Data Visualization Specialist

George Mason University - Fairfax, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Fairfax, VA

Educational Services

About the position

The Data Visualization Specialist at George Mason University is responsible for creating and implementing data visualization solutions that support institutional analytics. This role involves developing dashboards and tools for both internal and external audiences, ensuring that data is accessible and understandable to facilitate decision-making across the university. The specialist will engage with various stakeholders to provide timely data solutions and enhance the overall data literacy within the institution.

Responsibilities

• Creates data dashboards and visualizations that enable timely, accurate access to GMU data by transforming data sets and quantitative and qualitative analyses into compelling visuals.
• Enhances self-service capabilities with user-friendly, well-defined reports, infographics, and fact sheets.
• Maintains sensitivity to end-user needs, understanding, and data literacy.
• Aligns visualizations with template standards and branding developed by OIEP.
• Collaborates continuously with OIEP team members for improvements based on end-user experiences.
• Develops and updates templates, content, definitions, references, resources, and process documentation related to OIEP dashboards.
• Establishes protocols to ensure and monitor the accuracy, integrity, security, and functionality of dashboards and reports.
• Collaborates with institutional colleagues within ITS and other functional offices to ensure consistency in dashboards and reports.
• Provides troubleshooting assistance to users as needed.
• Acts as the technical expert for dashboard-related inquiries.
• Conducts training sessions across the university on how to use OIEP dashboards for decision-making.
• Engages in national conversations to identify and anticipate institutional research needs through participation in conferences and online research.
• Performs other related special and ad-hoc duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in information design, social sciences, economics, mathematics, statistics, data analytics, computer or data science, or other related fields (typically 2+ years).
• Considerable progressively responsible technical research or statistical experience, including experience in the interpretation and graphic presentation of data.
• Proficiency in a data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, SASViya).
• Proficiency in SQL or SAS for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to develop techniques for handling a variety of data and analyze these data effectively.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in data visualization, information design, media design, education, social sciences, economics, mathematics, statistics, public administration, business, data analytics, engineering, computer or data science, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable experience in designing and developing high-impact visualization solutions (typically 3+ years).
• Experience in higher education research, project management, and/or social science research.
• Experience running statistical models on higher education data sets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education data.

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with education and experience
• Hybrid work schedule
• Professional development opportunities