Data Scientist (Data Analytics Developer II)

Position Summary San Diego State University is hiring a Data Scientist to join Analytic Studies & Institutional Research (ASIR), a team that sits at the center of academic planning, student success analytics, institutional reporting, and strategic decision‐making. This is a builder role for someone who likes solving data problems, designing scalable analytics workflows, engineering reliable datasets, and developing analytical products that people use to make decisions. You’ll work across data engineering, business intelligence, analytics, and institutional strategy—partnering with technical and non‑technical stakeholders to develop data solutions that improve how SDSU understands enrollment, student outcomes, academic operations, and institutional effectiveness. The right person for this role is energized by complexity, motivated by accuracy, and genuinely interested in how data infrastructure supports large‑scale organizational decision‑making. Key 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. Why Join Us Be part of a mission‑driven university focused on student success, innovation, and community impact. Work on meaningful, high‑impact projects that inform institutional strategy and decision‑making. Collaborate with a diverse, supportive, and highly skilled team of data and analytics professionals. Engage with modern data tools, technologies, and evolving analytics practices. Access professional growth and development opportunities within a large, dynamic organization. Benefit from competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a strong commitment to work‑life balance. Department Summary Analytic Studies & Institutional Research (ASIR) helps power data‑informed decision‑making at San Diego State University. As part of Academic Affairs, ASIR partners with university leadership and campus divisions to deliver analytics, business intelligence, and data strategy that support student success, academic planning, and institutional effectiveness. The department combines data engineering, predictive analytics, institutional reporting, and business intelligence to develop dashboards, analytical tools, and scalable data solutions used across the university. From enrollment trends to student outcomes, ASIR transforms complex institutional data into actionable insights that shape strategic initiatives and operational decisions. ASIR is a collaborative, analytics‑driven environment focused on innovation, data integrity, and modern data infrastructure, offering the opportunity to work on high‑impact projects with visible institutional impact. Education and Experience Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. Additional experience which demonstrates acquired and successfully applied knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis. An advanced degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience on a year‑for‑year basis. Key Qualifications 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 preferred. Compensation and Benefits Salary is based on experience, education, and qualifications within the department’s budget and equity guidelines. Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 1 ($6,492) for qualified candidates. Salary step placement for internal applicants will follow the CSUEU Collective Bargaining Agreement. CSU Classification Salary Range: $6,492.00 – $9,458 per month (Step 1 – Step 20). Future increases, including step advancements, are subject to contract negotiations. Full Benefits Package Includes Generous time off: 15 paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Retirement: CalPERS pension plan with retiree healthcare, and reciprocal agreements with other California public retirement systems, including the UC. Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision options at low or no cost. Education support: CSU tuition fee waiver for employees and eligible dependents. Optional offerings: FlexCash, life and disability insurance, legal and pet plans. Campus and community: Access to the library, campus events, employee groups, and volunteer and social activities. Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment. All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, and CSU’s nondiscrimination policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Supplemental Information Apply by June 3, 2026. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis until the position is filled. The person holding this position is considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083. SDSU is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H‑1B visa). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis and will be required to provide documentation of identity and authorization to work. Background checks, including a criminal records check, will be conducted and may result in rescission of a conditional offer if disqualifying information is found. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Tyler Emery, View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr SDSU Alumni