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Job SummaryReporting to the Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, the inaugural Data Scientist for Enrollment Management is a member of the Undergraduate Admissions senior management team and understands admissions and financial aid strategies for undergraduate students and how to harness data and analytics to shape, influence, and model both enrollment and student success. The Data Scientist will gather, interpret, monitor, and analyze information relating to undergraduate admissions recruitment, policies, procedures, and outcomes. This position will collaborate closely with admissions officers, faculty, and leadership to develop and refine data-driven strategies to inform enrollment and ensure leadership has the data and analysis needed to make informed decisions that advance institutional and division goals. The Data Scientist will be a critical source of expertise on enrollment management analytics for leaders across the Institute. They will have a strategic understanding of the role of enrollment analytics in the support of new student enrollment, retention, and success. In addition, the Data Scientist will work diligently to improve data structure and integrity, allowing for more efficient, expeditious, and accurate reporting that informs division strategy and planning. The Data Scientist will use statistical and analytical methods, as well as AI and visualization tools, to automate processes and develop solutions to enrollment challenges. Working alongside the Senior Associate Director of Operations, this position will also support the analysis of existing processes, identify modernization opportunities, and provide streamlined solutions to support end-users in Slate.
Essential Job Duties

• Design and conduct complex data analyses using student application data, demographic information, financial aid data, student success data, and other relevant sources.
• Develop and implement predictive models to inform recruitment, selection, yield, and student success strategies.
• Collaborate on various research teams with Caltech faculty, the Student Success Analytics Working Group, and members of the Institutional Research Office.
• Use data reporting tools available through third parties such as the National Student Clearinghouse, the U.S. Department of Education, College Board, ACT, and COFHE data sharing to analyze trends and inform strategies.
• Acquire a deep understanding of relevant aspects of undergraduate admissions at Caltech. Develop relationships with key stakeholders across campus, become familiar with data relating to admissions priorities, and stay abreast with national context (including current events, court cases, and academic research).
• Partner with Enrollment Management, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Marketing teams to translate data insights into actionable strategies.
• Create compelling data visualizations and reports to effectively communicate complex findings to both highly technical and non-technical audiences. Effectively present and communicate data and insights to a wide range of internal and external audiences.
• Proactively seek and locate data, including outside benchmarks or comparative data, to support or refute proposed decisions.
• Drive the collection of new data resources and refinement of existing resources. Research and propose options for the collection and warehousing of structured and unstructured data that is new to the admissions ecosystem. In partnership with campus constituents such as Information Management Systems and Services (IMSS), determine appropriate processes for data extraction, transformation, storage, and usage. Develop, enhance, and document definitions and processes relating to data storage and analysis.
• Set the research agenda for the department, working with the senior management team to ensure an on-going commitment to understanding and evaluating our work.
• Complete internal and external enrollment reporting requirements in partnership with Caltech’s Institutional Research Office.
• Maintain data integrity and ensure compliance with all FERPA regulations.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in data science and enrollment management.
• As requested, thoroughly reading, critically evaluating, and recommending appropriate admission decisions on a small group of highly competitive applications.
• Contribute positively to other duties and projects as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a data science role, with experience in the education sector a plus.
• Strong programming skills in Python, R, SQL, or similar languages.
• Ability to tell visual stories with data using Tableau or similar data visualization software.
• Extensive experience in and strong passion for empirical research and answering hard questions with data.
• Flexible analytical approach allowing for results at varying levels of precision.
• Experience with data wrangling, cleaning, and manipulation. Experience with data lakes, data warehouses, database management, and/or CRM software preferred.
• Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to organize, analyze, and disseminate data with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Expertise in sophisticated statistical analysis and machine learning techniques (classification, regression).
• Exceptional communication, data presentation, and collaboration skills, with the ability to present complex findings in a clear and concise manner. Demonstrated ability to explain sophisticated analyses and technical concepts and conclusions to a non-technical audience.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders and to develop productive professional relationships across a complex, faculty-led institution of higher education.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high degree of discretion and tact.
• A strong analytical mind with a problem-solving approach.
• A passion for education and a commitment to using data to improve student success.
• The ability to:
• Work independently within basic guidelines and parameters and with minimal supervision.
• Manage complex projects and meet critical deadlines.
• Establish & maintain effective collaborative working team relationships.
• Work effectively on several projects simultaneously.
• Engage in proactive and creative problem solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph. D in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related quantitative field.
• Previous experience working in higher education admissions or related field with organizational processes.

Required Documents

• Resume or CV.

Hiring Range $124,200 - $143,100 Per Year
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.
Disability Accommodations If you would like to request an accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Caltech Recruiting at