Data and Decision Analyst

Eastern University; Chesterbrook (PA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern University is seeking a Data and Decision Analyst in the Division of Strategy and Effectiveness to perform data collection, statistical modeling, dashboard development, and analytical reporting to inform institutional decision-making.

The role also supports divisional process automation and optimization, with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Institutional Effectiveness to aid assessment, accreditation, and performance monitoring.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, business analytics or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 2–3 years of hands-on data analysis, institutional research, BI, or decision support.
• Experience with Tableau, SQL, Python, and advanced Excel/Power Query.
• Familiarity with Banner, Colleague, Workday; Canvas and Brightspace; and IPEDS.
• Ability to communicate complex analyses to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder consultation to define metrics and data requirements.
• Extract, clean, and analyze datasets across enterprise systems.
• Build and maintain BI dashboards for leadership.
• Conduct predictive analyses to inform enrollment, retention, and outcomes.
• Assist in analytical briefs and executive summaries.
• Identify automated workflows to improve efficiency.
• Support institutional effectiveness and accreditation efforts.

Skills

Tableau

SQL

Python

Excel/Power Query

AI in workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, business analytics or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SQL databases

Python

Google Apps Script

Excel

Job description

Position Description

The Data and Decision Analyst serves as a quantitative andtechnical analyst within the Division of Strategy andEffectiveness. Reporting directly to the Associate Director ofStrategic and Data Analysis, this role performs hands-on datacollection, statistical modeling, dashboard development, andanalytical reporting to inform institutional decision-making andstrategic initiatives.

In addition to core analytics, this position plays a pivotaloperational function in divisional process automation andoptimization, identifying manual workflows across systems andleveraging data pipelines, scripts, and automation tools tostreamline division-wide initiatives.

Through a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Director ofInstitutional Effectiveness, the analyst also directly supports keyassessment, accreditation, and institutional performance monitoringprocesses.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Analytics & Decision Support (Primary Report:Associate Director)

• Stakeholder Consultation: Partner with academic andadministrative stakeholders to clarify decision questions, definemetrics and data requirements, identify appropriate data sources,and translate analytical findings into clear, actionablerecommendations.
• Data Extraction & Integration: Extract, clean,integrate, and analyze complex datasets across enterprise systemsto support strategic decision-making.
• Visualization & Dashboard Development: Build,deploy, and maintain interactive business intelligence dashboardsand data visualization tools for divisional and institutionalleadership.
• Predictive Analytics & Tracking: Conduct trend,cohort, longitudinal-outcomes, comparative, and predictive analysesof institutional, IPEDS, and other external higher-education datato identify patterns, benchmark performance, and inform decisionsrelated to student enrollment, retention, academic performance,post-graduation outcomes, and institutional efficiency.
• Briefings & Reporting: Assist the AssociateDirector in preparing analytical briefs, data presentations, andexecutive summaries for strategic initiative teams.

Process Automation & Operational Efficiency

• Workflow Automation: Identify, design, and implementautomated workflows, scripts, and scheduled data feeds to reducemanual data manipulation across divisional initiatives.
• Process Optimization: Audit recurring data collectionand reporting tasks across the division to standardize metrics andestablish automated, repeatable processes.

Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness Support(Dotted-Line: Director of IE)

• Assessment & Plan Tracking: Support the Directorof Institutional Effectiveness in gathering, structuring, andanalyzing data related to assessing institutional programs,priorities, strategies, and strategic plan KPIs.
• Automated Unit Reviews: Assist in developing automateddata templates and digital survey tools that support administrativeunit planning and review.
• Continuous Improvement: Process and evaluatequalitative and quantitative data and metrics to supportmission-driven continuous institutional improvement.

Data Integrity & Governance

• Data & Process Governance: Maintain rigorousstandards for data accuracy, consistency, documentation,confidentiality, and compliance with FERPA and institutionaldata-governance policies across assigned projects andinitiatives.
• Institutional Research Alignment: Collaborate with theInstitutional Research team to cross-verify metrics and data toensure alignment and accuracy in reporting.

Additional Responsibilities

• Stay current on developing trends in higher educationanalytics, IR, and emerging technologies.
• Serve on institutional committees as requested.
• Attend University meetings and events as required.
• Embody Eastern University’s vision, mission, and core values ofexcellence, authenticity, stewardship, thoughtfulness, enthusiasm,relationships, and innovation.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s degree in data science,statistics, mathematics, business analytics or a closely related quantitative field required (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience : Minimum 2-3 years of hands‑onexperience in data analysis, institutional research, businessintelligence, or decision support (experience in higher educationpreferred).

Analytical & Technical Skills :

• Strong experience with Tableau, SQL, Python, and advancedExcel/Power Query for data extraction, transformation, validation,analysis, and visualization.
• Proven ability to ethically and responsibly use AI in coding,designing workflows, etc.
• Familiarity with Higher Education Student Information Systems(e.g., Banner, Colleague, Workday), Learning Management Systems(e.g., Canvas, Brightspace), and national datasets (e.g.,IPEDS).
• Experience with the Google suite and successful implementationof automations using Google Apps Script.

Domain Knowledge : Understanding of highereducation data governance, institutional assessment methodologies,and survey research design.

Communication & Collaboration : Excellentverbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability toexplain complex statistical analysis to non-technical audiences andleadership.

Project Management : Strong organizational andtime-management skills, with the ability to balance dual reportingpriorities, manage competing deadlines, and work collaboratively ina team environment.