Graduate Assistant – Financial Data Analysis (Part-Time, Remote)
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
- CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS Job Summary Penn State IT is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support financial data analysis efforts for the Optimized Service Team (OST) initiative. This part-time, remote position (20 hours/week) will contribute to a University-wide effort to evaluate IT services, improve cost efficiency, and support strategic decision-making through data-driven insights.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze financial and operational data related to University IT services and expenditures
- Support data collection, validation, and reporting for OST discovery workshops
- Develop insights to inform Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and IT service improvements
- Identify trends, cost efficiencies, and opportunities for process optimization
- Prepare reports, dashboards, and visualizations for stakeholders
- Collaborate with Penn State IT teams to support ongoing analysis and decision-making
About the Initiative The Penn State IT Optimized Service Team (OST) initiative is a comprehensive effort to assess and enhance IT services across the University. Through structured discovery workshops and ongoing analysis, the initiative focuses on:
- Aligning IT investments with strategic priorities
- Increasing efficiency and cost effectiveness
- Enabling innovation through improved resource allocation
- Strengthening IT service delivery and continuous improvement through SLAs
Minimum Qualifications
- Current enrollment in a Penn State graduate program
Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate study in Finance, Data Analytics, Business, Information Systems, or a related field
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Experience with Excel and/or data analysis tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Python, R)
- Ability to interpret and communicate data insights effectively
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
Additional Information
- Work Schedule: Up to 20 hours per week
- Compensation: $20 per hour
- Work Location: Remote
Why Penn State IT This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a high-impact, enterprise-wide initiative while gaining hands-on experience in financial analysis, IT strategy, and organizational transformation within a complex university environment. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines