Data Solutions Analyst

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 highquality 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 adhoc 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 Chancellors Office and work collaboratively with decisionmakers 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 datadriven 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 indepth 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:

Bachelors 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:

DetailOriented 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 coworkers makes them feel valuable and important by acknowledging what they do well; doesnt expect from others effort that one is unwilling to do themselves finds ways to acknowledge others 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 Vanderbilts 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
ProblemSolving 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 deescalate potential conflicts
Support Higher Education Supports the overall value of higher education and understands the distinctive values of a researchintensive highlyselective private institution such as Vanderbilt
SelfDisciplined Selfmanaging; selfmotivated; manages time activities and outcomes well so that progress stays on track; is accountable for own work
SelfAware Selfreflective and recognizes ones 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 facultyled environment