Institutional Data Analyst

Trent University; Peterborough; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian university is seeking an Institutional Data Analyst to enhance decision-making through data analysis and reporting. The role requires collaboration with stakeholders and involves responding to data requests, tracking enrollment metrics, and conducting large research projects. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with tools like Excel and Python. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to contribute to the university's strategic planning initiatives.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience performing data analysis and utilizing research methodologies.
• Proven analytical competence with experience in predictive modelling and forecasting.
• Enthusiasm for problem solving and strong initiative to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Engage in the collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of institutional data.
• Provide actionable insights for enrollment forecasting, financial planning, and strategic policy development.
• Prepare accurate reports that clearly communicate information to users.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Education

University degree in social sciences, business, mathematics, computer science

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Python

R

Microsoft Access

Job description

Job Purpose

The Institutional Data Analyst engages in the collection, analysis, interpretation and communication of institutional and market data for operational and strategic planning, decision making, assessment and reporting. They are responsible for transforming complex datasets and analysis into actionable information for strategic decision making at all levels of the University, including senior leadership.

By integrating and analyzing institutional and market data, the Institutional Data Analyst provides actionable insights to support initiatives such as enrollment forecasting, financial planning, academic program assessment, and strategic policy development. This work ensures that key decisions across the University are informed by accurate, accessible, and high-quality data.

Collaborating and communicating with teams and key stakeholders across the institution, the Institutional Data Analyst enhances reporting capabilities, improves data collection and deepens understanding. They design research studies, troubleshoot data issues, and contribute fresh ideas to improve how data is collected, analyzed, interpreted and presented.

Key Activities:

Institutional Reporting and Analysis

• Responds to ad-hoc internal data requests for use in institutional planning, evaluation, operational improvements, predictive analysis and decision making.
• Provides accurate and appropriate data and analysis, including assisting requesters in determining the exact questions they are attempting to solve as well as the potential information that can be accessed for solutions.
• Manipulates large and diverse electronic data sets to create reports and respond to requests for information.
• Selects appropriate statistical techniques to compile, organize, and analyze data.
• Prepares accurate, professional reports that clearly communicate information to intended users at all levels of the organization.

Enrolment Tracking and Impact Assessment

• Assists in ongoing tracking of enrolment and intake metrics across all reporting terms.
• Participates in the creation of scenario generation and sensitivity analyses.
• Contributes to the translation of enrolment modelling and adjustments into in-year and future budgetary impacts.

Survey Development, Administration and Analysis

• Prepares analyses of survey results for presentation to internal and external audiences.
• Supports the development and interpretation of surveys administered by other departments.

Longitudinal Research

• With guidance, undertakes large research projects in areas of strategic interest to the institution.
• Applies analytical/statistical techniques to derive insights.
• Communicates findings to OIPA leaders and institutional stakeholders.

Business Intelligence Support and Data Management

• Supports the Business Intelligence Analyst in developing and using automated reporting.
• Develops expertise in institutional reporting requirements and OIPA’s data dictionaries.
• Acts as an institutional resource for the proper use and interpretation of internal and external data.

Education Required:

• A university degree in social sciences, business, mathematics, computer science, or another discipline that involves substantial development of analytical, research, and technical competencies.

Experience/Qualifications Required:

• Four (4) years of experience performing data analysis and utilizing research methodologies.
• Proven analytical competence, including experience identifying and employing research methods to address strategic, tactical, structured or unstructured business questions.
• Enthusiasm for problem solving and a demonstrated ability to create effective solutions to complex tasks.
• Experience with predictive modelling and forecasting.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills, including Excel and Access required, experience with statistical software and programming languages such as Python or R preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at various stages of data fluency.
• Ability to work as part of a team and foster good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience managing multiple tasks within a rapidly changing environment, with demonstrated time and resource management skills to complete projects.
• Experience with, or understanding of, the Ontario postsecondary system preferred.