Research Analyst

Research Analyst
External posting
Part-Time, Temporary, Non-Exempt , Administrative/Professional

JOB SUMMARY:

At Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), we are committed to transforming lives through educational excellence and dynamic partnerships, creating opportunities for meaningful impact in our community and beyond. Institutional Research plays a critical role in this mission by providing data-driven insights that inform strategic decision-making, enhance student success, and support continuous institutional improvement.

This position is responsible for responding to internal and external research requests, conducting analyses, and developing dynamic dashboards, tables, graphics, and reports to effectively communicate key findings. The role also supports divisional needs related to automated reporting and communications management, ensuring data accessibility and usability for informed decision-making.

By delivering accurate and actionable research, this position directly contributes to SVSU’s commitment to academic excellence, operational effectiveness, and community engagement. Institutional Research is integral to fostering a culture of informed decision-making, assessing institutional performance, and supporting strategic initiatives that drive student success and institutional growth.

This is a temporary position with an expected end date of September 2027.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide leadership and support for CROA (Colleague Reporting and Operating Analytics) and Informer implementation, reporting, and use.

Develop and maintain database/files for student retention and transfers, admissions, degree completion, student surveys, program evaluations, first majors, etc.

Update Dashboards and publish to various department websites.

Assist in maintaining the Institutional Research web pages on the SVSU website.

Assist with the timely completion of state and federal reports (IPEDS, HEIDI, SAM, and Reverse Transfer Agreements).

Construct, maintain, analyze, interpret and process institutional data using various software programs.

Assist with data integration between the university's CRM (Slate) and SIS (Ellucian Colleague and Workday Student).

Assist with technical support in developing proposals and recommending strategies for communication management plans for departmental units.

Work with on-campus units integrating market and recruitment analytics.

Construct and distribute reports for use by other university departments (Canadian T-11, new transfer reports, etc.)

Provide data for external surveys, and reports and college survey publications such as Common, Data Set, Winter Green/Orchard House, Peterson’s Guide, U.S. News & World Reports, etc.

Supervise student employees, including maintenance of electronic payroll records.

Assist other units along with external constituents with periodic data requests.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is received from the Director of Institutional Research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree required.

Two years of job-related experience, preferably in a higher education setting.

Demonstrated analytical, statistical, and problem-solving knowledge using advanced spreadsheet functions and data analysis software (SPSS, R, etc.)

• Proficient in use of PC-based Windows tools (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, database presentation software).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of Colleague/Workday, administrative record, and database software program is strongly desired.

Knowledge and ability to construct dynamic dashboards within Tableau or Power BI.

• Knowledge and familiarity regarding reporting with CRMs (Customer Relationship Management) systems, preferably Slate.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Duties are generally performed inside and not exposed to adverse conditions.

The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job, and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the job. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.

Posted through: Open Until Filled
Applicants must apply online at jobs.svsu.edu.

About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for its roughly 7,000 students. Located on a suburban campus in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty and staff. For nine consecutive years, SVSU has been recognized as a “Great College to Work For” (2016-2024).

SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching and learning, and community-based research. SVSU earned the Community Engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, a distinction achieved by only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities. By their senior year, 84 percent of students have engaged with community employers and agencies in internships, field placements or some other component of their academic preparation.

SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education for the Great Lakes Bay Region, partnering with businesses, foundations and school districts to improve students’ performance in math, science and the arts at the middle school, high school and university levels. SVSU is building the first university research station on Lake Huron, expanding its commitment to freshwater research and public health.

More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in student housing that has been rated No. 1 among public universities in the U.S. (2018-2024). SVSU fields 20 varsity sports at the NCAA Division II level. The average class size is 23 students.