Data Solutions Analyst

Job Description

Position Summary:
The Data Solutions Analyst is part of the Office of Data & Strategic Analytics (DSA) at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor, utilizing institutionally designated approaches and technologies to ensure successful delivery of high-quality and relevant data solutions to meet consumer needs. Reporting directly to the Associate Director, the position is responsible for performing moderately complex project and analytical work in a wide range of business intelligence activities that ensure the uniformity, accuracy, and semantic consistency of enterprise data through the application of effective data management, security, stewardship, and governance processes.

The Data Solutions Analyst will be responsible for thinking critically and creatively to tell stories with data and deliver actionable insights. The Data Solutions Analyst are proficient in utilizing Business Intelligence (BI) tools and knowledgeable of university data; performing assigned activities such as defining data requirements, designing data models, building dashboards, developing BI reports, performing ad-hoc analysis, and writing SQL code to assist consumers in achieving operational and strategic goals. The position also partners closely with information technology to build out our data warehouse and create metadata reporting solutions. The position may also employ predictive modeling and analytics techniques to aid decision making in areas of strategic interest to the university administration.

About the Work Unit:
Vanderbilt University is a dynamic institution, pushing new ideas into the frontiers of discovery, challenging the limits of what is possible and working diligently in the service of others. To help make this possible, the Chief Data Officer and DSA are based in the Chancellor's Office and work collaboratively with decision-makers and stakeholders across the university, supporting the strategic use of data.

DSA is comprised of three teams (Administrative Partnering; Institutional Research & Academic Partnering; and Data Governance, Solutions, & Consulting). DSA works closely with data leads in other parts of the university and with Information Technology (VUIT).

The Data Solutions Analyst position is part of the Data Governance and Solutions team. Data Governance and Solutions is a key driver in efforts to improve and enhance data quality and analytics in support of data-driven decisions.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Business Intelligence Tools: Uses BI tools such as Oracle Analytics Cloud, Tableau, SQL (Oracle and Snowflake), to provide insightful reporting solutions to meet consumer data needs.
Develop new analytics solutions; support and maintain existing solutions.
Perform testing and evaluation of new BI analysis and reporting solutions, tool upgrades, enhancements and change requests.
Develop and maintain database tables for use in reporting.
Explore new techniques and technologies in BI to generate new ideas and insightful analytics.
Use standardized practices in developing data solutions.

Data Analysis: Successfully delivers reporting solutions through detailed analyses.
Analyze complex data sets to develop in-depth understanding and deliver actionable insights.
Participate in requirements gathering and analysis, technical design, building, testing, and documentation of data solutions.
Ensure a high quality of accuracy and timeliness in data reported.
Develop and adhere to official definitions and DSA standards in reporting.
Present information in a clear, concise and understandable format.
Contribute to the compliance of Federal and external agency reporting.
Utilize BI Tools to identify potentially problematic data and recommend possible solutions.
Collaborate with consumers to improve data quality and consistency.
Use analytic techniques to develop test cases for report, analysis, and data warehouse changes.
Maintain data confidentiality and observe all regulations such as FERPA.

Data Governance: Utilize Data Governance principles to ensure ongoing compliance with internal policies and guarantee data is used in a consistent way.
Document data sources and flow to guide reporting accuracy.
Maintain a glossary of business terms and concepts to aid the understanding of data.
Implement reporting standards for visual consistency.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Associate Director of Data Governance and Solutions within the Office of Data & Strategic Analytics (DSA).

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, business analytics, or related experience is necessary.

Experience and Skills:
Data visualization and reporting tools experience (Oracle Analytics Cloud, Tableau or similar) is preferred.
Relational database and SQL skills (Oracle and Snowflake) is necessary.
Ability to manipulate, transform, or merge datasets using tools such as Excel, R, or python is preferred.
Experience in information technology or other business intelligence related functions is preferred.
Experience working with large relational databases is preferred.
Higher education experience is preferred.

Key Characteristics for this Position:

Detail-Oriented - Attention to detail, thoroughness, quality assurance, and handling mistakes appropriately all underpin the trust of Vanderbilt in the work of DSA
Respects Confidentiality - Demonstrates a strong ethical compass, recognizing the sensitivity and potential power of data, information, and outcomes, respecting the privacy and dignity of personal data. This approach underpins the trust the university places in us as data stewards.
Teamwork - Genuinely values teamwork and co-workers, makes them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well; doesn't expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves, finds ways to acknowledge other's strong suits
Communicates proactively. Uses sound judgment to identify what needs to be communicated with teammates, local leaders, and senior institutional leadership, in order to support Vanderbilt's mission. Not seeking to control information for personal or local advantage.
Raises the Bar - Expects and delivers excellence; is a creative problem solver; is proactive; welcomes input on making things better -- places a high value on learning and getting better
Creative Thinking - Goes beyond the boundaries of the job description, willingly takes on new challenges, and finds creative solutions rather than always awaiting direct instructions
Civil Discourse- The courage to challenge and be challenged by others with divergent points of view, substantiated by evidence and objective analysis.
Thoughtful Listening - To understand the needs of partners and stakeholders, asks relevant, clarifying, and probing questions and generates trust through this process
Problem-Solving and Learning - Creative, proactive problem solver; welcomes input and places a high value on learning and continual improvement and professional development; willing to learn new technologies and tools
Interpersonal Adaptability - Reads cues and adapt accordingly; adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others; can anticipate and effectively de-escalate potential conflicts
Support Higher Education - Supports the overall value of higher education and understands the distinctive values of a research-intensive, highly-selective private institution such as Vanderbilt
Self-Disciplined - Self-managing; self-motivated; manages time, activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track; is accountable for own work
Self-Aware - Self-reflective and recognizes one's own biases and is sensitive to the perceptions of others. Understands own strengths and weaknesses and able to receive constructive feedback and initiate strategies to compensate and adapt. Recognizes the specific role of a member of staff within a faculty-led environment

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.