Operations and Data Analyst

Columbia University; New York (NY); On-site; USD 67,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia University’s IEOR Department seeks an Operations and Data Analyst to support data systems, reporting, and automation across academic, admissions, career, and administrative functions. You will maintain data accuracy and reliability, implement recurring processes, and create dashboards to inform decision-making.

The role emphasizes collaboration, documentation, and continuous improvement of data workflows within a 35-hour work week on-site at Morningside.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; graduate-level work preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with data.
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with programming, scripting, or automation tools such as Python, JavaScript, macros, or similar technologies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and support departmental data tools, workflows, and integrations used for academic, admissions, career, and operational processes.
• Execute and maintain recurring automations for routine tasks; update scripts/workflows as requirements change.
• Document data processes, configurations, and standard operating procedures to promote continuity.
• Monitor system performance and data flows; escalate complex issues to technical resources.

Skills

Python

JavaScript

Macros

Automation tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Slate

Job description

• Job Type: Officer of Administration
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Regular
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 35
• Standard Work Schedule:
• Building: Morningside
• Salary Range: $67,300 - $83,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Senior Associate Director of Academic and Student Affairs, the Operations and Data Analyst provides operational and technical support for established data systems, reporting, and routine automation used across the academic, admissions, career, and administrative functions of the IEOR Department. Duties vary and the incumbent exercises judgment in selecting appropriate methods to complete assignments, verifying the accuracy of data and outputs, and taking corrective action when needed. Work products (e.g., reports, dashboards, queries, documentation, and data extracts) are relied upon as final source material, with review conducted periodically and/or on a sample basis.

The position focuses primarily on maintaining existing systems and reports, executing recurring processes, ensuring data integrity, and responding to department reporting and operational needs. The role collaborates with staff and stakeholders to support consistent use of tools, improve efficiency through incremental enhancements, and elevate complex technical issues as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Data Systems, Automation & Applications (30%):

• Maintain and support departmental data tools, workflows, and integrations used for academic, admissions, career, and operational processes.
• Execute and maintain recurring automations for routine tasks (e.g., scheduled refreshes, standardized data pulls, notifications), updating scripts/workflows as requirements change.
• Document data processes, configurations, and standard operating procedures to promote continuity and consistent usage across the department.
• Monitor system performance and data flows; identify routine failures or breakpoints and implement corrective updates within established frameworks; escalate complex issues to appropriate technical resources.

Academic & Admissions Operations Support (30%):

• Maintain student and admissions data across approved systems, repositories, and communication platforms, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and appropriate access.
• Support admissions operations in Slate by maintaining existing queries, reports, dashboards, and tracking tools; implement updates aligned to established admissions processes and cycle needs.
• Conduct routine audits and validations of data across systems; investigate discrepancies, correct errors, and document resolutions in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Update and maintain structured templates, shared tools, and operational documentation that support transparent workflows and cross-team coordination.
• Troubleshoot routine data/system issues and coordinate with colleagues and vendors/central partners on issues requiring elevated support.

Reporting, Communication & Data Access (15%):

• Produce and maintain recurring reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for departmental stakeholders; ensure timely refresh and accuracy.
• Respond to standard and ad hoc reporting requests by extracting data from departmental and institutional systems and presenting results in approved formats.
• Translate data outputs into clear summaries for non-technical stakeholders, including definitions, assumptions, and known limitations.
• Maintain distribution methods and access pathways (e.g., shared drives, dashboards, scheduled sends) in accordance with departmental and University data practices.

Analytics, Algorithms & Optimization (15%):

• Maintain existing analytical logic, templates, and models that support scheduling, matching, enrollment management, and related departmental processes.
• Run established analyses (e.g., trend summaries, cycle metrics, capacity/scheduling checks) and flag conflicts, anomalies, or outliers for follow-up.
• Prepare tables, charts, and standardized summaries for leadership and operational teams to support routine planning and decision-making.

Administrative and Events Operations (5%):

• Provide on-site operational and technical support for departmental events and programs, including set-up and troubleshooting of presentation and virtual meeting tools.
• Maintain designated sections of the departmental website related to admissions, academic and student affairs, and curriculum updates, using approved content and processes.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; graduate-level work is preferred.

Minimum of 2 years of experience working with data.

Technical Skills: Familiarity with programming, scripting, or automation tools such as Python, JavaScript, macros, or similar technologies.

Data Skills: Experience working with data and reporting tools such as SQL, Excel, and Google Sheets.

Systems: Ability to learn and work within CRM and institutional systems; experience with Slate or a similar CRM is preferred.

Problem-Solving & Learning: Ability to troubleshoot data or system issues, understand how systems work, and quickly learn new tools.

Professional Strengths: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; clear communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences; adaptable, collaborative, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented.

Candidate must exercise good judgment and flexibility, with a student-wellness mindset. Positive, mission-oriented, forward-thinking attitude and sense of humor a must

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.