Data Specialist; Data Analytics Developer II

Position Description

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.

• Work with data that directly contributes to understanding and improving the student experience at SDSU.
• Explore meaningful questions around student engagement, retention, well-being, and success; not just numbers for the sake of numbers.
• Join a collaborative and innovative team where curiosity, experimentation, and learning are encouraged.
• Expand your technical toolkit through hands‑on projects, professional development, and opportunities to explore new approaches.
• Help shape how SDSU organizes and uses student data as PECA continues to grow its data strategy and resources.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation.

• 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,…