Institutional Research & Analytics Specialist

Aurora University; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora University is seeking an Institutional Research Analyst to support accreditation, reporting, planning, and decision-making through data analytics. The role performs advanced quantitative analyses, automates reporting, and translates findings for leadership and campus partners.

Responsibilities include developing dashboards, maintaining data pipelines, and producing external reports while ensuring data governance and FERPA compliance across university systems.

Qualifications

• Advanced ability to query, combine, validate, analyze, and interpret data using SQL and analytics tools.
• Experience developing clear reports and dashboards with Power BI or Tableau.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative methods, statistics, and data-quality practices.
• Ability to translate business questions into analytical specifications and document logic.
• Manage recurring compliance work and multiple analytical projects with deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication for nontechnical audiences.
• Strong consultation, collaboration, organization, and documentation skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel; working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently and escalate issues when needed.

Responsibilities

• Collect, validate, analyze, and report institutional data to support planning and accountability.
• Lead complex analyses related to enrollment, student outcomes, and priorities; communicate findings.
• Coordinate external reports (IPEDS, CDS, NCAA) and maintain requirement calendars.
• Monitor reporting changes and update data definitions and processes.
• Develop, test, and improve reproducible data processes, models, and dashboards.
• Assist in data warehouse development and reporting workflows.
• Perform data quality assurance and reconcile data sources with stakeholders.
• Translate data into executive summaries and presentations for leadership.
• Consult with university offices to define measures and methods.
• Contribute to institutional research studies and strategic planning initiatives.
• Maintain documentation of data definitions, logic, and report specs.
• Support data literacy and provide training to colleagues.

Skills

SQL analytics

Reports and dashboards

Quantitative methods

Data structures and transformation

Project management

Technical communication

Documentation skills

Excel proficiency

Independent work ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree with quantitative emphasis

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

R

Python

SAS

SPSS

Job description

Aurora University is seeking an Institutional Research Analyst to support accreditation, reporting, planning, and decision-making through data analytics. The role performs advanced quantitative analyses, automates reporting, and translates findings for leadership and campus partners.

Responsibilities include developing dashboards, maintaining data pipelines, and producing external reports while ensuring data governance and FERPA compliance across university systems.