Overview
Northern Illinois University, located in DeKalb, IL, invites applications for the position of Administrative Aide for the Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships. The Division promotes the professional development of faculty and graduate students, supports connections to accelerate knowledge creation and application, facilitates submissions of grants and contracts, and celebrates achievements of faculty, staff, and students contributing to NIU’s mission as a student-centered, public research university.
Position Summary
The Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Data Analyst to join our Research Intelligence Team. The Analyst will support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency for NIU’s research enterprise by collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data related to research funding, compliance, faculty productivity, and institutional research performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Data Analysis & Reporting – 35%: Assist in preparing reports on research proposal submissions, awards, and funding trends; support the development of dashboards and visualizations using tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau; help maintain data accuracy and integrity across research administration systems; contribute to benchmarking and performance analyses using internal and external datasets; assist in tracking faculty research activity and collaboration metrics; participate in projects informing strategic planning and decision-making; work closely with RIPS leadership, research administrators, and faculty to understand data needs; participate in training sessions and professional development opportunities; learn to navigate research administration systems and data platforms.
- Other Related Duties – 5%: Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, operations research, or related field with at least 12 semester hours in computer science and/or mathematical modeling, or equivalent experience/training.
- One (1) year (12 months) of experience in operations research and/or mathematical modeling.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)
- Knowledge of descriptive statistics; knowledge of data management tools and Microsoft Office programs.
- Skill in the development of mathematical models and related computer programs; ability to interpret results of analytical studies; ability to prepare written or oral reports explaining analytic results; ability to direct less experienced personnel in preparing research studies and mathematical models; ability to work independently and multi-task; ability to learn in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Specialty Factors
None
Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)
- Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Information Systems, Business, or related field.
- Master’s degree in business administration or relevant field, or certification in data analytics.
- Internship or coursework experience in data analysis or research support.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with Excel and basic AI tools for data visualization and analytics (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Co-Pilot).
- Ability to communicate clearly and work collaboratively in a team; familiarity with research administration in higher education.
- Exposure to SQL, ETL, R Programming, Python.
- Familiarity with bibliometric tools and research analytics platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to upload and verify education, experience, and training documentation within an NIU application process.
Additional Information
Illinois residency is required within 180 days of hire. Employment is contingent upon passing a criminal background investigation. NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications.
The following contacts handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Health Services Building Room 230, TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu, 815-753-5560.
ADA accommodations: NIU provides accommodations for applicants with disabilities. For assistance, contact the AAEO at ada@niu.edu.
Required Documents
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- List of at least 3 professional references
- List of at least 3 professional references (duplicate line kept for fidelity to original content)
- Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire) and any applicable DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 documents for Veterans Preference
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk.
- What is the highest level of education attained?
- Have you attached all transcripts to support the degrees you are submitting for consideration?
- How many years of experience do you have in this type of position?
- Please provide the name of the employer and dates of employment where you gained this experience.
- If applicable, have you attached a copy of your DD214, DD215, NGB22, or DD256 for Veterans Preference?
Expiry: This posting shows an open date of 10/09/2025 and a close date of 11/06/2025. IsExpired is false.