Data Analyst: Tickle College of Engineering Research Office - UTK

University of Tennessee; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee’s Tickle College of Engineering seeks a Data Analyst to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze large datasets and present actionable insights to leadership. You will design value-add reports and dynamic dashboards to inform planning, budgeting, and resource allocation while collaborating across UTK organizations on data standards.

The role emphasizes improving student retention, graduation rates, diversity, and performance, with dashboards and tools (Power BI) to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education evaluation, statistics, economics, science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.
• 4 years of experience using quantitative methods to characterize data populations.
• 4 years of experience with software for data aggregation, analysis, and presentation (e.g., programming, databases, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphical presentation, and reporting).
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with others.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret departmental performance related to undergraduate and graduate students, including recruitment and graduation outcomes.
• Provide data-driven insights to improve recruitment, retention, and 4–6 year graduation rates; create dashboards for faculty and staff.
• Collaborate with campus offices to ensure data integrity and reporting; verify data for ABET accreditation.
• Generate ad hoc analyses and visuals to show resource use toward the Top 25 goals and identify opportunities.
• Engage in professional associations and conferences to improve data collection and presentation processes.

Skills

Critical analysis

Written and verbal communication

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Data visualization

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in education evaluation, statistics, economics, science, engineering, mathematics, or related field

Tools

Power BI

Databases

Excel

Statistical software

Job description

Description

The Data Analyst quantitatively and qualitatively analyzes and interprets large datasets to discover and present actionable insights to Tickle College of Engineering (TCE) leadership, driving best strategies for pursuing college goals, enhancing student and faculty success, and improving college operations. With a primary focus on Academic and Student Affairs, this position offers original, data-driven insights to college leadership on topics such as improving student retention and graduation, enhancing student and faculty diversity, using scholarship funds to boost student recruitment and retention, and understanding faculty performance. The Data Analyst designs and generates value-add reports and dashboards to inform strategic planning, financial planning, and resource allocation, and communicates key performance measures to internal and external stakeholders through dynamic, easily understood visuals. This role builds relationships with UTK organizations outside the college to create seamless data flows and collaborates university-wide on data presentation standards for academic-related topics.

This position is key for TCE with respect to: (1) determining optimal use of organizational data and providing analyses and insights to support the design and implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance performance across all mission areas and elevate national reputation; (2) creating analytical tools using modern programming languages and statistical software; and (3) continuing to improve and automate existing processes and reports. The Data Analyst must be a subject matter expert with a variety of software for data aggregation, retrieval, analysis, and presentation, and must understand the workflow, responsibilities, and expectations of departments and the college in the context of TCE's teaching, research, and service missions.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, interpret, and communicate departmental performance related to undergraduate and graduate students, including recruitment/matriculation, participation in high-impact practices, success in grades and graduation, and job or graduate school placement post-graduation - undertaken in the context of TCE priorities, resource availability, and the expectations of students, alumni, and state legislators. (30%)


• Provide original, data-driven insights to TCE leadership on improving student recruitment, enhancing retention, increasing 4-6 year graduation rates, enhancing student diversity, and strategically using scholarship funds; create direct access to "clean datasets" and graphical user interfaces (dashboards, visualizations using Power BI) for TCE faculty and staff use. (25%)


• Engage with personnel across numerous campus offices (e.g., OIRA, OIT) to exchange information and resolve issues related to data integrity and reporting; test and provide feedback on reports and dashboards published on data.utk.edu. Aggregate, clean, and verify data required for ABET accreditation. (20%)


• Generate ad hoc analysis and dynamic visuals enabling the Dean to demonstrate to University administration, the TCE Board of Advisors, and other stakeholders how resources are being leveraged to drive TCE's progress toward the Top 25, including original analyses and perspectives identifying challenges and opportunities for TCE. (20%)


• Participate in professional associations and conferences that benefit the processes for collection, management, analysis, and communication of data for TCE. (5%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in education evaluation, statistics, economics, science, engineering, mathematics, or a related field.


• Experience:
  
  
  
  • 4 years of experience using quantitative methods to characterize data populations;
  
  
  • 4 years of experience using software for data aggregation, analysis, and presentation (e.g., programming, databases, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, graphical presentation, and reporting via word-processing/presentation programs);
  
  
  • Demonstrated commitment to cooperative teamwork;
  
  
  • Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to deal effectively with superiors, colleagues, and personnel who provide data or expect analysis from the data.
  
  
  
  


• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  
  
  • Critical analysis capability with keen attention to detail;
  
  
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; outstanding problem-solving skills;
  
  
  • Ability to multi-task;
  
  
  • Excellent organizational skills;
  
  
  • Excellent working knowledge of appropriate database, s