Classification Description

TITLE: Research Analyst

CLASS: Academic Professional

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

LEVEL: 5

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK:

The Research Analyst performs professional activities in support of the Institutional Research office, Foundation office or college related projects. The research analyst provides information about college programs, students and/or individual, corporate and foundation donors to administrators, faculty, staff and external organizations. Incumbents in this classification typically focus on research activities that include research design, various modes of data collection, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and communication of research information to college instructional and administrative decision makers. Individually, work may emphasize data derived from external sources (surveys, federal data bases, other information resources) or internal sources (large, complex data sets compiled from mainframe databases).

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (Includes some or all of the following)

  1. Conduct research and focused studies related to enrollment, students, college programs; individual, corporate and foundation donors; and on other topics/issues necessary to inform planning, policy, discussions. Clarify research questions and specific information needs; employ appropriate research methods; interpret results; summarize findings and implications.

  2. Design, implement and facilitate survey processes with college administrators, teams, or individuals. Employ appropriate methods to determine population selection and sample size, develop survey instruments, collect and analyze data. Coordinate and monitor work with partner organizations and outside agencies.

  3. Develop complex data sets for analysis and reporting. Collect data from a variety of internal and external sources; work with programmers to define data parameters for extracting information from the college and/or other mainframe database; use Brio or other query tools to access information in college/foundation data warehouse. Assess validity of data, identify and resolve data problems, take appropriate steps to ensure integrity and security of data.

  4. Create data models and use statistical tools for analysis and reporting; interpret trends and patterns for users of data.

  5. Clearly communicate results of research to team, administrators or other public forums; design reports and present information using clear language, graphs and charts. Respond to questions regarding research findings. Incorporate feedback from users into improved research design and reports.

  6. Respond to ad hoc requests for information. Identify data sources, determine appropriate level of detail, prepare brief reports, provide necessary documentation.

  7. Document and archive research methodology and source data.

  8. Provide technical assistance to college administrators, teams, or individuals on research design, data analysis, and instrument development. Train staff within the college and at partner organizations in appropriate uses and interpretation of data.

  9. Coordinate the work of other staff to complete research projects. May lead project teams comprised of staff from other colleges and organizations.

  10. Participate in state and/or national institutional research meetings. Work with staff from other institutions or agencies in defining and developing state and federal data needs; facilitate data exchange with other agencies.

  11. Assure the confidentiality of all data, including sensitive information related to students and staff.

  12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is typically performed in an office environment. Extended periods of time sitting at a desk using a computer or talking on the telephone is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional lifting of heavy file folders, reports, or books that may weigh up to 20 pounds. Depending upon position, occasional or frequent travel is required between campuses and other public agencies requiring the use of a personal vehicle and current driver's license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree in education, social science or related field with emphasis on research and evaluation, statistics, policy analysis or other research-oriented discipline. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis.

Demonstrated experience focusing on research design, survey design, development of complex data sets, statistical analysis and/or narrative and statistical reporting. Demonstrated experience working with managers and other staff in coordinating research projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Considerable knowledge of research design and methods.
  • Considerable knowledge of data collection, evaluation, and presentation methods and techniques.
  • Considerable knowledge of complex mathematical and statistical computations and quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
  • Considerable knowledge of general college policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of K-12 and/or higher education issues and institutional research practice.
  • Knowledge of prospect/donor research methods within higher education and/or non-profit organization environments.
  • Knowledge of program evaluation and assessment of educational outcomes.
  • Skill in questionnaire development, web-based surveys, development of interview protocols, and sampling strategies may be required depending upon position.
  • Skill in interviewing and analysis and interpretation of data.
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages, including advanced skill in spreadsheet and statistical applications such as SPSS, SAS, Access and Excel.
  • Skill in designing, writing, and editing complex research documents.
  • Skill in researching, evaluating, and manipulating large quantities of data.
  • Skill in project management and independent problem solving.
  • Skill in facilitating group meetings and project presentation.
  • Ability to analyze problems and make appropriate decisions or judgments relating to complex research projects.
  • Ability to work independently and be self-directed.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

REV: 09/07

REPLACES: 01/05