Data Scientist (Data Analytics Developer II)

Summary

San Diego State University is hiring a Data Scientist to join the Analytic Studies & Institutional Research (ASIR) team, focusing on academic planning and student success analytics. The role involves developing data solutions and scalable analytics workflows to support institutional decision-making and improve understanding of enrollment and student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop scalable data analytics solutions using modern programming languages and tools, translating stakeholder requirements into effective technical deliverables
• Implement data pipelines, automation processes, and data engineering techniques to optimize institutional workflows and enhance data delivery
• Write, review, and optimize code for data processing, analysis, and visualization to support reporting and decision-making needs
• Design data models, algorithms, and statistical analyses to extract meaningful insights from large and diverse datasets
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and integrity through validation processes, quality checks, and adherence to data governance standards
• Maintain clear documentation of data processes, systems, and workflows to support transparency, reproducibility, and compliance
• Troubleshoot data issues and continuously improve data architecture, pipelines, and analytics processes

Skills

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience
• Strong programming skills in SQL, Python, R, or related languages used for data manipulation, transformation, analysis, and automation
• Experience developing scalable data analytics solutions and working with large, complex, and diverse datasets
• Proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools such as Tableau and/or AWS QuickSight to develop dashboards, reports, and analytical products
• Working knowledge of data modeling, statistical analysis, data engineering, and data operations principles
• Experience building, maintaining, or supporting data pipelines, including data storage, transformation, integration, and front-end delivery processes
• Knowledge of data quality management, metadata practices, and data governance principles, including data privacy and security protocols
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, investigate data issues, and develop actionable insights
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to project planning and implementation
• Experience using project management and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while building effective relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Understanding of higher education reporting conventions, CSU policies, and institutional research standards

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience
• Strong programming skills in SQL, Python, R, or related languages used for data manipulation, transformation, analysis, and automation
• Experience developing scalable data analytics solutions and working with large, complex, and diverse datasets
• Proficiency with business intelligence and data visualization tools such as Tableau and/or AWS QuickSight to develop dashboards, reports, and analytical products
• Working knowledge of data modeling, statistical analysis, data engineering, and data operations principles
• Experience building, maintaining, or supporting data pipelines, including data storage, transformation, integration, and front-end delivery processes
• Knowledge of data quality management, metadata practices, and data governance principles, including data privacy and security protocols
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends, investigate data issues, and develop actionable insights
• Ability to communicate technical concepts and analytical findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and contribute to project planning and implementation
• Experience using project management and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment while building effective relationships with diverse stakeholders

Nice to Haves

• Understanding of higher education reporting conventions, CSU policies, and institutional research standards

Benefits

• 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
• CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC.
• Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost.
• CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents.
• FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans.
• Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities.