Data Analyst and Evaluation Specialist

University of Waterloo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 74,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo is seeking a Data Analyst and Evaluation Specialist to support data infrastructure and insights for student success initiatives. You will source, integrate, and analyze data across services to inform operational and strategic decisions.

In this 18-month temporary role, you will build dashboards in Power BI, deliver reusable analytics, and partner with campus units to translate findings into actionable recommendations that enhance student experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience with data acquisition and management practices.
• Ability to develop Power BI dashboards and reports.
• Strong collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of data quality and governance.

Responsibilities

• Operates within university privacy policies and manages data confidentiality.
• Develops Power BI dashboards and reports for real-time monitoring.
• Collaborates with teams to interpret findings and support decision making.
• Gathers requirements and designs data solutions across systems.

Skills

Data analysis

Power BI

Stakeholder collaboration

Descriptive statistics

Inferential statistics

Tools

Power BI

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.

Learn more about our recruitment process.

Job Requisition ID

2026-03346

Time Type

Full time

Employee Group

Staff

Job Category

Analytics and Reporting

Employment Type

Temporary

Department

Student Success Office - Faculty Relations

Hiring Range

$73,695.42 - $92,119.28

Posting Information

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is October 29, 2026, at 11:59PM.

This position is being offered as a temporary contract. Term:18 months

Job Description

Primary Purpose

The Data Analyst and Evaluation Specialist supports the maintenance of data infrastructure while providing data analysis and insights to support operational and strategic decision making pertinent to student success. This includes responsibility for sourcing, understanding, consolidating, integrating and analyzing data associated with student success activities within the Associate Provost, Students portfolio. These include but are not limited to academic success and retention, writing and communication supports and services, new student transition initiatives, the cross campus advising strategy, student equity, community and leadership development, residence learning, international student experience, intercultural learning, and international mobility and safety abroad. Insights inform strategic direction and leadership decisions for campus wide or faculty-specific initiatives. Strong consultation skills and effective communication of analysis and findings are essential for collaboration with program managers and to enable all partners (e.g., department heads, managers, directors) to have context for recommendations and actions.

Key Accountabilities

Data Acquisition and management

• Operates within University policies and exercises best practices for privacy and confidentiality, and records and information management. Advises internal stakeholders on best practices for data and records management.
• Creates and maintains documentation as needed to ensure best practices and enable business continuity.
• Develops a deep understanding of available data, systems, dictionaries, and distribution channels from multiple information systems across the university; leads discovery and requirements gathering with departmental teams, and technical system owners to identify data sources, workflows, system constraints, reporting needs, and evaluation requirements.
• Operates with data quality standards and identifies data anomalies and discrepancies to appropriate institutional data stewards for resolution.
• Explores utilization of tools, systems, and practices to recommend and improve data flow, automation, and information analysis.
• Applies descriptive and inferential statistics to understand trends, patterns, and dependencies with respect to a variety of strategic and operational issues.
• Collaborates with partners (i.e., ASUs, Faculties) to improve and automate data reporting and dissemination (e.g., Power BI dashboards).
• Consults with Institutional Analysis and Planning (IAP) and Information Systems and Technology (IST) and other departments on the design, implementation, testing and operation of any computer systems required for the collection, storage, reporting and analysis of data and trends related to student success.
• Follows guidance and best practices from IAP on management of sensitive or otherwise restricted data; collaborates with IAP, IST, the Registrar, and Faculty analysts on data initiatives where possible to reduce duplication of effort to better support the University's data activities.
• Educates themselves and others on understanding how bias, privilege and discrimination can impact data collection and overall interpretation of information.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Develops Power BI dashboards, visualizations, reports, and analytical products supporting real-time monitoring, strategic planning, operational decision making, accountability reporting, portfolio level insights, and articulation of the student experience.
• Creates reusable analytical frameworks and data extracts to support ongoing departmental reporting cycles (e.g., SSAC, portfolio reviews, strategic initiatives) and continuous improvement.
• Collaborates with teams to interpret findings, refine reporting products, validate insights, and ensure usability across a wide range of stakeholders
• Collaborates with IAP, MUR, Faculties, and other departments to support analysis of large institutional student surveys (e.g., CUSC, National Survey of Student Engagement, Incoming Student Survey, Student Experience Survey, etc.) and develop