Associate Director of Data Stewardship - Strategic Analytics and Institutional Research

SUMMARY JOB DESCRIPTION

This is a professional position responsible for maintaining data governance practices and complex institutional reporting processes to ensure data integrity, compliance, and effective use of information across the university. Responsible for developing data policies, reporting standards, and quality assurance measures that support decision-making and fulfill regulatory requirements. Works closely with academic and administrative units to improve data management, reporting accuracy, and transparency. Works under general supervision, with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of Institutional Analysis.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree is required. Coursework in data science, statistics, computer science, business or a related field is preferred. Three years of experience in data stewardship, institutional research, reporting, data management or a related field is required. Familiarity with data governance principles and reporting best practices is required. Experience in analyzing and/or managing complex datasets is required. Experience in data visualization tools and use of relational databases is preferred. Experience in data governance, compliance standards, and reporting requirements for accreditation and state/federal mandates in higher education is preferred. Texas public university experience is preferred. Professional certification in project management, business intelligence, data governance, data science, data management, and/or data analysis is preferred. Additional education may substitute for experience on a basis set forth by the Department of Human Resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Develops and maintains data governance policies, standards, and procedures that align with institutional goals. Identifies and manages key institutional data elements to ensure accuracy and consistency. Coordinates with Information Technology Services and other departments to maintain metadata and data lineage documentation. Facilitates the preparation and submission of required state, federal, and accreditation reports, including IPEDS and other compliance-related reporting. Develops and maintains internal dashboards and reports to support planning, assessment, and student success initiatives. Ensures reporting processes meet deadlines and accuracy standards. Analyzes complex data quality situations and implements improvements through profiling, validation, and correction processes. Supports detailed integration of data from multiple sources for institutional analysis. Provides guidance on data usage and reporting requirements to university leadership, faculty, and staff. Coordinates with office staff to meet departmental and university objectives. Mentors and guides institutional research staff and other departmental staff involved in data stewardship and reporting activities. Leads initiatives to resolve data-related issues and improve reporting reliability. Develops and delivers training and promotes data literacy across divisions.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Serves and/or consults on various university committees as needed. Monitors various institutional activities and creates analyses and action proposals as necessary. Attends professional meetings, seminars, and training as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, university policies and procedures. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn federal, state, and local regulations impacting institutional research and compliance. Knowledge of data governance principles and best practices in data stewardship, especially in accountability frameworks. Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, tasks and responsibilities common to higher education administration strategies and an institutional research office. Skill in using analytical software, data analysis and enterprise data systems. Ability to interpret data and identify trends for institutional improvement. Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. Ability to develop and deliver training programs that promote user adoption and proficiency in institutional research tools and processes. Ability to explain data concepts clearly to non-technical audiences. Ability to evaluate large, complex datasets and interpret integrity statuses. Ability to effectively work with varied audiences across the institution and coordinate with external constituents. Ability to learn office and university-specific software. Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion. Ability to ensure accuracy and compliance in all reporting and data processes. Ability to effectively plan and manage reporting and data governance projects.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Safety Statement Stephen F. Austin State University recognizes the potential for accidents in performing job-related tasks. SFA promotes a safe working environment. Employees will be responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently. Employee evaluations will include safe job performance. This is a security-sensitive position subject to criminal record check. This is an IT-sensitive position subject to Computer and Network Security policy.