Data Engineer, Student Information System

Title: Data Engineer, SIS

Level: C

Type: Full-Time

Start Date: March 2022

Relay Graduate School of Education seeks a Student Information System Data Engineer to ensure that our new student information system (SIS) launches on time, integrates with other data systems (Slate, Canvas, Operational Data Store), meets fundamental operational needs (registration, enrollment, billing, etc.), fulfills key regulatory reporting requirements, and makes data available for continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Reporting to the Vice Provost of Research and Data, and working closely with the Managing Director of Technology, the SIS Data Engineer will collaborate closely with colleagues at all levels of the institution to understand and prioritize Relay’s most fundamental reporting needs. They will ensure the SIS integrates with other data systems (Slate, Canvas, Operational Data Store) so that Relay stakeholders have access to the data most important to their work.  Moreover, this person will facilitate viable solutions to complex reporting challenges that will arise as we transition from a legacy SIS to an enterprise SIS (Anthology Student).

The role will require a strong technical skill set (Azure, Pipeline, ETL, API, SQL, etc.) as well as strong people skills (to quickly and effectively understand, refine, and implement complex/conflicting stakeholder requirements).  The SIS Data Engineer will play a pivotal role in mitigating technical risks at a time of high change, and in bridging Relay toward scaled information solutions.  In short, this role is an outstanding opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the work of an institution that is reshaping the landscape of public education. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Architecture and Integrations

• Optimize the SIS architecture to meet core reporting and integration needs 
• Build SIS pipelines (ETL, API, Azure Data Factory) to get the right data in and right data out in secure and sustainable ways
• Manage version control for data and related code, archiving datasets and analyses and using Git or Azure DevOps to coordinate code across analysts

Configuration and Testing

• Own reporting-related configurations of the SIS
• Test and validate all configurations, reports, and dashboards

Building Reports

• Query the underlying data model using SQL
• Build custom reports using the SIS vendor’s (Anthology) provided tools
• Create custom data visualizations and dashboards using Microsoft Power BI
• Create and manage roles and permissions for specific reports and dashboards
• Collaborate with broader research team to design and build dashboards and reports that include data from additional IT systems 

Requirement Gathering & Collaboration

• Learn as much as possible about the new SIS’s capabilities and features (and how to configure them) via direct training from the vendor and independent research
• Learn as much as possible about Relay’s reporting needs (and their relative importance) by engaging stakeholders across the organization
• Research solutions to ad hoc and novel issues as needed

• Prioritize key workflows and reporting needs
• Train users across Relay to understand and leverage all data reports and visualizations

Project Management and Communication

• Perform key project tasks with minimum supervision
• Articulate project risks, including workload and timeline concerns
• Escalate potential policy and process changes
• Create documentation and training materials for all reporting items
• Share reports with broader Relay community, including Relay’s leadership

Qualifications

First and foremost, the SIS Data Engineer must share the team’s commitment to improving Relay’s systems in service of phenomenal teacher and instructional leader preparation.

Candidates for the position should meet the following minimum qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in information technology, computer science, database management, or data science; Master’s degree welcome
• History of learning new technical skills quickly and independently
• Expertise using ETL and pipeline tools to integrate data systems
• 5+ years working with Azure and the rest of the Microsoft stack
• 5+ years of hands-on development with SQL, PostgreSQL, or similar - and demonstrated skill at understanding and building out data models
• 5+ years producing and consuming RESTful web service APIs
• 2+ years experience working with an SIS, ERP, or CRM (esp. Slate, Banner, Jenzabar, PeopleSoft, Workday or other higher education product ) preferred
• Demonstrated experience scoping large-scale projects and successfully executing against project plans
• Proven history of delivering effective technology solutions with a mix of different platforms and services, working cross-functionally with a diverse set of stakeholders
• Ability to work efficiently and intensely in an entrepreneurial environment
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies
• Data governance experience a plus
• Experience with using Git (or similar versioning systems) for source control
• Excellent technical problem-solving and debugging skills with asynchronous systems 
• Strong self-motivation and willingness to tackle challenging problems

Relay prepares teachers and school leaders to teach students of all identities and backgrounds in order to push toward a time when this country no longer faces stark educational inequities. We recruit, develop, support, and retain a diverse staff, faculty, and graduate student body because we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and actively anti-racist institution. We know, and the data supports, that diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivate an environment in which people of all backgrounds can thrive and this is critical to achieving our mission of educational excellence and equity.

To fulfill that commitment, Relay encourages applicants of all backgrounds and identities to apply for roles that align with their own interests and career trajectory. If you meet a majority of the qualifications and see yourself in this role, we would love to see your application!

COMPENSATION

Relay’s compensation philosophy is to pay competitively for the education nonprofit market and ensure equity across the institution. The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $110,000. Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors including their region’s cost of labor, qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside the range shown. 

Relay offers a comprehensive total rewards package. For full-time roles, this includes health insurance benefits, disability and life insurance, retirement plan, professional development, gym reimbursement, adoption assistance, paid time off (PTO), parental leave, etc. To learn more about Relay’s benefits, please visit here.  

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

Relay requires that all staff be fully vaccinated with an FDA or WHO authorized vaccine (or approved for an exemption as a reasonable accommodation due to a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief). Relay abides by each state’s requirements, and acknowledges those may change over time. If moved forward to the phone screen stage, you will have the chance to ask your recruiter more about this requirement

Relay Graduate School of Education provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.