00001841 - Research Analyst

Under the administrative direction of the Director of Institutional Research and College Data Officer, the research analyst will design and implement research and evaluation projects as required to support the organizational initiatives of the College; conduct data analysis and present findings; and implement and/or oversee data collection and reporting for accountability, accreditation, and continuous improvement purposes.


Requisition ID:
Position Number:
00001841
Employee Group:  Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes: 


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Prepares state, federal, and college accountability reports according to documented requirements ensuring accuracy and timeliness

  • Utilizes technology for collection, analysis and presentation of data

  • Develops and prepares data reports as required by the college to monitor and track key metrics

  • Conducts customized research and fulfills data and information requests as needed using student information systems and other applicable databases

  • Designs, coordinates, and/or conducts evaluation and research studies as assigned

  • Works with department-level staff and college teams to design and implement data collection, analysis, and reporting projects

  • Assists/mentors other college staff in research and statistical methods for data collection, including survey development and analysis

  • Assures accuracy of all information collected, using reliability and validity procedures to ensure the overall integrity of college data

  • Analyzes results of data collection activities using appropriate statistical software or other procedures, interpret and present results

  • Writes reports for data, research and evaluation projects and/or prepares presentations of results of research and evaluation projects (includes creating charts, tables, graphs and other data visualizations illustrating data and findings) that include best practices in data disaggregation to highlight gaps for GRCC stakeholder data-informed decision-making

  • Completes data surveys and questionnaires on behalf of Grand Rapids Community College

  • Completes data aggregation and analysis for required reporting by Grand Rapids Community College

  • Assists other staff in learning techniques necessary for data procurement, analysis, and presentation

  • Establishes and maintains excellent cooperative working relationships with college, community, and agency partners

  • Communicates with internal and external customers in person or via telephone or email, responds to requests for information and/or discusses existing research projects

  • Makes formal presentations of results of evaluation and research projects 

  • Designs and implements surveys and other data collection activities as required by research, evaluation, and/ or for college compliance and continuous improvement projects

  • Supports departmental and institutional efforts related to data governance

  • Serves on department and/or college-wide teams or committees as appropriate

  • Establishes and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with other analysts in the Institutional Research department, college, community, and agency partners

  • Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position

  • Performs other related duties as assigned


JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Educational Credentials

  • Bachelor’s degree in statistics, information systems, computer science, education, social science or related field required

  • Master’s degree preferred

  • National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) preferred

Work Experience

  • At least three years of experience in research work is required. Experience in a higher education setting is highly preferred

  • Work experience must show the gathering and merging of data from various sources; tabulating or classifying data into prescribed formats, forms, or reports; and use of computers to retrieve, tabulate, and report

  • Experience with data systems, including technical understanding of data warehousing and data mining required

  • Experience with leading research and evaluation projects from project development through implementation and preparation of final reports required

  • Experience using data visualization methods and software preferred

  • Experience using student information systems is preferred

Skills

  • Technical skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, statistical software, and data visualization tools

  • Analytical skills: aptitude for data analysis and reporting, knowledge of statistical analysis software and procedures

  • Adaptability and Learning Agility: ability to adapt to new technologies 

  • Technical Writing/Documentation: competency in the technical aspects of research, including research purpose, research design, methodology, evaluation, analytical tools, survey design, and statistical standards

  • Soft skills: Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals in a team environment

Physical Demands

  • Required long periods of sitting, using a computer to input, extract, and interpret data

Mental Demands

  •  Use of planning and organizational skills

  • Use of superior analytical/interpretation skills; i.e., the ability to analyze research and convert data to usable information

  • Sensitivity to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds; Proven ability to work effectively both as a team leader and a team player; highly motivated

  • Ability to produce quality work according to established procedures and within timelines in a multiple project setting

  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, good reasoning skills, and the ability to make independent decisions, work with minimal supervision, and exercise sound judgment

  • High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and data integrity

Working Conditions

  • GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website

  • Typical office workstation

  • Some travel will be required for professional development and meetings

  • Occasional irregular hours necessitated by special projects, compliance with deadlines, and committee service