Data Specialist (Data Analytics Developer II)

Love turning complex data into something people can actually use? San Diego State University’s Program Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA) team is seeking a Data Specialist to help build the data foundation behind student success initiatives across the University.

Think of this position as part of PECA’s data engine. You’ll work with student-centered data from multiple sources, organizing, structuring, validating, and preparing datasets so they can be used for meaningful research, predictive modeling, reporting, and dashboards. Rather than focusing on traditional data pipelines or large-scale data infrastructure, this role is centered on understanding the nuances of the data itself and creating mature, reliable datasets that help SDSU better understand student engagement, retention, well-being, and success. The position will work with tools such as Python and R, with opportunities to apply SQL as the team’s data practices continue to evolve.

You’ll join a collaborative team that provides data strategy, consultation, and insights to departments throughout Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, helping transform information about SDSU students into resources that inform programs, services, and interventions.

• →Organize, clean, transform, and integrate student data from multiple sources into reliable, analysis-ready datasets.
• →Support data modeling and statistical projects focused on student engagement, retention, well-being, and success.
• →Create and maintain dashboards and accessible data resources that help campus partners explore and understand student data.
• →Collaborate with PECA colleagues and campus partners to understand data needs and turn complex information into useful resources and insights.
• →Support responsible data practices that prioritize accuracy, consistency, privacy, and appropriate use of student information.

• Full-time, benefits eligible, temporary position with an anticipated end date of June 30, 2027, with the possibility of reappointment up to 3 years.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.
• This position is eligible for telecommuting up to 2 days per week, following a training period during which on-site presence is required.

Program Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA) supports SDSU’s Division of Student Affairs and Campus Diversity by using data, assessment, and program evaluation to strengthen student services and promote student success. The department partners with campus programs to evaluate effectiveness, interpret data, identify opportunities for improvement, develop high-impact interventions, and support continuous improvement aligned with SDSU’s priorities. PECA also provides consultation, survey and evaluation design, data storytelling, data stewardship, and professional development to help foster a collaborative, student-centered, and data-informed culture across the university

For more information regarding the Program, Evaluation, Compliance, and Assessment (PECA), click here.

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 shown above 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.

• Experience organizing, cleaning, transforming, and integrating data from multiple sources into reliable, usable datasets.  
• Proficiency with Python and/or R, with familiarity with SQL and database concepts.  
• Knowledge of data structures, data modeling, statistical methods, and data quality practices.  
• Experience working with complex datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.  
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an interest in learning new tools, methods, and approaches independently.  
• Experience with data visualization and dashboard tools.  
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, including experience working with stakeholders with varying levels of technical expertise.

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

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• Knowledge of or experience with student affairs in a university setting.
• Master’s Degree in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Policy, Sociology, Psychology, or a related field.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. 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, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.