Research Data Analyst

Description

The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time. This job posting may be closed at any time without notice. 

Why work for the Washington Student Achievement Council? 
At the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), we are committed to increasing educational opportunities and attainment in Washington. We believe that every person living in the state of Washington should have access to educational opportunities and be encouraged to pursue education or training beyond high school.
 
 To achieve our mission, we:

• Lead statewide strategic planning to increase educational attainment.
• Administer programs that help people access and pay for college.
• Advocate for the economic, social, and civic benefits of higher education.
• Learn more about the work of the Washington Student Achievement Council and our equity statement  
  http://www.wsac.wa.gov/
  
  

At WSAC
Our programs and policies work with diverse communities to eliminate barriers to people pursuing education beyond high school. As an employer, we strive to hire, cultivate, and retain a competitive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
 

• We offer flexible/alternative work schedules, wellness activities, and teleworking opportunities.
• Eligible employees who are new parents or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when returning to work.
• Employees have access to tuition assistance and tuition waiver programs.
• If you have experience advocating for communities of color or others who are experiencing educational inequities-including those directly impacted by the criminal justice system; people who identify as queer, trans, lesbian, gay or bisexual; veterans; and people with disabilities you are strongly encouraged to apply, even if you don’t meet all of the desired/preferred qualification listed.

Learn more about WSAC’s mission and our commitment to equity.  
Our Commitment to Equity

About the Research Division
The Research Division provides information and analyses that guide the Washington Student Achievement Council's efforts to advance higher education attainment in the state. In support of the mission and goals of the Washington Student Achievement Council, the Research Division has four functional areas that inform the division’s work:

• Program Evaluation
• Policy Research
• Data Insights
• Data Management, Privacy & Security

The WSAC Research Division is committed to creating a workplace where all researchers thrive personally and professionally. We also believe that our researchers should reflect the rich diversity of the student population we aim to serve—in race, gender, age, culture, and beliefs—and we support this diversity through all of our research practices. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral values of the WSAC Research division, and a key strategic focus for WSAC as an agency. To continue to prioritize these values and associated activities, research staff centers the agency’s equity lens and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee’s equity strategy to drive our work.

Duties

About the Research Data Analyst position
Do you enjoy working with data while also helping people? We are looking for a highly-motivated, detail-oriented Data Analyst to join our growing and busy research team. An ideal candidate is not only skilled at data analysis but also enjoys helping others and can flow with ease between multiple projects. The role will also involve administrative responsibilities and requires someone with superior organizational skills who can prioritize deliverables and meet competing deadlines.
 
Under the direction of the Associate Director of Data Quality and Visualization, the Data Analyst will provide support to the research unit to analyze and report information related to student financial aid, postsecondary student success, and educational attainment. The working environment is collegial and collaborative.
 
Lifelong learners will thrive in this position. It includes opportunities for professional growth, such as trainings in new tools/technologies, mentorships, and engagement with experienced outside consultants.
 
While we welcome those with experience, we also encourage more recent grads to apply. Whether your abilities come from coursework or a job, if this type of work appeals to you, then please apply.
 
Job Responsibilities:

• Oversee the data request system for the agency
• Analyze data using SAS and/or SQL to fulfill data requests
• Manage data sharing agreements
• Convene and facilitate interdepartmental meetings about data issues
• Assist with documentation of research division policies and procedures
• Assist with research projects and presentations
• Support/perform other ad hoc projects 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate's degree or more in social science, computer science, or related field, or two (2) years of professional experience in data analysis, research support, statistical reporting, or database management, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and /or professional experience
• Experience using SAS or SQL to query relational databases and create tabular reports
• Ability to pay attention to detail and produce accurate results
• Familiarity with data management and data security issues
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (including formulas and graphing in Excel and PowerPoint)
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Comfortable facilitating meetings with a variety of participants
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to meet competing deadlines
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with academic, workforce, economic, census, fiscal and/or administrative databases and large data sets
• Ability to design and prepare graphs and other visual displays that are easy to use and interpret
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and statistics
• Familiarity with policy research and ability to assist with literature reviews and drafting reports
• Familiarity with key education measures (i.e., enrollment, retention, completion, etc.)
• Interest in higher education, policy, and equity issues
• Experience working in a complex organization and coordinating with external organizations
• Demonstrated desire and ability to acquire new software skills as needed

Supplemental Information

Compensation
The salary listed is the starting salary consideration for this position. The full salary range is $50,284 - $68,032. 

Application Procedures
To be considered for this position you must possess the required qualification listed above. Find this job posting and complete your profile at www.careers.wa.gov. which must include the following:
 

1. Letter of Application.  A letter of application that addresses how you meet the required education and experience described in this announcement. Applications with generic cover letters will be considered nonresponsive and may eliminate the application from further consideration.
2. Resume.  A detailed resume including all educational and professional experience.
3. References.  A list of names, titles, emails, and current telephone numbers of three (3) employment references.

Please Note: Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted.  Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
   
 QUESTIONS?
 For questions about this recruitment contact Alisha Rollins at AlishaR@wsac.wa.gov
 
 EEO Statement
 The Washington Student Achievement Council is an equal-opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all applicants and employees. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, and veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodation in the application process or wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, please call 360.485.1138 or email HumanResources@wsac.wa.gov