Title V Retention Data Specialist

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University (WBU) – Plainview Campus 

DEPARTMENT: Institutional Research and Effectiveness 

SUPERVISED BY: Executive Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness 

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt (Administrative) 

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Student Workers                                        

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Title V Retention Data Specialist is a 12-month/full-time, professional position funded as part of a five-year, Department of Education grant and will work closely with campus leadership to:

  • Identify the sources of data and collection methods required to assess the annual performance measures and activity objectives
  • Facilitate the design and implementation of a strategic retention and graduation program that will improve the use of data to close identified achievement gaps and significantly improve retention and graduation for Hispanic students.
  • Implement software and develop a data warehouse with interactive dashboard

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES: 

  • Become familiar with Title V grant contents and requirements
  • Meet with campus leadership at all levels to discern what data is needed to improve retention planning
  • Identify the sources of data and collection methods required to assess the annual performance measures and activity objectives of the Title V grant
  • Design and implement a strategic retention program to improve the persistence and graduation for first-year students and close identified achievement gaps
  • Develop a Title V data warehouse and interactive dashboard to improve data accessibility and transparency
  • Link Tableau (or similar data visualization product) to institutional and project data resources
  • Work to maximize use of Ellucian data visualization products available
  • Improve collection and use of student retention data
  • Regularly collect, assess, and analyze Title V project data and prepare regular reports to assess the project’s annual performance indicators in meeting objectives to implement effective program modifications
  • Make Title V project data available to WBU Community and the public
  • Train report users on how to access and use information
  • Work with Financial Aid Specialist to implement software supporting awarding, disbursing, and tracking of endowment scholarships to students, as well as donor management. Assist in implementing scholarship management software
  • Attend national training/professional development activities
  • Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred in education, statistics, math, data or computer science, management information systems, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience: 

  • Three years of extensive and progressively responsible experience in statistical modeling
  • Knowledge of retention strategies and data-driven methods of identifying students who may be at risk of not continuing their education.
  • Experience in developing and implementing data warehouse and data dashboards
  • Ability to select, implement and administrate student engagement/success software
  • Experience evaluating policies and procedures to ensure alignment with the Title V grant project and college’s retention plan.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Ability to design, document, implement, use, and maintain a data warehouse and reporting dashboard and train others in their use
  • Advanced computer applications skills with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Access as well as website management systems are required
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to retrieve, organize, understand and analyze data.
  • Basic understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodology
  • Initiative and self-discipline to organize and conduct projects independently
  • Ability to realize/recognize needed steps and respond in a timely and effective manner (“Self-starter”)
  • Ability to work successfully with others to accomplish the goals of the institution
  • Willingness to travel and work hours beyond the normal university schedule
  • Experience with academic or administrative computing systems or networks is desirable
  • Experience with survey software such as Survey Monkey or Watermark’s EvaluationKIT is desirable

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.   If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish their identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Wayland Baptist University does not illegally discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or genetic information. Under federal law, the university may discriminate on the basis of religion in order to fulfill its mission and purposes.