Business and Research Analyst

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Dean of Admission and Financial Aid, the Business and Research Analyst will support program processes within the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) instance of Slate, HGSE’s comprehensive system for admissions and enrollment management. The Business and Research Analyst will work to ensure that HGSE’s enrollment technology supports the future vision of HGSE’s enrollment management, providing a best-in-class applicant and user experience. 

The Business and Research Analyst will work with key stakeholders across HGSE to understand differing business needs and implement new processes to optimize efficiency and user experience. They will have a deep understanding of database management, core business processes as well as the capabilities and functionalities of Slate. 

As the primary administrator of the school’s Slate instance, the Business and Research Analyst will be a key problem solver, working to maintain a complex and varied enrollment process supporting applicants enrolling in a broad set of programs with unique needs. Within Slate, they will work across all aspects of the system to support enrollment goals, including support of events, interviews, communications, file evaluation and reader process, and others as needed. They will also be responsible for maintaining back-end functionality including the data model, queries, rules, and other functions that maintain data integrity and support admissions processes. 

The Business and Research Analyst will compile and analyze data regarding the potential market for prospective applicants, including trends, locations, profiles, demographics, key decision factors, outcomes, etc. They will evaluate data regarding HGSE’s market position and benchmark against other institutions. In partnership with the Associate Directors of Admission, they will design surveys, polls, and other tools to capture and assess prospective student feedback regarding messaging, events, and campaigns. 

The role requires a cross-functional and high-level oversight of enhancements to existing - and new - functionality. The Business and Research Analyst will create new product initiatives that support the overall enrollment goals of the university and move the institution forward in achieving its aspirations in the areas of lifelong learning, personalized educational experiences, and customized learning journeys.
 

Typical Core Duties :

• Work within a team on most phases of service analysis and consider the business implications of technology applications to the current and future business environment
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into systems requirements and scoping
• Participate in the definition of systems requirements and gap analysis
• Perform user needs analysis, product evaluation, customization, testing, implementation, and support
• Participate in the development of plans and policies for a unit/school
• Abide by and follow the Harvard University IT technical standards, policies and Code of Conduct

*Basic Qualifications :

• Minimum of two years’ post-secondary education or relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills :

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Administration, Management, or a related field required. 
• 3 years of admissions or enrollment experience with increasing responsibility. 
• Experience with SQL and/or understanding of relational databases. 
• Relevant exposure to graduate enrollment processes. Experience with process and policy development.
• Work experience working with Slate as an admissions CRM is a plus.
• Familiarity with agile software development methodology is a plus. Proficiency with Excel. Ability to work and communicate with a broad group of stakeholders.
• Team spirit and good communication abilities.
• Strong organizational skills
• Knowledge of information technology applications, processes, software and equipment
• Demonstrated team performance skills, service mindset approach, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor