Laboratory Schools: Data Management Specialist

Data Management Specialist

Reporting to the Director of Enrollment Management, the Data Management Specialist (DMS) at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools (Lab) is responsible for supporting data integrity, management, and reporting for the office of admissions and enrollment. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise and willingness to continue to grow in skills, a passion for data-informed decision-making, and a collaborative spirit to help advance Lab's mission. At the direction of the Director of Enrollment Management, the DMS will execute projects to support data cleaning, tracking, management and data retention at the Laboratory Schools. A more detailed job description is listed below.

Responsibilities

• At the direction of the DEM, provides technical and data support for admissions and enrollment objectives, both for established procedures and in the development of new procedures.
• Participates in and supports special data projects, as needed.
• Is the technical expert on the admissions and enrollment team in Lab's admissions/enrollment and financial aid database systems.
• Understands and supports technical procedures and supports the development of new procedures from a technical perspective.
• Maintains the data integrity of the admissions office databases for admissions, enrollment and financial aid by ensuring that data is entered accurately, and by monitoring for errors. Constantly works with the database support team to ensure best in class practices.
• Supports admissions team on complex searches and data pulls for data analytics, and for internal and external reporting.
• At the direction of the DEM, sets up a data dashboard to organize and maintain historical data.
• Assist with the creation of standard operating procedures to formalize processes data collection and management processes within Finalsite and/or other database management systems.
• Collaborate with the DEM and admissions team members to set up, improve, and/or clarify data collection protocols, and to establish structures within each database management system to improve data collection.
• Understands Lab's admissions, enrollment and financial aid databases and can work internally and with external vendors to troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• At the direction of the DEM, works directly with third party data management systems providers to troubleshoot issues and generate solutions to tech based problems as they arise
• Works with the Information Services and Registrar's department to ensure data integrity and consistency across different platforms (e.g. Finalsite vs. PowerSchool)
• At the direction of the DEM, supports complex data transfer projects and manages the technical details of the re-enrollment process, including document set up and work with Lab's outside third party providers such as Finalsite, FACTS, and others.
• Supports the collection of data for major data requests, including data for periodic reporting and reporting to third parties such as the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).
• Responds to ad hoc data requests within the admissions and enrollment teams, particularly involving complex data searches that must be built or managed.
• Understands basic information technology functions across the schools, and in coordination with Lab's information systems team, can provide additional support if needed for music and other audio visual needs at admissions events.
• Engages in projects to review office processes and suggest technological improvements to support better work flow.
• As needed, supports local and national research regarding admissions and enrollment trends, and pulls data for presentations and various other needs.
• As needed, assists with external events for recruitment.
• In collaboration with the DEM, sets up a system for long term data management.
• Prepares regular reports to track key admissions and enrollment metrics such as yield, application completion, etc.
• Regularly audit and clean data to ensure completeness and accuracy, focusing on strategic data integrity.
• Standardize key data fields (e.g., salutations, addresses, recognition names) and troubleshoot data integration issues.
• Participates in special projects such as developing marketing materials, monitoring budgets and recruiting underrepresented groups with moderate/high levels of authority.
• Maintains relationships with all individuals involved in the recruitment process, including routinely counseling students and parents regarding the admission process.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with an emphasis in business or technical background.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially database programs such as Excel, Powerpoint, etc.
• Proficiency with Tableau, PowerBI or other data viz platforms.
• Familiarity with python, R, R Studio or other statistical analysis programming language.
• Experience managing large customer databases.

Preferred Competencies

• Demonstrated track record of managing large amounts of data.
• Proven ability to successfully manage a complex network of services.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Proven ability to analyze processes and plan improvement initiatives.
• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Work on own initiative, develop rapport, and work well with others.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately under strict deadlines.
• Effectiveness; smoothness and coordination of the admissions services functions.
• Familiarity with python, R, or other statistical analysis programming language.
• Strong statistical skills to interpret complex datasets.
• SQL skills.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for Lab Schools business required.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends required.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)

Job Family

Student Affairs & Services

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Pay Rate Type

Salary

​FLSA Status

Exempt

​Pay Range

$54,000.00 - $70,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.