Southern Methodist University (SMU), a nationally ranked private university located near the heart of Dallas, seeks a Senior Data Visualization Specialist to work within the Enrollment Management Research Group (EMRG) to assemble data reports and construct data visualizations that turn system and statistical data into meaningful information for senior administration, trustees and other stakeholders.

The position will work closely with the Division of Enrollment Services leadership to determine what information is helpful and what visual presentations are useful in decision making. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Research, the SDVS will work closely with the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management to construct and present sensible reports and visualizations to inform other high level decision makers, such as the Provost, President, and Board of Trustees. This position is a vital part of the University's effort to meet its enrollment goals for academic quality, diversity, revenue and retention.

A nationally ranked private university with seven degree-granting schools, SMU is a distinguished center for teaching and research located near the heart of Dallas, Texas. SMU's 11,600 students benefit from small classes, research opportunities, leadership development, international study, and innovative programs.

Essential Functions:
Convert complex data sets, statistical analyses, and results of statistical models into effective and meaningful reports, interactive displays and data visualizations that convey the meaning of the data-supported information in easily digestible format for a variety of university stakeholders.

Stay current on the latest trends and needs of the enrollment management field in order to create visual displays and reports with relevance and impact to those operating in this field, as well as decision makers requiring timely information upon which decision can be made. Maintain familiarity with the key functions and processes of DES departments so to support those teams.

Communicate effectively with operational level staff about the details of their work and how to bring meaning out of those details, as well as communicate with key decision makers to ensure that reports and presentations are providing information that can be appropriately used for required decisions.

Work closely with other members of the enrollment management research group to help them understand how data is being used and displayed, as well as gain insight into the meaning of the data and analyses to increase usefulness of these measures for others.

Keep abreast of the latest advances in reporting and visualization software and how those can be best leveraged by the university.

Work with others in the Office of Institutional Research to support other data reporting and data visualization needs.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree is required; Masters is preferred. Degree in the field of data science, computer science, data or business analytics, program assessment and/or evaluation is preferred.

A minimum of one-year work experience with a focus on building data visualization solutions.

Experience integrating visualization into a web-based platform is strongly preferred.

Work experience in a higher education environment is preferred.

Experience moving data through ETL tools is welcome, but not required.

Graphic design experience is a plus.

Experience with Python, R, STATA, SPSS, SAS or other data analysis tools is desirable.

Experience with at least one or more visualization tools such as Tableau, Microsoft BI, and/or Cognos is also a plus.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must possess significant problem solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems as well as devise solutions. Problems are highly varied and complex, requiring new concepts and approaches.

Candidate must have strong oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must be able to listen well to others and be able to clearly explain data usage and reporting.

Candidate must be a team player and collaborative in working with colleagues, operational staff, and with key decision makers.

Candidate must possess strong organizational, project and time management skills with the ability to prioritize, and manage multiple projects and tasks concurrently.

Candidate must be a self-starter with minimal supervision and demonstrated ability to work independently or collaboratively as part of a team.

Candidate must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with a strong focus on attention to detail in a highly analytical environment.

Candidate must demonstrate the ability to take constructive feedback and work in an iterative fashion.

Candidate must be able to handle sensitive information with complete confidentiality and professionalism.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

Sit for long periods of time.

Deadline to Apply: This position is open until filled. Please apply directly to the following link or copy and paste to your browser: https://smu.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=DIV00000038&tz=GMT-05%3A00

EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu