Project Analyst (Finance)

About Rice:

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name - RICE - Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

We seek a highly analytical and detail-oriented Project Analyst to join our team in a new project management office that has been created to manage a portfolio of projects supporting Rice University's strategic growth initiatives. This role leads or independently performs the most complex technical work associated with collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting on various types of data sets utilizing software to support multiple project teams.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate is a proactive and strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and consulting experience in process improvement, data collection, analysis, visualization and reporting. They thrive in a collaborative environment and are passionate about supporting high-performing project teams while leveraging data to track progress against goals and develop impactful reports that drive decision making.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role (minimum of 2 days in the office per week). Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

Hiring Range:

$75,000 - $85,000 contingent upon qualifications and experience

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years of experience in management consulting, strategy, or related field
• In-depth knowledge and experience using and applying analytical software, database management system software, database reporting software, database user interface and query software, and data mining software
• Expert ability to collect data using a variety of methods, such as data mining and hardcopy or electronic documentation study, to improve or expand databases
• Advanced statistical analysis ability
• Strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a deadline-oriented environment; highly organized, flexible, and rigorous attention to detail
• Ability to use logic to and statistical functions to summarize data; efficiently construct a database or scrutinize the form of a question
• Ability to work with data of varying levels of quality and validity
• Demonstrated ability to produce data in a clear and understandable manner, meeting user requirements
• Ability to take a leadership role on projects and with users/clients
• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with stakeholders at all levels

Skills:

• Advanced Excel skills
• Strong knowledge of statistical analysis and data modeling techniques
• Ability to interpret complex data sets and identify meaningful trends
• Proficiency in business intelligence tools and data visualization
• Experience with automation and data-driven decision-making
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities
• Proficiency in developing reports and dashboards to track project progress and outcomes
• Advanced professional communication skills, including ability to prepare materials for and clearly and effectively communicate information to internal and external audiences, including Board of Trustees, senior leadership team, Deans and VPs, and financial management personnel

Preferences:

• Master's degree in Data Analytics, Business, or a related field.
• Knowledge of Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP and Tableau

Essential Functions:

• Work self-directed to assess and produce relevant, standard, and/or custom reports
• Devises methods for identifying complex data patterns and trends in available information sources using various qualitative and quantitative techniques
• Determines and recommends additional data collection needs and reporting requirements
• Designs and customizes reports across a variety of data sources and database software
• Serves as a resource for non-routine inquiries such as requests for statistical analyses or surveys
• Leads the implementation of data standards and common data elements for data collection
• Collaborate with technical staff to standardize and systemize routine reports, dashboards, and metrics
• May test prototype software and participate in the approval and release process for new software
• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements
• Collaborate with project managers and stakeholders to facilitate process improvements and redesign initiatives
• Develop, maintain, and enhance dashboards to track project performance, cost savings, and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of implemented changes, assessing financial impact and cost savings
• Work cross-functionally with teams to support decision-making, ensuring data-driven strategies align with business objectives
• Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices to enhance data analytics capabilities and process optimization
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University's Disability Resource Center at 713-348-5841 or adarice@rice.edu for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu . Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.