IT Professional 2-Business Intelligence & Data Analysis

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Remote; USD 69,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota is hiring a Data Analyst in the Research & Innovation Office to support institutional research data and analyses. You will craft datasets, build dashboards, and provide actionable insights for senior leaders.

Responsibilities include SQL querying, BI reporting, data validation, and collaboration across campus units. Flexible remote options and a focus on leadership-ready analytics help drive strategic decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field plus at least two years of relevant experience; or a master's degree.
• Proficiency in SQL and Excel; experience with Power BI or Tableau and cloud data warehouses; Python, STATA, or R for analysis.
• Experience extracting, transforming, and organizing large data sets from multiple sources.
• Experience using quantitative methods to derive executive-level insights and create dashboards.
• Ability to present findings clearly to diverse audiences and work across functions.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, validate, analyze, measure, and interpret datasets for executive decision making.
• Write and optimize SQL queries to extract, transform, and aggregate data.
• Develop reports and dashboards to support strategic decisions across units.
• Validate data accuracy and reconcile across disparate databases.
• Collaborate with RIO leadership and university offices to meet institutional data needs.
• Contribute to data governance and respond to external data requests as needed.

Skills

SQL

Excel

Python

R

STATA

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in a related quantitative field

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

About the Job

Consider a career with the University of Minnesota! The Research & Innovation Office (RIO) is seeking a Data Analyst for the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) to support the University's institutional research data and analysis needs. This position provides analyses, interpretations and recommendations based on data available from multiple University systems.

Please note: This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Business Intelligence & Data Analysis (50%)

• Acquire, validate, analyze, measure, and interpret datasets for executive and management level decision making
• Write and optimize complex SQL queries to extract, transform, and aggregate data
• Conduct transaction trend analyses by data mining to identify patterns using business intelligence analytic tools and make sound recommendations
• Conduct data modeling and analyses using accounting, economic, financial, and statistical principles and practices
• Conduct ad-hoc data investigations to answer pressing operational and institutional questions from RIO and University leadership
• Work closely with RIO leadership, the Vice President for Research, and other UMN Senior Administration to meet the University's institutional research data and analysis needs

Reporting & Development (20%)

• Design, develop, and maintain reports, interactive dashboards, and analytical models to support strategic decision‑making across academic, administrative, and operational units
• Validate incoming and historical data to ensure high standards of accuracy, integrity, and reconciliation across disparate databases
• Work with University data exchange consortia to complete external ranking surveys
• Develop and maintain a taxonomy of reports and queries as well as a reporting procedures repository
• Provide timely and thorough documentation of requirements, dashboards, processes, best practices and essential domain knowledge to support continuity planning
• Remain current with higher education analytics trends, technological tools, and institutional reporting standards

Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Develop and present reports demonstrating RIO and University benchmarks using sophisticated tables, charts, and graphics to help lay audiences correctly understand the meaning of the analyses
• Work with other data gathering and analysis units within the University, including but not limited to the ORIS Team, Office of Institutional Research, Libraries, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, University Services‑Space Management, Office of Information Technology, system campuses, and collegiate units
• Participate in University‑wide data governance committees, data architecture discussions, and analytics user groups
• Partner with functional units to refine their reporting requirements and translate operational needs into technical specifications
• Manage high‑profile external data requests (FOI, press, community, and government) and work with the General Council's office to determine how the data should be provided

Additional Projects (5%)

• Creatively address opportunities to help advance research goals of the institution
• Other projects as assigned by supervisor

Professional Development (5%)

• Serve as RIO representative and participate in appropriate meetings, conferences, and training

***Please document qualifications on your resume***

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and the Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on‑site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land‑grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile Four.

Flexible Work Profile Four, Fully Remote - Only occasionally visiting the office.

Employees are expected to work fully remotely with the exception of required attendance for on‑site events.

In addition, this position will require some on‑site onboarding. Your dedicated workspace will be in your remote work location.

ORIS management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Mathematics, higher education quantitative methods, or a related quantitative field, plus at least two years of progressively responsible professional experience in information technology involving data analysis, business intelligence, or reporting analytics; or a master's degree in a related field.
• Proficiency in SQL and Excel for querying, cleaning, transforming, and analyzing data; experience with data visualization and business intelligence tools such as Power BI or Tableau and other reporting/analytics software identified as technology stack is updated; and familiarity with cloud data warehouses. Experience with Python, STATA, or R for statistical analysis and automation.
• Experience extracting, transforming, and organizing large data sets from relational database tables from multiple sources
• Experience using quantitative methodology, financial modeling, forecasting, or statistical principles to convert raw datasets into executive‑level insights for decision makers
• Experience building and deploying production‑level dashboards using major BI platforms
• Experience preparing reports and presenting findings and recommendations clearly and diplomatically, and in a variety of formats to a variety of audiences
• Skilled at evaluating operations holistically to identify key cross‑functional relationships across academic, administrative, human resources, and financial domains and programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field and more than four years experience
• Experience working with data regulated by federal, state, and/or local law, policy or agreement.
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota data sources, policies, processes and operations
• Experience working in higher education and/or research institutions
• Strong critical thinking skills, including demonstrated ability to approach problems objectively, draw conclusions, and develop solid recommendations
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and across disciplines with administrators, faculty, and staff from a wide range of programs and backgrounds
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational skills
• Proficiency working with service request ticketing systems

About the Department

The Office of Research Information Systems (ORIS) is a dedicated Information Technology unit that uniquely supports the goals of the University of Minnesota's Research & Innovation Office (RIO). RIO is a central resource that serves and supports over 800 research administrative and academic staff located across the Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, and Crookston campuses. ORIS's mission is to identify, implement, and sustain information system solutions to benefit all aspects of RIO's business. We simplify processes, inform decisions, and streamline research activities. We are a progressive, flexible, and team‑oriented group that nurtures a culture of collegiality, trust, learning and knowledge sharing, and focus on our customers.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $68,744.00-$88,982.40; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent‑care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer‑paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world‑renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work‑life flexibility.