Data Visualization Specialist

About the Product:

For more than 30 years, Carnegie has been a leader and innovator in higher education marketing and enrollment strategy, offering groundbreaking services in the areas of Research, Strategy, Digital Marketing, Lead Generation, Slate Optimization, Student Search, Website Development, and Creative that generate authentic connections.

Role Summary:

We are looking for a technical builder to own our data visualization layer. You will develop custom, interactive data products for our customers using Shiny for Python and maintain rapid internal reporting using Looker Studio.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Data Visualization Product Development (Shiny for Python)

  • Architect, build, and deploy production-grade, highly-interactive data applications for customer-facing delivery using the Shiny for Python framework.
  • Lead the full development lifecycle, encompassing the design of intuitive user interfaces (UI) and the implementation of robust, performant server-side logic and reactivity.
  • Implement best practices for code quality, testing, modularization (e.g., Shiny modules), and deployment on platforms like Posit Connect to ensure a reliable and scalable data product experience.

• Business Intelligence and Internal Reporting Management

  • Serve as the owner and subject matter expert for the internal Business Intelligence environment, primarily utilizing Looker Studio.
  • Design, develop, and maintain automated dashboards and reports that deliver timely and actionable insights to internal stakeholders, effectively replacing manual reporting processes.
  • Apply advanced BI techniques, including the creation of complex calculated fields and data blending, to integrate diverse datasets for a unified view of performance.

• Data Querying and Performance Optimization

  • Develop, optimize, and maintain efficient, production-ready SQL queries, leveraging advanced techniques such as Common Table Expressions (CTEs) and window functions.
  • Actively manage the performance layer of data visualization products, ensuring both Shiny applications and Looker Studio reports execute quickly and maintain responsiveness under anticipated data volumes and user load.
  • Collaborate closely with Data Engineering teams to understand and leverage the underlying data warehouse structure (e.g., Python, SQL).

• User Experience (UX) and Data Design

  • Translate complex, multi-dimensional datasets into clean, visually compelling, and intuitive user experiences, moving beyond simple table and chart outputs to sophisticated data narratives.
  • Champion a high-end aesthetic in all data products, focusing on design principles that enhance data comprehension and drive user adoption.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Aesthetic and Design Acumen: Ability to translate complex analytical findings into beautiful, polished, and intuitive visualizations, evidenced by a strong public portfolio.
• Technical Agility: Proficiency in the core Tech Stack, including Python, SQL, Posit Connect, Looker Studio, and Git.
• Self-Direction and Initiative: Proven ability to manage a visualization portfolio autonomously, proactively identify and implement improvements, and take ownership of the data visualization layer.
• Problem-Solving: Dexterity to effectively deal with technical ambiguities and continuously seek process improvements in data product delivery.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively gather requirements from non-technical stakeholders and present complex data concepts clearly.

Requirements:

• Advanced Proficiency in Shiny for Python:Deep expertise in developing, deploying, and managing production-grade Shiny applications, including a solid understanding of reactivity principles, modular design, and front-end styling.
• Expert BI Tool Experience: Strong, hands-on experience with Looker Studio, particularly in data blending, custom calculations, and connecting to various data sources.
• Advanced SQL Skills: Demonstrated ability to write complex, performant SQL queries (using CTEs, window functions, and advanced joins) for data manipulation and preparation prior to visualization.
• Portfolio: Mandatory submission of a portfolio or public links (GitHub, shinyapps.io, etc.) demonstrating work with a focus on high-end aesthetics and user experience design.

Nice-to-haves:

• Familiarity with other data visualization libraries in Python (e.g., Plotly, Dash) to complement Shiny.
• Experience with other BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.
• Experience in the higher education or SaaS technology sectors.

Credentials and Experience:

• College degree or equivalent professional life/work experience in a quantitative or technical field.
• 3+ years of dedicated, hands-on experience in a role focused on data visualization development, BI reporting, or data product creation, preferably within a fast-paced technology or SaaS environment.

We offer:

• We welcome new ideas and allow you to make an immediate impact on the team.
• Flexible Paid time off (PTO for any reason, including sick days (no specified limits) and flexible work schedule.
• Personal laptop.
• Health/Sport Budget.
• Fully remote.