UI REACH Data Specialist

Overview: The University of Iowa REACH Program is looking to hire a student to assist with the program evaluation, research, and grant funding activities. A student data specialist should demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality as well as work with a variety of individuals in a constructive and civil manner. The purpose of this position is to increase the use of data and evidence-based practices within the UI REACH Program to better serve students, staff, campus partners, and external stakeholders.  

The student data specialist will be expected to work diligently and punctually, perform assigned tasks, follow directions, take initiative, be reliable, check work for thoroughness and accuracy with attention to detail, and display an interest in learning new skills, especially mandatory computer skills.  

Duties/responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

Assist in data collection, synthesis, and utilization from a wide range of sources, including gathering feedback from individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, using a variety of methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods data collection)   

Manage spreadsheets/databases 

Support the development and refinement of data collection tools and processes and assist with creating and disseminating data summaries  

Research topics and complete writing assignments 

Comply with all departmental and UI regulations and requirements for employees 

Qualifications:  

An undergraduate or graduate University of Iowa student 

Exceptional attention to detail  

Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

Ability to multi-task, organize priorities, and work independently to meet deadlines 

Ability to work well within a cohesive team  

Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and others  

Possess the following computer skills: Microsoft Office: Email and calendaring (Outlook), word processing (Word), and spreadsheets and tables (Excel) 

Proficiency with data visualization skills and business intelligence tools (such as Power BI or Tableau) is highly recommended 

Schedule: 

Work schedule is flexible and will average 20 hours per week with the potential opportunity to work up to 35 hours over the summer or breaks. Work will be done from campus or remotely as agreed upon.  

Length of employment:  

This position is for the summer 2026 as long as the student is enrolled in at least one semester hour of course work and may be renewed for the following semester(s). This appointment is also subject to a) satisfactory performance of duties, b) availability of work and c) departmental funding.   

To apply:  

Send cover letter and resume to Erica Kaldenberg (erica-kaldenberg@uiowa.edu) or through UI Handshake by April 17th, 2026. Interviews will be scheduled with selected candidates. 

Learning outcomes resulting from student employment:  

Knowledge of human cultures and diversity 

Engagement and asking big questions 

Understanding contemporary and enduring issues  

Intellectual and practical skills of inquiry, critical and creative thinking, written and oral communication, quantitative and information literacy, teamwork and problem solving 

Taking on progressively more complex and challenging projects and problems 

Increasing standards of performance over the course of employment 

Personal and social responsibility 

Civic knowledge/engagement 

Ethical reasoning and actions, lifelong learning skills 

Active involvement with diverse communities 

Addressing real world issues 

Integrative learning of taking the classroom to the world in both general and specialized areas of study 

Applying knowledge and skills 

Taking on new responsibilities and problems 

About the UI REACH Program  

UI REACH (Realizing Educational and Career Hopes) is a comprehensive transition program for students ages 18-25 years old with intellectual, cognitive and learning disabilities. UI REACH offers an integrated college experience in a caring and structured environment.