Senior Data Scientist

Luther College is seeking to add a Data Scientist to the Information Technology Services Enterprise Applications team with the opportunity available at a mid level or senior level.

The Senior Data Scientist works in conjunction with the Data Governance Council, the Enrollment Division, the Advancement Office, the Office of Institutional Research, and the Information Technology Services Enterprise Applications team. The Senior Data Scientist will gather, interpret, monitor, and analyze information related to admissions and alumni/development.  The position will design, implement, and optimize systemwide tools and resources that empower leadership, faculty, and staff with actionable insights and practical solutions, enabling data-informed decision-making that drives institutional effectiveness and strategic outcomes.

The Senior Data Scientist provides leadership and direction for the overall campus data strategy, and has representation on the Data Governance Council.  This position will support the analysis of existing processes, identify modernization opportunities, and provide streamlined solutions to support end-users in Slate.

This is a full-time position, reporting to the Executive Director of Information Technology Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and conduct complex data analyses using student application data, demographic information, financial aid data, student success data, and other relevant sources.

• Design, build and maintain data pipelines and processes to inform admissions decisions and outcomes.

• Develop and implement predictive models to inform recruitment, selection, yield, and student success strategies.

• Use data reporting tools available through third parties such as the National Student Clearinghouse, College Board, ACT, and COFHE data sharing to analyze trends and inform strategies.

• Analyze indicators to understand how enrollment management supports student success.

• Create useful data visualizations and reports to effectively communicate complex findings to both highly technical and non-technical audiences.

• Partner with Enrollment Management, Admissions, Financial Aid, and Marketing teams to translate data insights into actionable strategies and daily dashboards.

• Acquire a deep understanding of relevant aspects of admissions and advancement at Luther. Develop relationships with key stakeholders across campus, become familiar with data relating to admissions and advancement priorities, and stay abreast with national context

• Maintain data security and integrity and ensure compliance with all FERPA regulations.

• Proactively seek and locate data, including outside benchmarks or comparative data, to support or refute proposed decisions (e.g. ACM and ELCA affiliated institutional data). May need to collaborate with other organizations to gather data.

• Drive the collection of new data resources and refinement of existing resources. Research and propose options for the collection and warehousing of new data, particularly data that is new to the admissions ecosystem. In partnership with Institutional Research partners, determine appropriate methodology for data extraction, transformation, storage, and usage. Develop processes for loading and updating data that are efficient and re-usable. Document all data and transformations thoroughly.

• Develop and implement sophisticated predictive models to identify high-potential applicants with a strong likelihood of success at Luther with the support of Luther’s Enrollment Partners (i.e. EAB, MarketView, Niche, etc…) .

• Provide technical expertise and support for Slate's internal technology infrastructure, systems, and applications.

• Participate in the planning, implementation, and management of technology projects.

• Effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Identify areas for technology process improvement and optimization.

• Contribute positively to other duties and projects as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and SKILLS:

Education:

• Knowledge equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field. Experience in a quantitative discipline such as statistics, finance, or engineering. 
• Experience in the education sector preferred.

Experience:

• SQL database knowledge, programming skills (Python, R, etc.)

• Expertise in building useful and complex data visualizations

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to solve business problems and to understand the needs and problems of the clients.

• Ability to apply analytical skills to creative solutions and new opportunities.

• Exceptional analytical and conceptual thinking skills with keen attention to detail.

• Excellent documentation skills.

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, duties, and responsibilities while working both independently and with a team.

• Excellent interpersonal relation and communication skills to consult effectively with faculty and staff in a customer-focused manner.

• Highly self-motivated with strong planning, organizational and time management skills

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends of the college

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

• Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results from a background check and verification of professional credentials.

Compensation:

• Senior Data Scientist: $77,100 - $102,800
• Data Scientist: $64,300 - $85,700

Salary : $64,300 - $85,700