Academic Data Specialist

Academic Data Specialist

Why This Role?

Looking to make an impact in higher education while sharpening your skills in data analytics, visualization, and innovation? Lyon College is seeking a driven and tech-savvy Academic Data Specialist to join our team. This is your chance to lead transformative data initiatives that directly enhance student success, inform decision-making, and improve retention and graduation rates. With opportunities to work collaboratively, build cutting-edge dashboards, and create meaningful visualizations, this role is perfect for someone eager to grow in a forward-thinking, data-driven environment.

What You’ll Do:

Innovate with Data:

• Expand and develop Lyon’s data warehousing and ensure data quality across various sources.


• Build real-time dashboards that drive decisions for academic programs and student support.


• Automate processes to improve accessibility and usability of data.

         Analyze & Report:

• Develop reports and create control charts to measure success against institutional goals.


• Collect, analyze, and interpret student performance and retention data to assess program effectiveness.


• Design and implement surveys to capture student needs and improve outcomes.

         Collaborate & Train:

• Work with faculty, staff, and administration to empower them with tools and insights to support students.


• Design and facilitate training sessions to help faculty and staff make the most of their data.

What We’re Looking For:

Your Skills:

• Strong analytical mindset and experience working with large datasets.


• Proficiency in tools like Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services, data visualization software, and statistical applications.


• Basic knowledge of Microsoft T-SQL (and a willingness to learn more if needed).

Your Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, research methods, social sciences, or a related field.


• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in statistical modeling and data-driven projects through paid professional work, student work, or internships and practica.

Your Personality:

• Excellent communicator who can translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse audiences.


• Team player ready to collaborate across departments.


• Passionate about using data to drive meaningful change.

Why Lyon College?

• Impact: Be part of a team shaping the future of education by helping students thrive.


• Innovation: Work with cutting-edge tools and build solutions that will continue to benefit students for years to come.


• Growth: Gain valuable experience in data warehousing, dashboarding, and institutional research while building a portfolio of meaningful work.


• Supportive Community: Join a college that values collaboration, creativity, and professional development.

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to jumpstart your career and use data to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Submit your resume, cover letter, and references.

Benefits: 

Lyon College currently offers the following benefits for full-time positions, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical benefit, dental benefit, vision benefit, voluntary benefits, 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, employer paid life insurance, employer paid long-term disability coverage, paid time off (includes vacation and sick time), 17 paid holidays annually, and a tuition grant for faculty, staff, and their dependents. 

 Lyon College does not discriminate with respect to the hiring of applicants or with respect to the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin. It is the continuing policy of Lyon College to comply with any applicable state and federal law regarding equal employment opportunities.

Lyon College is a private, selective liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is located in Batesville, Arkansas, a safe and historic town of 11,000 that serves as commercial, medical, social, and governmental hub for an eight-county area and named by USA Today as the best city to live in in Arkansas. The College currently enrolls almost 700 undergraduate students from 29 states and 14 foreign countries. Entering freshmen have an average high school GPA of 3.7. Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references to Human Resources, P.O. Box 2317, Batesville, AR 72503-2317 or electronically. Review of the application will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.