Overview
Data Analyst
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK)
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-educational institution of Higher Education. All programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education and by the U.S. regional accreditation association, SACSCOC. AURAK emphasizes a general education curriculum and the integration of critical thinking about local and global issues. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, a growing region with diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity and is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are encouraged from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.
Job Purpose & Responsibilities
The Data Analyst at AURAK is responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing institutional and operational data to provide meaningful insights that guide academic, administrative, and strategic decision-making. The role ensures data accuracy and integrity, develops comprehensive reports and dashboards, and identifies trends that support efficiency, student success, and the university’s long-term growth. By transforming complex datasets into clear and actionable information, the Data Analyst enables stakeholders across the university to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Essential: Minimum Qualifications and Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
Desirable
- Master’s degree in data Analytics, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or related discipline is a plus.
- Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
Required Knowledge And Skills
- Understanding of academic data domains such as student lifecycle, enrollment, retention, graduation, faculty performance, course evaluations.
- Familiarity with institutional research, accreditation reporting, and strategic planning metrics.
- Experience with Student Information Systems (e.g., Banner), LMS platforms (e.g., Moodle, Blackboard), and administrative ERP systems.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret complex datasets and derive actionable insights.
- Experience in statistical modeling, forecasting, and trend analysis.
- Ability to translate data findings into strategic recommendations for academic and administrative stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Python, MS SQL, Java, or Scala for data manipulation and scripting.
- Experience with Databricks Lakehouse or Banner Insight Platform for analytics and machine learning.
- Strong command of Power BI and Databricks Dashboards for data visualization and reporting.
- Expertise in designing scalable, robust data architectures using data mesh principles.
- Proven ability to build and maintain efficient data pipelines from diverse sources.
- Familiarity with structured and unstructured data, including storage in AWS S3.
- Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform for data solutions.
- Proficiency in version control, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
- Deep understanding of data governance frameworks, privacy laws, and regulatory compliance.
Work Experience
- Minimum 2 to 4 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, and business intelligence, preferably in the Higher Education sector.
- Experience with programming languages like Python, MS SQL and Spark.
- Experience with Cloud Platforms like Databricks, Banner Insight, AWS and/or Azure.
- Data integration experience with multiple data sources such as databases, ERP, CRM, SaaS applications, Excel and file sharing platforms.
- Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Databricks and/or Banner Insight.
- Hands-on experience in data cleaning, validation, integration, and governance.
- Experience with large datasets, statistical analysis, predictive modelling, and advanced analytics.
Desirable Experience
- Extensive experience in designing and implementing complex and robust data architectures across multiple platforms, domains and technologies.
- Extensive experience in integrating with diverse cloud, on-premises and hybrid data sources.
- Experience in developing and maintaining data integration, ingestion, and streaming pipelines using modern frameworks and tools.
- Experience in utilizing version control systems like Git and implementing CI/CD pipelines to automate the build, test, and deployment processes for data applications.
Language Proficiency Required
Verbal communication: English, Fluent; Arabic, Desirable; Any other language is an asset.
Written communication: English, Fluent; Arabic, Desirable.
Competencies
- Service Excellence
- Professional Ethics and Integrity
- Problem-solving
- Time Management
- Teamwork
Reporting line
Manager of the Office of Information Technology
Job Title Alignment
Director of Business Intelligence - Data Science