IDP Project Data Analyst

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University is seeking a Power BI Data Analyst to transform complex financial, operational, and program data into actionable insights on-site at the main campus in Wichita, KS. The role focuses on building and maintaining enterprise dashboards and data models to enhance financial transparency and support aerospace program decision-making.

The ideal candidate has 2+ years of Power BI experience, strong skills in DAX, data modeling, and SQL, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience building financial and operational dashboards in Power BI.
• Experience with DAX, data modeling, and enterprise BI concepts.
• Proficiency in SQL and relational databases handling financial data.
• A bachelor's degree in a related field and strong data accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain Power BI dashboards that support financial performance tracking, program sustainability, contract lifecycle management, and forecasting across aerospace operations.
• Partner closely with financial services, program management, and operational leaders to understand analytical needs and translate them into scalable BI solutions.
• Develop and optimize data models that integrate financial data with aerospace operational datasets, including supply chain, labor costs, and contract deliverables.
• Ensure data accuracy and consistency across financial workflows by applying strong data governance practices, validating inputs and outputs, and performing regular QA checks.
• Analyze financial trends, cost drivers, program variances, and operational KPIs to highlight risks, opportunities, and performance insights for executive leadership.
• Collaborate with IT and business enterprise systems teams to ensure secure, efficient data pipelines that support high-volume aerospace financial data.
• Troubleshoot report issues and implement process improvements to ensure continuous reporting reliability and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Provide training and support to cross functional users, equipping them to use and interpret dashboards and leverage BI tools effectively.
• Stay current on Power BI and evolving best practices in financial data management.

Skills

Power BI

DAX

Power Apps

Data modeling

SQL

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, or related field

Bachelor’s degree in data analytics, accounting, information systems, or related field

Tools

Relational databases

Job description

Department: Industry & Defense Research

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Work Schedule: Typically, Monday - Friday; 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Details

The Power BI Data Analyst supports a rapidly growing operation within the aerospace industry by transforming complex financial, operational, and program level data into clear, actionable insights. This role develops and maintains enterprise dashboards, data models, and analytics solutions that enhance financial transparency, strengthen decision-making, and drive optimized performance across diverse aerospace programs and business units.

Job Summary

Provides statistical analysis for assigned project(s), builds databases and data tools, assists with data security and confidentiality, and generates required reports. Provides recommendations to leaders on strategies and evaluates reporting, ensuring project meets specific requirements.

Essential Functions

• Provides support and guidance to project leaders on business evaluation strategies through the development of forecasting and prediction model(s).
• Recommends and supports program(s) through the design, development, and implementation of databases, data analyses and data security and confidentiality to ensure compliance.
• Assists with the development and submission of reports to meet project needs.

Job Duties

• Design, build, and maintain Power BI dashboards that support financial performance tracking, program sustainability, contract lifecycle management, and forecasting across aerospace operations.
• Partner closely with financial services, program management, and operational leaders to understand analytical needs and translate them into scalable, reliable BI solutions.
• Develop and optimize data models that integrate financial data with aerospace operational datasets, including supply chain, labor costs, and contract deliverables.
• Ensure data accuracy and consistency across financial workflows by applying strong data governance practices, validating inputs and outputs, and performing regular QA checks.
• Analyze financial trends, cost drivers, program variances, and operational KPIs to highlight risks, opportunities, and performance insights for executive leadership.
• Collaborate with IT and business enterprise systems teams to ensure secure, efficient data pipelines that support high-volume aerospace financial data.
• Troubleshoot report issues and implement process improvements to ensure continuous reporting reliability and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Provide training and support to cross functional users, equipping them to use and interpret dashboards and leverage BI tools effectively.
• Stay current on Power BI and evolving best practices in financial data management.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in data management, analysis, reporting, and statistics.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 2+ years of demonstrated experience developing financial and operational dashboards in Power BI.
• Strong understanding of DAX, Power Apps, data modeling, and enterprise BI concepts.
• Proficiency in SQL and working with relational databases that house financial and program data.
• Ability to analyze financial datasets and translate insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy, especially within high-value, high-impact financial environments.
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Financial acumen and business insight
• Clear communication and stakeholder collaboration
• Adaptability in fast-paced, high-visibility environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in data analytics, accounting, information systems, or a related field.
• Background in financial analytics, cost accounting, or program financial management.
• Experience working in aerospace, research & development, or defense-related industries.
• Power BI certification or other relevant credentials.

Preferred License/Certifications/Training:

• Power BI certification or other relevant credentials.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.
• Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.