Operations Analyst

Saybrook University; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chicago School seeks an Operations Analyst in the Student Support Department to turn student and operational data into actionable insights, streamline processes, and develop systems and reporting for staff and leadership. The role connects advising, student support, academics, and technology to improve student experience and outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and project management skills with a practical understanding of technology and a passion for improving student

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Experience in operations analysis, project management, business analysis, or higher education administration.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate business needs into practical solutions.
• Experience with technology systems, data, reporting tools, or process automation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Advising Operations and Student Support to strengthen processes that support persistence and degree completion.
• Develop and monitor academic success initiatives, interventions, and outreach campaigns.
• Analyze student data to identify trends, barriers, and opportunities for early intervention.
• Define measures of student success and establish consistent monitoring approaches.
• Integrate data across systems to create a comprehensive view of student lifecycle.
• Develop workflows, business processes, and operational guidelines.
• Create dashboards and data visualizations for actionable insights on student outcomes.

Skills

Analytical ability

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Reporting tools

CRM platforms

Advising technologies

Data visualization tools

Job description

Job Description: ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL The Chicago School educates the next generation of change-makers in innovative theory and culturally competent practice to strengthen the integrated health of individuals, organizations, and communities. We enroll over 6,000 students across 40+ academic programs culminating in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree or a professional certificate, and our unique approach to impact-focused education has made us a leading nonprofit university for more than 40 years. As an employee at The Chicago School, you can become a member of a university community committed to true inclusion and equity. At The Chicago School, we celebrate individuals of all backgrounds and identities for who they are and what they can contribute. We take pride in hiring and retaining the most dynamic, talented, and passionate professionals who will help us continue to innovate for decades to come.

Position Summary

The Operations Analyst works within the Student Support Department to connect student advising, student support, academic support, operational strategy, data, project management, and technology. The position will help transform student and operational data into actionable insights, streamline processes that support academic success, and develop systems and reporting that enable staff and leadership to make informed decisions. The role serves as a key partner in initiatives designed to improve student experience, academic progress, persistence, and institutional effectiveness. The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and project management skills with a practical understanding of technology and a passion for improving student experience.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Advising Operations

• Partner with Advising Operations, Student Advising, and Student Support teams to strengthen operational processes that support students’ academic progress, persistence, retention, and degree completion while identifying challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support the development and monitoring of academic success initiatives, interventions, and proactive outreach campaigns.
• Analyze student academic and engagement data to help identify trends, barriers, and opportunities for earlier and more effective student support.
• Collaborate with academic and student support stakeholders to define meaningful measures of student success and establish consistent approaches to monitoring outcomes.
• Support the integration and use of academic, advising, and student support data across systems and departments to create a more comprehensive view of the student experience and lifecycle.
• Develop and document workflows, business processes, and operational guidelines.
• Support initiatives designed to improve student engagement, retention, persistence, and overall student experience.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Create/implement/maintain dashboard and data visualizations that provide faculty and staff with actionable insights into student support and academic outcomes.
• Analyze student-level and aggregate data to identify patterns, trends, gaps, and opportunities for intervention or process improvement to effectively support informed decision-making and student outcomes.
• Help translate academic and student success priorities into operational plans, workflows, technology requirements, and measurable outcomes.
• Ensure that reporting and operational processes support timely, accurate, and actionable information for frontline staff and department leadership.
• Develop user documentation, training resources, and communication materials for new or enhanced technology solutions.

Data & Business Analysis

• Collect, analyze, and interpret student support data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for department leaders and academic stakeholders.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to advising, student support, projects, and operational effectiveness.
• Ensure data and reporting processes are accurate, consistent, and aligned with departmental needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or the equivalent in terms of formal education and training in a related field.
• Experience in operations analysis, project management, business analysis, process improvement, higher education administration, student services, or related areas.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business or operational needs into practical solutions.
• Experience working with technology systems, data, reporting tools, or process automation.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Higher education experience.
• Experience with student information systems, CRM platforms, advising technologies, case-management systems, or other higher education technology.
• Experience with project management methodologies and change management.
• Experience developing dashboards, reports, or data visualizations.
• Experience with process mapping, workflow automation, or continuous improvement methodologies.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The Chicago School offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education.

• generous paid time-off, medical and dental coverage, company-paid life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts (FSA), tuition reimbursement, professional development, and regular employee appreciation events.

The Chicago School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.