Data Visualization Specialist

Employer Info:

State University of New York



http://www.suny.edu

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities.
Job Name
Data Visualization Specialist
Posting Date
10/05/2021
Brief Description
This is a newly created position in the Office of Institutional Research and Data Analytics. Under the direction of Associate Provost and working closely with all office members, the Data Visualization Specialist will focus primarily on supporting and leading data-driven planning and analysis for the University by way of specialized data visualizations. The individual must be able to convert raw data into images and designs that tell a compelling data story.
Job Category
Institutional Research
Job Type
Full-Time
Education Level Required
Bachelors
Location City
Albany, NY 12246, United states
How to Apply
Please apply online:
https://sunysystem.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=136757#pageTop.
Direct Link
Click here for more info
Job Details
Data Visualization Specialist
 
About The State University of New York :
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, the state's only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.3 million students in credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide were more than $1.0 billion in fiscal year 2020, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum.

Job Description:
The State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration, located in Albany, New York, is searching for a Data Visualization Specialist for the Office of Institutional Research and Data Analytics. The mission of the Office of Institutional Research and Data Analytics is to serve as the official student-related data clearinghouse for the University. In this role and with integrity, the Office provides information, data, and analysis in an accurate and timely manner to support SUNY's core mission and decision-making, System Administration and Board of Trustees, and 64 campuses.  The Office is responsible for collecting data and performing analyses to promote academic quality, system-wide planning, and accountability; providing support for the strategic decision making of the system leadership and the Board of Trustees;  and meeting mandatory federal and state reporting requirements.

This is a newly created position in the Office of Institutional Research and Data Analytics.  Under the direction of Associate Provost and working closely with all office members, the Data Visualization Specialist will focus primarily on supporting and leading data-driven planning and analysis for the University by way of specialized data visualizations.  The individual must be able to convert raw data into images and designs that tell a compelling data story.  The candidate will use visual elements, such as composition, color, space, and perspective, to communicate results with key SUNY personnel to assist in the formulation of proposed new and/or revised University policy that will advance the University's initiatives and priorities.  The individual must be a diligent and creative problem solver with a strong technical aptitude and be a team player with strong presentation and communications skills.

This position will involve working directly with senior staff members.  Responsibilities will involve analyzing and visualizing various types of data in innovative and insightful ways, with the results being shared with system-wide audiences such as Chief Academic Officers, Institutional Research and Planning Officers, and Enrollment Management Officers; as well as SUNY stakeholders and the general public.  Responsibilities will also involve leading discussions in regards to how the findings and insights can be best utilized to inform various key initiatives of the University.

To successfully perform the above responsibilities, the individual must have the ability to transform key data into compelling visualizations as well as corresponding written takeaways.  The individual must be a highly motivated self-starter who will stay well-informed of current visualization trends in higher education and investigate emerging data analysis tools.  On a regular basis, the candidate will coordinate with other System offices, campus IR staff, and other SUNY and non-SUNY entities. The Data Visualization Specialist will be expected to function as a member of a team, independently, and/or as the lead for project teams.  In addition, the portfolio of responsibilities includes the routine and on-going review of campus data submissions involving students, degrees, courses, financial aid, and faculty. Additional duties will be assigned as needed and appropriate.

The Data Visualization Specialist will enjoy working in a highly regarded, supportive, and collaborative office environment and will be committed to making their own positive contributions to such an environment.  

Job Responsibilities
  • Design, create, validate, and maintain data visualizations and dashboards using data extracts and appropriate software.
  • Develop and maintain documentation on visualization methodologies.
  • Create data visualizations that convey a full data story to the end user.
  • Develop dashboards with Tableau, Power BI, Adobe Illustrator, and/or infographics software.
  • Determine the best tool to use and best type of visual for a given set of data.  Adopt new tools and techniques as needed.
  • Apply design best practices in a way that is visually appealing and draws the viewer in, while avoiding data representation practices that can mislead the viewer.
  • Create presentations with clear, cogent writing and graphical illustrations.
  • Develop clear and effective communications of technical information for non-technical audiences.
  • Identify trends and findings to draw conclusions relating to policy or practice.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with System and campus administrators and staff.
  • Complete assignments in a timely manner with attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Prioritize projects in order to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements:
Required:
  • Bachelor's degree in relevant area required.  Graduate degree or certificate preferred.
  • At least two years' experience working with advanced data visualizations. 
  • A minimum of two years' experience working in higher education.
  • Ability to design, create, validate, and maintain data visualizations and dashboards using data extracts and appropriate software.
  • Proficiency with Tableau, Power BI, Adobe Illustrator, and/or infographics software.
  • Proficiency with the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
  • Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working relationships with System and campus administrators and staff.
  • Demonstrated ability to complete assignments in a timely manner with attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize projects efficiently and productively in order to meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate technical information to non-technical audiences verbally and in writing, with the audiences being a variety of stakeholders, including administrators, senior staff members, and the general public.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify findings and draw conclusions relating to policy or practice.

Additional Information:
We welcome candidates to provide examples of previous work demonstrating clear and effective visualization of technical information for non-technical audiences.  As part of the interview process, a few brief on-site exercises will be required of all interviewees to allow them the opportunity to demonstrate their basic data visualization approach and skills.
Starting salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Excellent fringe benefits.

Application Instructions:
Interested candidates are invited to apply online at. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Application online link: https://sunysystem.interviewexchange.com/candapply.jsp?JOBID=136757#pageTop.
Job post link: https://sunysystem.interviewexchange.com/jobofferdetails.jsp?JOBID=136757
 
State University of New York System Administration is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation.
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation.  If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov