Position Title:
Graduate Assistant for Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Data Insights
Full- or Part-Time:
Part Time
Hours:
Up to 24 hours per week during Fall and Winter semesters
Exempt or Non-Exempt:
Non-Exempt
Department:
Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Data Insights (IREDI) (JM-SE)
Job Description:
Hourly Rate:
$16.00 per hour
Schedule:
Flexible between Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., based on class schedule.
Job Summary:
At Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), the Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Data Insights (IREDI) supports data-informed decision-making to enhance student success, institutional effectiveness, and strategic planning.
The Graduate Assistant for Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Data Insights will support data analysis, reporting, and dashboard development to assist university stakeholders in making informed decisions.
This position provides hands-on experience in higher education data analytics, reporting systems, and institutional assessment. The Graduate Assistant will contribute to research requests, reporting processes, and data visualization efforts while developing technical and analytical skills in a professional setting.
This appointment is for a maximum of two calendar years.
Graduate Assistants are required to work a minimum of 10 hours per week. During the Fall and Winter semesters, work hours may not exceed 24 hours per week. During the Spring and Summer semesters, Graduate Assistants may work up to, but not exceed, 40 hours per week.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
- Assist with responding to internal and external research and data requests.
- Support the development and maintenance of dashboards, reports, tables, and data visualizations.
- Assist in maintaining datasets related to student retention, admissions, degree completion, and surveys.
- Support updates to IREDI web pages and reporting dashboards.
- Assist with preparation of state and federal reports, including IPEDS, HEIDI, and other required reporting.
- Help analyze and interpret institutional data using spreadsheet and statistical tools.
- Assist with data integration efforts between systems such as Slate, Colleague, and Workday Student.
- Support the creation and distribution of reports for internal stakeholders.
- Assist with external surveys and data submissions, including the Common Data Set and U.S. News & World Report.
- Provide general support for data-related projects and office operations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision Received:
General supervision is received from the Director of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Data Insights.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Currently admitted to a graduate program or eligible and intending to apply upon accepting the position.
- Eligible graduate programs include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Master of Computer Science & Information Systems (MS)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Health Administration (MHA)
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with spreadsheets and basic data analysis.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and ability to learn data tools and systems.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software quickly.
- Experience and ability to positively interact with all members of the campus community.
- Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodations.
Tuition Eligibility & Tax Implications:
Graduate Assistantships include a tuition and fee waiver of up to 12 credit hours per semester (maximum of 30 credit hours per academic year), funded through the SVSU central budget.
Per IRS regulations, tuition waivers may be considered taxable income. Amounts exceeding $5,250 annually are generally taxable and will be included in compensation. Employees are encouraged to consult a tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
Working Conditions:
- Duties are generally performed indoors and are not exposed to adverse conditions.
- All work associated with this position must be performed within the State of Michigan.
The above reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements that may be inherent in the position. It is not intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision.
About SVSU:
Saginaw Valley State University is a comprehensive university with more than 100 programs of study for approximately 7,000 students. Located in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, SVSU is committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment for students, faculty, and staff.
SVSU was recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for nine consecutive years (2016–2024).
SVSU emphasizes undergraduate teaching, learning, and community-based research. The university has earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and is recognized nationally for student engagement and academic excellence.
SVSU is establishing itself as a leader in STEAM education throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region and is constructing the first university research facility on Lake Huron to improve public health and strengthen the economy of the Saginaw Bay watershed.
More than 70 percent of SVSU freshmen live on campus in nationally recognized student housing. SVSU fields 20 NCAA Division II varsity sports and maintains an average class size of 23 students.
For more information, visit www.svsu.edu.
