office of Government Relations, and management of APLU’s criteria for membership process. Additionally, DPA supports The Commission on Information, Measurement, and Analytics (CIMA). CIMA creates space for APLU institutions to come together to form communities of practice around effective and efficient use of data and fiscal resources to guide campus planning and decision making. DPA also oversees two external data resources. VSA Analytics, which is a robust, interactive, and custom tool to support college and university leaders’ use of data in strategic planning and decision making. The Student Achievement Measure (SAM), is a transparency initiative where higher education institutions track students across institutions to create a more complete picture of undergraduate student progress and completion within the higher education system.

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer surveys for APLU, including survey design, implementation, fielding, and analysis.  
• Create data visualizations to support both internal and external audiences.
• Provide general analytic and data support for APLU offices and APLU’s grant funded projects, ensuring support is on time and following established procedures.
• Create data-focused policy briefs and/or white papers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of three years of data analysis experience, preferably working with databases. Work experience at a college/university, a higher education organization, or a non-profit organization preferred.
• A general knowledge of higher education and familiarity with higher education datasets (e.g., IPEDS, NPSAS, etc.) preferred. 
• Significant experience and comfort working with data, spreadsheets statistical software (e.g., SPSS or SAS); experienced and skilled in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and other office products, social media, and web-based research and information tools, including a CRM. Knowledge of data visualization software such as Tableau or Microsoft Power BI preferred.
• Ability to identify and establish priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment related to providing support and assistance.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment with a diverse, cross-functional team as well as an ability to carry out tasks independently. Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills are required. Thorough knowledge and experience with building project management systems, filing systems, and general office procedures preferred.  
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills which include being effective and courteous, requiring high integrity when dealing with a broad array of backgrounds and cultures. 
• Keen attention to detail.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Commitment to APLU’s mission.
• Ability to travel domestically as needed.

To Apply
Please send a letter of interest and resume to APLU’s Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line: Data Analyst. Applications will be reviewed as received. Priority will be given to applications received by March 3, 2021. APLU provides a generous benefits package.  

APLU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, employing, training, compensating and promoting staff regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Read more about APLU’s Commitment to Diversity here.