THECB - Data Analyst V (Senior Analyst)

Performs advanced and complex data analysis, applied economic research, and program evaluation to inform higher education and workforce policy. This role emphasizes rigorous quantitative analysis of education-to-workforce outcomes, including earnings, employment, return on investment, student debt, program choice, transfer, regional labor market outcomes, and the economic impact of state investments.

Leverages large-scale longitudinal datasets, including education records and unemployment insurance wage records, to assess student pathways, program effectiveness, labor market returns, and the impact of funding and policy decisions aligned with Building a Talent Strong Texas. Applies concepts from labor economics, public economics, and the economics of education to examine how postsecondary programs, credentials, financial aid, institutional practices, and regional workforce conditions shape student outcomes and the Texas economy.

Produces policy-relevant insights using advanced quantitative methods and collaborates with internal and external partners to support data-informed decision-making. Develops reports, policy briefs, presentations, and analytical products that translate complex findings into clear implications for policy, funding, program design, and implementation.

Works under minimal supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Reports to the Director of Impact Analytics., * Provides professional support to the Director of Impact Analytics and works with other divisions within the agency and with educational institutions to achieve the goals of the state's higher education plan, Building a Talent Strong Texas.

• Performs advanced analytical tasks using large and complex education, workforce, financial aid, program, and Unemployment Insurance wage record datasets, including data collection, cleaning, linkage, analysis, interpretation, and presentation.
• Conducts applied economic and statistical analyses of education-to-workforce outcomes, including employment, earnings, return on investment, credential value, student debt, transfer, program choice, and regional labor market outcomes.
• Evaluates the impact of state investments, grant-funded initiatives, funding strategies, policy changes, and institutional practices on student progression, credential completion, workforce alignment, and economic outcomes.
• Applies advanced quantitative methods, including longitudinal data analysis, regression analysis, econometric modeling, and other appropriate policy evaluation methods to answer complex research questions.
• Develop reports, policy briefs, data visualizations, written and tabular reports, informal and formal presentations, and publications that communicate analytical findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Translates complex statistical and economic findings into clear, actionable insights that support policy development, program implementation, strategic planning, and agency decision-making.
• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to provide data and analysis that inform business needs, policy questions, institutional support, and statewide higher education and workforce priorities.
• Partners with Division of Data Management and Research leadership on high-priority research, reporting, legislative, and policy-related projects that require advanced quantitative analysis or economic interpretation.
• Responds to legislative requests for information and data, supports the design or implementation of studies, and analyzes legislation in coordination with internal agency management and staff.
• Supports analyses related to Credentials of Value, program-level outcomes, labor market returns, self-sufficient wages, student affordability, and education-to-earnings measures.
• Maintains clear documentation of data sources, methods, code, assumptions, limitations, and analytical processes for internal use and long-term continuity.
• Ensures data quality and accuracy; applies FERPA guidelines, data governance standards, and appropriate disclosure practices to data reports and analytical products.
• Shares insights, methods, knowledge, and experience with other analysts and staff to strengthen analytical capacity across the department and portfolio.
• Takes initiative on projects and completes them successfully without close supervision.
• Uses initiative and independent judgment.
• Performs other duties as assigned., This position is authorized for a hybrid telework schedule. Employees are required to work in the office two (2) days per week, with the remaining three days eligible for telework. Specific in-office days may be determined by the department to meet business needs.

Military Crosswalk: https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_PlanningResearchandStatistics.pdf, * Demonstrate knowledge of customer service deliverables;

• Show flexibility and adaptability toward changes in assignments and work schedules, working extended hours as necessary;
• Adhere to the organization's internal management policies and procedures;
• Contribute to the agency's performance measures and mission; and
• Travel occasionally for work assignments and training.

Do you have experience in Statistical analysis tools?, Do you have a Master's degree?, * Knowledge of statistical concepts, research methods, and their application to complex data analysis and policy evaluation.

• Knowledge of economic concepts and methods, including labor economics, public economics, economics of education, and education-to-workforce outcomes.
• Knowledge of higher education, workforce, financial aid, and Unemployment Insurance wage record data, including appropriate data use, limitations, and data policies.
• Skill in using analytical software such as SAS, Python, R, SQL, SPSS, Stata, or another statistical software package.
• Skill in analyzing large administrative datasets, interpreting statistical results, and preparing clear reports, tables, visualizations, and presentations.
• Ability to plan, organize, document, and complete complex analytical and research projects.
• Ability to use data and research to inform policy development, program implementation, grant evaluation, and strategic decision-making.
• Ability to communicate complex statistical and economic findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop solutions using appropriate professional judgment and reasoning.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders., * Five+ years of experience in data analysis, research, evaluation, or analytical work, using analytical software such as SAS, Python, R, SQL, SPSS, Stata, or other statistical software packages.
• Master's degree in economics from an accredited college or university may substitute for two years of required experience in research, evaluation, or analytical work.
• Doctorate degree in Economics from an accredited college or university may substitute for three years of required experience in research, evaluation, or analytical work.
• Other combinations of education and direct, related experience may be considered.

Preferred: Preferred Education and Experience:

• Ph.D. degree in Economics from an accredited college or university.
• Experience conducting applied economic or quantitative policy research in labor economics, public economics, economics of education, or a related field.
• Experience analyzing education-to-workforce outcomes using longitudinal administrative data, Unemployment Insurance wage records, student-level education data, financial aid data, or workforce data.
• Experience applying advanced statistical or econometric methods to evaluate policy, program, grant, or funding impacts.
• Working knowledge of Texas higher education policy, finance, statistics, K-12 data, workforce data, or legislative processes.

Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions: Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:

• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;
• Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers, and telephones;
• Frequent sitting; and
• Frequently working under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.

1801 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701 Hybrid work $8,648 - $9,783 a month - Full-time, Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:

• Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
• Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
• Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.

THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.

Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview.

Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.