Data & Research Analyst

Job Summary

The Data and Research Analyst supports the institutional research, reporting, and data governance process at Millsaps College. The major area of responsibility includes ensuring the College has access to quality data by collecting, extracting, analyzing, visualizing, reporting, and distributing pertinent institutional data about Millsaps College to internal and external entities for use in strategic decision making. This position reports to the Associate Dean of Records and Data Strategy and resides within the Office of Records (an office that has both Registrar and Institutional Research functions).

The Data & Research Analyst position works on-site in Jackson, Mississippi with regular office hours from 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

Job Duties

  • Proactively pulls, analyzes, and distributes data to various constituents across the College to enable leaders and teams to use data in strategic and business decision making.
  • Conducts statistical analyses to support college planning, enrollment management, retention and completion, program review, and assessment — summarizing interpretations from data and presenting findings in a coherent, comprehensive format.
  • Creates data visualizations and dashboards.
  • Tracks institutional performance against a wide range of benchmarks.
  • Works with relevant departments to provide accurate data in a timely fashion to external agencies and organizations, such as IPEDS, Common Data Set, U.S. News & World Report, etc.
  • Plays a key role in implementing new data warehouse and reporting software scheduled to begin Spring 2025.
  • Works with faculty, staff, and others in an accessible and friendly manner, exhibiting integrity, confidentiality, consistent responsiveness, reliability, and general knowledge of academic policies and the College as a whole.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in an analytical field, such as mathematics, educational research, statistics, computer science, information management, or a related field.
  • Experience in creating data queries to gather data.
  • Previous experience in institutional research is an advantage.
  • Strong proficiency in SQL and the ability to pass a screening test.
  • Strong proficiency in Excel, including the ability to create Macros.
  • Demonstrated ability to create data visualizations with tools such as Tableau or Power BI.
  • Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn the College’s student information system, Ellucian Colleague.
  • Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn the College’s current reporting software: SAP Business Objects Web Intelligence.
  • Some knowledge of data modeling.
  • Statistical analyses.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Time management skills with a proven ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Able to work in team environments and individually.
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Manual dexterity needed for keyboarding and other repetitive tasks.
  • Must be able to lift and move up to 15 pounds without assistance.

Application Procedure

Please email a copy of your resume and a letter of interest to Dr. Elizabeth Giddens, Associate Dean of Records and Data Strategy, at [email protected]. Within your letter of interest, please include a link to a public dashboard you have created or provide screenshots of a private one. Qualified candidates will be asked to complete an SQL screening test prior to scheduling an interview. Only candidates with a passing score on the SQL screening will move forward in the interview process. If you’ve taken an SQL screening test within the past year, please submit a copy of your results with your application materials. No phone calls please.

About Millsaps

Millsaps College is a selective institution of higher education located on 100 beautiful acres in the heart of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi — a progressive southern metropolitan city of nearly half a million. Millsaps is dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of the region. The college was founded in 1890 by members of the Methodist Church and is consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education.

Millsaps has an enrollment of approximately 750 students and employs 80 full-time faculty members. The faculty/student ratio at Millsaps is 1:9, and the average class size is 14. Millsaps has graduated 25 Fulbright Award recipients, seven Rhodes Scholars, six Goldwater Scholars and two Truman Scholars. Millsaps is a member of the NCAA Division III and Southern Athletic Association and competes in 18 intercollegiate sports.

EEO Statement

Millsaps College values diversity within our students, faculty and staff, and strives to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people. Millsaps College does not discriminate in employment on the bases of race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state and/or local laws.

All offers of employment will be contingent on successful completion of a background check and verification of employment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Millsaps College provides a competitive benefits package.

It is the policy of Millsaps College to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities for employment. If you require any accommodations to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected].

Additional Information

In compliance with the amendments to the federal Clery Act concerning annual security reports, all potential job applicants are free to view Millsaps College’s annual Campus Crime Statistics here.

The only national liberal arts college in Mississippi, Millsaps College has consistently been ranked a “Best Buy” among national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Colleges and is cited as one of Loren Pope’s 40 Colleges That Change Lives. It was the first institution in Mississippi with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, and is the only institution in Mississippi ever to be listed in The Fiske Guide to Colleges.

Millsaps is a member of the ACS and NITLE, and has an AACSB accredited business school. In accordance with Federal law, we are making available our Campus Security Report to all prospective employees. Millsaps is located in Jackson, the capital of the state. The Jackson area has a population of around 400,000 and offers low cost-of-living, excellent schools, pleasant climate, and many recreational opportunities.

For additional information about Millsaps College please visit the links below: