Research Analyst

Dominican University; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer matching

Tuition remission for employees and/or

Job summary

Dominican University is seeking a Research Analyst to advance data-informed decision‑making across the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. You will collect, analyze, and report institutional data, coordinate survey research projects, and support accreditation activities.

This role emphasizes collaboration with faculty and staff to transform data into actionable insights that drive planning and improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 1–3 years in research or institutional analysis.
• Proficiency with Excel (pivot tables, formulas) and data management.
• Experience with SPSS or similar statistical software and survey tools (Qualtrics).
• Ability to analyze data, create reports, and communicate findings clearly.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research to support planning, enrollment, and accreditation.
• Collect, validate, manage, analyze, and interpret institutional data from multiple sources.
• Develop reports, visualizations, and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
• Support survey design, administration, and analysis; assist with external reporting.
• Contribute to data governance, data quality, and institutional effectiveness initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Higher Education or related field

Tools

Qualtrics

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

SPSS

Job description

Department: Office of Institutional Effectiveness

Reports To: Associate Director of Institutional Research
Location: Hybrid (80% remote)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Analyst supports the Office of Institutional Effectiveness in advancing data-informed decision-making, institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, and accreditation initiatives across the University. Working collaboratively with academic and administrative units, the Research Analyst collects, analyzes, interprets, and reports institutional data; coordinates survey research projects; assists with mandatory and external reporting; develops data visualizations; and supports assessment and accreditation activities.

This position serves as a trusted analytical resource for faculty, staff, and administrators by transforming complex data into actionable insights that support institutional planning, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement.

Candidates are expected to work at least one day a week in person at the River Forest, IL campus.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Institutional Research and Analysis

• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research projects to support institutional planning, enrollment management, student success, accreditation, and strategic initiatives.
• Collect, validate, manage, analyze, and interpret data from institutional systems, surveys, and external data sources.
• Develop reports, data summaries, visualizations, and presentations for university leadership and other stakeholders.
• Assist stakeholders in refining research questions and identifying appropriate data and methodologies to support decision-making.
• Prepare data analyses and reports that communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Survey Research and Assessment

• Assist with the design, implementation, administration, and analysis of institutional surveys using tools such as Qualtrics.
• Support campus participation in external survey initiatives (e.g., NSSE, HERI, student satisfaction surveys).
• Program survey instruments, monitor response rates, analyze results, and prepare summary reports.
• Support assessment and evaluation activities related to student learning, student experience, institutional effectiveness, and program review.

Reporting, Data Management, and Data Governance

• Assist with the preparation and validation of data for internal and external reporting requirements, including accreditation, federal, state, and other regulatory reporting.
• Support the development and maintenance of institutional datasets and longitudinal data files.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, confidentiality, and integrity in all reporting activities.
• Maintain documentation of data definitions, reporting procedures, and research methodologies.
• Support university-wide efforts related to data quality, data governance, and institutional effectiveness.
• Participate in initiatives that establish common data definitions, reporting standards, and data validation processes.
• Collaborate with partners across the institution to promote effective and ethical use of institutional data.

Communication and Collaboration

• Respond to internal and external requests for institutional information and data.
• Create and maintain content for Institutional Research websites, and data resources.
• Build collaborative relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Present findings and recommendations to campus stakeholders as appropriate.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Institutional Research.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Statistics, Social Sciences, Data Analytics, Research Methods, Mathematics, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Public Policy, or a related field.
• One to three years of professional experience in research, data analysis, institutional research, assessment, program evaluation, or a related field.
• Experience working with datasets and conducting quantitative analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and data management functions.
• Experience with statistical and analytical software such as SPSS.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Commitment to ethical use of data and protection of confidential information.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Educational Research, Statistics, Data Analytics, Sociology, Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience working in higher education, institutional research, assessment, accreditation, or institutional effectiveness.
• Experience with survey design, administration, and analysis using Qualtrics or similar platforms.
• Experience creating dashboards and data visualizations using Power BI, Tableau, or comparable tools.
• Experience querying relational databases and working with student information systems.
• Understanding of IPEDS, accreditation processes, assessment practices, and higher education reporting requirements.
• Familiarity with data governance principles and institutional effectiveness frameworks.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to translate complex data into meaningful and actionable information.
• Understanding of research design, statistical methodologies, and data visualization best practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong customer-service orientation and ability to support diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

SALARY AND FLSA STATUS

• FLSA Status: Exempt, Full-time, 37.5 hours
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Generous paid time off (PTO)

Employment at Dominican University is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening.

About Dominican University

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.

Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit www.dom.edu .

EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

INSTITUTIONAL STATEMENT

Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.