Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Analysis and Planning

The Analysis and Planning Consultant provides analysis and consulting services to clients; designs and conducts institutional studies; develops recommendations on a wide variety of topics including business efficiencies, quality improvement, performance measurement, and budget planning; and consults clients in selecting and applying appropriate analytical methodologies to resolve a wide range of strategic and operational issues.

• Serve as point of contact for projects or planning efforts within a unit or central planning office; meet with clients to determine and prioritize organizational research, information, and planning needs
• Conduct the design, analysis, reporting, interpretation, and presentation of organizational and assessment studies
• Design data collection and analysis plans, processes, and systems; identify analytical methods based on client needs; integrate appropriate assessments
• Develop reports, data summaries, interpretations, and models that aid in decision making processes and track key performance indicators
• Interpret data findings from sources such as financial reports, surveys, databases, and institutional data systems
• Provide data driven recommendations to leadership that affect long-range plans, project direction, program goals, assessment planning, strategic planning, and/or organizational changes
• Guide clients to identify strategic priorities and objectives; design new initiatives; determine the effectiveness of operational plans; provide direction and coaching that builds analytical capability of the unit
• Conduct benchmarking activities and research against external organizations and higher education institutions to support and influence decision making and policy creation
• Develop and cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders, leadership boards, government organizations, and industry related organizations
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Advanced Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates proficient and comprehensive knowledge of defined skill areas/applications. Applies knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field to decision-making and problem–solving. Works under minimum supervision on varied and sometimes difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor or subject matter experts on unusual matters. May lead others or a team in completion of complex assignments. Interprets and communicates information clearly, accurately, and persuasively. Researches and tries new approaches when solving difficult or novel problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor or mentor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems, with supervisor oversight
– Researches and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments, conferring with supervisor on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally and externally within working unit and the University
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Promotes open communication in a manner that builds relationships among team members
– Applies appropriate strategies for managing conflict; negotiate reasonable compromises; propose and evaluate possible solutions
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00