About the Department:

University Decision Support (UDS) connects data to decisions and decision makers through the assembly of information from data. Knowing quality data leads to informed decisions, UDS strives to provide SMU leadership and the SMU community with clean data, thoughtful analyses, informative visualizations, and constructive reporting, free from bias. 

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Statistician is a vital part of University Decision Support in the Provost's Office.  The statistician will create, build, use and report on statistical methods that will inform the strategies of the Associate Provost for Student Academic Engagement and Success (SAES) and the associated divisions under the purview of the Associate Provost, including work on the important SMU Quality Enhancement Plan; SMU in Four.

Essential Functions:

• Determine the best statistical methods for analyzing a variety of data surrounding undergraduate enrollment management issues and decisions; create appropriate statistical models to answer questions from enrollment leaders; align statistical models with available data sources
  

• Identify key variables to consider for analysis; learn and understand key business processes related to enrollment primarily on the undergraduate level that would inform statistical models;
  

• Conduct data analysis and report results to supervisors and decision makers; update and revise analyses as necessary based on revised questions and data availability; 
  

• Work closely with UDS colleagues to determine the best way to make the data analysis results useful to a variety of end users through varied reporting means and display types;  write-up results in comprehensible terms for a non-technical audience; generate charts and tables that aid in the explanation of results and data understanding; be prepared to answer questions and revise if needed
  

• Through reading, research and professional development seek out and keep abreast of new methods and tools as well as institutional best practices for enrollment analytics

Education and Experience:

Master's degree is required, preferably in statistics, social science research, higher education research, or related field

A minimum of three years of experience managing and analyzing data is required. Statistics, social science research, and/or higher education research is highly desired. Experience with qualitative data analysis preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Strong written communication skills preferred. A strong customer service orientation desired.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills. A strong focus on attention to detail is essential. Strong project management skills desired. 

Candidate must have a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Experience with SPSS, SAS, STATA, or other statistical software is also required. An understanding of database structures, SQL, and data extraction desired. Experience with Qualtrics strongly preferred.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Handle objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

The position is open until filled.

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.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.