Business Intelligence Specialist, College of the Liberal Arts

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The College of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Studies Office is seeking a Business Intelligence Specialist to serve as the College's administrative data expert.

The Business Intelligence Specialist will leverage University data to inform decision-making that supports the College's mission of strengthening its standing as one of the premier public liberal arts institutions.

To accomplish this, the Business Intelligence Specialist will work in close collaboration with Academic Administrators and Center and Program Directors and report to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies.

Key responsibilities of this position include:  

• Serve as the official administrative data source for key indicators relating to delivery of the College's mission 

• Access University data systems to develop and apply in-depth analyses regarding core processes, such as faculty activity or student performance, resource utilization and organizational performance, and the impact of change on the organization; utilize data to make recommendations to leadership in support of strategic initiatives 

• Design, build, maintain, and enhance user-friendly, self-service web-based dashboards, reports, predictive models, and complex statistical analyses that support decision-making at multiple levels of leadership

• Collaborate with teams across the University on strategic planning and institutional research projects, and address organizational issues and needs 

• Develop key performance indicators and action metrics with regard to strategic planning and assessment 

• Build and optimize pipelines and data models that support real-time analytics, integration with data warehouses, and efficient data consumption across platforms 

• Develop assessment outcomes in conjunction with Academic Administrators 

• Provide College units with facilitation and training for data gathering, interpretation, and utilization 

• Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all administrative data held within the College; create, maintain, and modify new and legacy databases that standardize collected data and enhance data retrieval

• Monitor emerging Business Intelligence (BI) technologies, tools, and trends; assess their applicability to the university's strategic direction and guide the adoption of future-ready BI solutions 

• Supervise, train, and develop professional staff and/or student employees; mentor and liaise with faculty and staff across the College who hold data-related responsibilities in their units to promote effective and consistent data practices

Required Qualifications: 

• Proficiency in SQL, database management, and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes 

• Experience with data visualization tools Microsoft Power BI and/or Tableau 

• Advanced statistical analysis skills, with experience cleaning, preparing, and managing large datasets for reporting and analysis

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment

• Demonstrated ability to multitask across multiple projects while maintaining excellent organizational and time management skills to consistently meet established deadlines 

• Ability to make informed judgments about project priorities 

• High level of accuracy with excellent attention to detail, complemented by outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications and Skills (one or more): 

• Familiarity with Penn State's data systems, such as iTwo, LionPATH, Canvas, Starfish, and Workday 

• Experience working within academic environments 

• Familiarity with compliance frameworks, such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) data reporting

• Experience with cloud-based data solutions (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Business Intelligence Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires:Master's Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Business Intelligence Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

A degree in Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field will be considered a plus.

Application Instructions: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume.  

Additional Information:
The College of the Liberal Arts is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. 

In accordance with College guidelines, this position requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.  

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $129,500.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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