Decision Support Analyst

Missouri Western State University; Saint Joseph (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Western State University seeks a Decision Support Analyst to collaborate with Institutional Research and divisions to analyze data, create reports, and support data governance for decision making.

The role requires strong SQL and BI skills with Tableau/Power BI, and the ability to present insights to senior leadership while ensuring data quality in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus one of the listed certifications (CAP, aCAP, GDP Analytics, Power BI Data Analyst, or equivalent).
• One year of related experience in data analytics, data governance, data management, and/or statistical research.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the duties.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes BI tools to extract, compile, interpret, summarize and analyze complex data sets.
• Produce and present reports and visualizations for senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Manage data in SQL/CSV formats and ensure data quality and integrity.
• Develop scheduled dashboards and reports on key performance indicators.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and participate in data governance activities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data visualization

SQL queries

Statistical analysis

Modeling

Education

Associate’s degree with cert

Bachelor's degree in business / economics / finance / statistics / data visualization

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Argos

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Access

Outlook

Google Workspace

Job description

Job Description

Position Title Decision Support Analyst Job Description

The Decision Support Analyst is a role that requires an attentive, detail-oriented, highly collaborative partner. Reporting directly to the Director of Institutional Research; the Analyst plays a critical role in the University’s data governance and data driven decision making. S/he will collaborate with the Enrollment Management, Finance and Administration divisions of the University to analyze data, create reports, perform audits, and make recommendations based on market opportunities and trends, as well as Academic Affairs and Student Affairs for centralized analytics of institutional effectiveness research and activities.

Essential Duties

• Utilizes and adapts existing computer programs and business intelligence tools to extract, compile, interpret, summarize and analyze complex data sets.
• Produce and present reports and data visualizations for senior leadership and other key stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication of findings.
• Manages data in various formats, including SQL and CSV and conducts complex queries while assuring data quality and integrity
• Participates in compliance reporting processes; gather and input data.
• Conducts comprehensive studies on targeted topics such as student recruitment, enrollment projection, retention, revenue generating opportunities, new market identification and budget informed efficiencies.
• Stay current with industry trends, economics and outcomes, best practices, and emerging markets and technologies in higher education.
• Helps foster a culture of inquiry, improvement, and evidence-based decision-making
• Develop and provide scheduled dashboard and reports on key performance indicators and strategic plans
• Support and participate in strategic planning initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, And ABILITIES

• Knowledge of workings of university structure, policies and procedures
• Strong analytical skills, with experience in modeling, data visualization, and statistical analysis
• Mastery of business intelligence tools including Tableau, Argos, PowerBI, etc.
• Ability to understand and develop SQL queries
• Ability to work with, and understand, complex datasets
• Effective communication skills; ability to communicate complex reports clearly, concisely, and persuasively
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies across the University and the community
• Ability to operate independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders
• Strong time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy while adhering to tight deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook) and Google Workspace tools.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree plus one of the following certifications: CAP, aCAP, Google Data Analytics Professional, Power BI Data Analyst Associate, or equivalent credential
• One year of related experience in data analytics, data governance, data management, and/or statistical research
• Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, statistical analysis, data visualization or technical-related field.
• Two years of experience with data analysis in a higher education setting
• Experience with Ellucian Banner or a similar ERP/SIS system
• Experience with Argos, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau and/or comparable reporting tools

Physical Demands

Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

FLSA Exempt Additional Demands

• May require occasional travel and/or night and weekend work
• The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Hours of Work

Monday-Friday; 8:00am – 4:30pm

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number S829P Open Date 04/22/2026 Priority Deadline 05/18/2026 Open Until Filled Yes