Job Description

THECB is observing a hybrid telecommuting schedule with employees required to be in the office at least two (2) days per week.

The agency is located at the George Herbert Walker Bush State Building located in the Capitol Complex at 1801 N. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78701.

General Description:

Performs complex data analysis and research with an emphasis on informing higher education policies and practices in P-16 and related areas. This includes but is not limited to topics on the high school to higher education transition, student transfer, and other higher education outcomes. Data and analysis results are used to provide information to agency and state leadership, program managers, higher education institutions, and other stakeholders regarding the effectiveness of existing policies, initiatives, and program practices. This work frequently supports legislatively mandated studies and reports. An understanding of how data inform policy and practice is a key component of this position. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. These positions report to the Director of Student Success Research.

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs advanced analytical tasks with emphasis on the interpretation, aggregation and evaluation of statistical data related to higher education linkages using statistical software such as SAS, Python, R, SQL, STATA, SPSS or equivalent.

• Analyzes data and reports on complex policy and practices in higher education.

• Ensures and verifies the accuracy of data, computations, and text; proofreads drafts, reports and other documents.

• Responds to ad hoc data requests and reviews descriptive data analyses and reports.

• Develops an area of expertise across several higher education topics (i.e., dual credit and high school to higher education pipeline) and cross-trains across other topics related to higher education.

• Handles and adheres to the systematic organization of research materials and analysis results including documentation of procedures used.

• Communicates data and research findings clearly and effectively in a variety of forms (e.g., data visualizations, written and tabular reports, informal and formal presentations, publications, email correspondence) with a variety of internal and external audiences.

• Establishes and maintains effective work relationships both internally and externally to the Coordinating Board regarding collection and use of data for special initiatives and routine reporting.

• Takes initiative on projects and completes them successfully without close supervision.

• Responds to Legislative requests for information, data, and the design or implementation of studies and analyzes legislation in coordination with internal agency management and staff.

• Understands data security and is able to apply Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) to all applicable work activities

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to data analysis.

• Ability to use data and research to inform effective implementation of policies and programs.

• Ability to interpret statistical data, charts, and tables.

• Ability to plan, organize, and conduct research projects.

• Knowledge of data table structures and large datasets.

• Knowledge of higher education data, data policies and practices, and the use of data to inform policies and practices.

• Skill in using SAS, Python, R, SQL, SPSS, Stata, or other statistical software package.

• Ability to write and prepare concise reports.

• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral forms with a variety of internal and external audiences.

• Ability to navigate across multiple priorities and demonstrate attention to detail.

Military Crosswalk: Military Crosswalk for Occupational Category - Program Management (texas.gov)



Qualifications:

Required Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Two years of experience in research or data analysis with demonstrated proficiency with analytical software such as SAS (preferred), Python, R, SQL, SPSS, Stata, or another statistical software package.

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of required experience in research or analytical work.

• Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for two years of required experience in research or analytical work.

• Other combinations of education and direct, related experience may be considered.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in education, statistical analysis, research and design methods, psychometrics, public policy/administration, psychology, sociology, economics, computer science or a related field.

• Experience with large-scale K-12 and/or higher education databases at the state and/or national level.

• Knowledge and experience with state and national practices in higher education.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work.
• Frequent sitting.
• Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
• Possibility of remote options available within the state of Texas.

Workforce:

Must be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables.
• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary.
• Adhere to the organization's internal management policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the agency's performance measures and mission.
• Travel occasionally for work assignments and training.

Application Requirements:

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board's employment opportunities website at Careers - Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees' Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions, please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1.

Notes to Applicant:

If you require any reasonable accommodation for the interview process, please inform the hiring representative who calls to schedule your interview. This position has been designated as a security sensitive position. A criminal background investigation will be conducted on the final candidate for this position.

Your job application must be completely filled out. Your application must contain dates of employment, job titles, name of employer and a description of duties performed in a way that demonstrates you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes do not take the place of the requirement to include this information on the application. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete.

Veterans Information: THECB is committed to hiring Veterans. To receive Veteran's Preference, a copy of the FORM DD214 -member #4, must be attached when submitting your application.

AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: THECB does not discriminate on the basis, of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services.

Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls and cannot reply to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.