Institutional Research Analyst

wpi; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, MA, seeks an Institutional Research Analyst to transform data from multiple sources into reliable, actionable insights for planning, enrollment strategies, and program development.

The role focuses on dashboard development, institutional analysis, and market research, with collaboration across campus to improve data quality and data literacy. Strong communication of findings to nontechnical audiences is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• At least 1 year of experience in institutional research, data analytics, BI, or related area.
• Experience preparing, cleaning, validating, and analyzing data from multiple sources.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain interactive dashboards and reporting tools to support planning and decision-making.
• Analyze institutional data related to students, enrollment, programs, and effectiveness.
• Communicate findings through reports and presentations to university leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Data visualization

Data cleaning/validation

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Power BI

R

Python

SPSS

Job description

JOB TITLE

Institutional Research Analyst

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Institutional Research, Analytics & Assessment

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Institutional Research Analyst supports data-informed decision-making through dashboard development, institutional analysis, and higher education market research. The position transforms data from multiple sources into reliable, accessible, and actionable insights to support institutional planning, assessment, enrollment strategies, and academic program development.

The Analyst develops and maintains analytical products, interprets institutional and market data, and communicates findings through clear visualizations, reports, and presentations. Working collaboratively with campus stakeholders, the Analyst helps improve data quality, accessibility, and data literacy to inform institutional planning and decision-making.

The Analyst is part of a dynamic, collaborative team that values curiosity, continuous improvement, and shared problem-solving. The ideal candidate is comfortable navigating ambiguity, balancing competing priorities, and developing practical solutions to evolving analytical needs.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Dashboard Development, Data Visualization, and Data Management

  Develop and maintain interactive dashboards, visualizations, and reporting tools that support institutional planning, assessment, and decision-making.

  Prepare, integrate, and validate data from multiple sources, improving accuracy, reliability, and efficiency through repeatable and automated processes.

  Translate stakeholder needs into effective reporting solutions and document data sources, definitions, and processes to support consistent interpretation and data quality.

• Institutional Analysis and Market Research

  Conduct analyses of institutional data related to students, enrollment, academic programs, research, institutional effectiveness, and strategic priorities.

  Research higher education trends, peer institutions, demographics, academic programs, and market conditions to identify opportunities and inform enrollment strategies and institutional planning.

  Communicate findings through clear reports, presentations, and other analytical products that support decision-making by university leadership and campus stakeholders.

• Collaboration, Process Improvement, and Data Literacy

  Collaborate with academic departments and administrative teams on analytical projects and initiatives that improve access to and effective use of institutional information.

  Identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes, improve operational efficiency, and enhance data accessibility and service delivery.

  Develop documentation, quick-reference guides, infographics, newsletters, and training materials that promote data literacy and awareness of institutional research resources.

Other duties may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year of relevant experience in institutional research, data analytics, business intelligence, higher education research, or a related area.
• Experience preparing, cleaning, validating, and analyzing data from multiple sources and developing dashboards, reports, or data visualizations.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify data issues, interpret findings, and work through ambiguous or open-ended questions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information to nontechnical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and data quality, along with the ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in higher education, social science, data analytics, statistics, public policy, business, or a related field.
• Experience working in institutional research or higher education.
• Experience with Power BI or a comparable data visualization platform, including data modeling, DAX, Power Query, or automated data preparation.
• Experience with R, Python, SPSS, or comparable statistical or programming software.

Salary Grade 8: $72,00 - $76,000 per year (depending on experience)

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

Compensation at WPI

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It