Senior Data Analyst, Office of Institutional Research and Analysis - UT System Administration

University of Tennessee System; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Tennessee System is seeking a senior data analyst in the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis to provide analytical, research, and reporting support for decision-makers and strategic initiatives. The role leads complex data requests, develops methodologies, and delivers timely, actionable information to leadership.

Responsibilities include performing advanced SQL data extraction, benchmarking higher education trends, and producing polished reports and briefs for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience creating and analyzing large datasets.
• Ability to develop methodologies, conduct benchmarking, and translate findings into leadership-ready narratives.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex data requests and analytical projects for stakeholders.
• Write, modify, and optimize SQL queries to retrieve data from the student information system.
• Integrate data from multiple sources for comparative analysis and benchmarking.
• Develop audience-appropriate reports and analytical briefs for leadership and decision-makers.
• Document data definitions, methodologies, query logic, and reporting processes; promote standardization.
• Support process improvement and data integrity across institutional research practices.

Skills

SQL

Data analysis

Data visualization

Research methods

Stakeholder communication

Project management

Data quality

Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in higher education, research, business analytics, statistics, computer science or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Description

This position serves as a senior data analyst in the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis and provides analytical, research, and reporting support for decision-makers and strategic initiatives. Under the general direction of the Director of Institutional Research, the position leads complex data requests and analytical projects, develops and applies appropriate research methodologies, and delivers accurate, timely, and actionable information to university stakeholders. The position also develops polished, accurate, and audience-appropriate reports and analytical briefs that translate complex data into clear and actionable findings for leadership. The role also conducts benchmarking and environmental scanning, maintains documentation and data standards, and advances efficient and reliable institutional research and reporting practices.

Responsibilities

Manages complex data requests and analytical projects by serving as the lead analyst on ad hoc and recurring data requests for stakeholders. Consults with the requester to clarify scope, defining data needs, identifying appropriate methodologies and definitions, and establishing realistic timelines and deliverables. Applies analytical expertise to synthesize findings and identify meaningful trends for decision support.

Performs advanced data extraction, validation, and analysis using the student information system by writing, modifying, and optimizing complex SQL queries and scripts to retrieve data. Integrates data from multiple sources to support comparative analysis. Validates data against numbers from official data sources. Develops efficient and repeatable approaches for data extraction, transformation, and reporting.

Conducts research, benchmarking, and environmental scanning on higher education trends and best practices. Uses internal and external data sources to conduct peer and aspirational benchmarking. Summarizes research findings and comparative analysis into clear narratives and recommendations that help to inform leadership.

Develops polished, accurate, and audience-appropriate reports and analytical briefs for leadership and stakeholders. Translates complex data into clear, concise, and actionable information. Communicates key findings, trends, and implications into reports to support informed decision making.

Supports documentation, standardization, and process improvement. Develops and maintains clear documentation for data definitions, methodologies, query logic, reporting processes and workflows. Promotes standardization in practices and recurring reports while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, consistency, and transparency in institutional research processes.

Qualifications

Successful candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree in higher education, research, business analytics, statistics, computer science or related field and five years of experience creating and analyzing large, complex datasets and interpreting research findings.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Advanced knowledge of institutional research principles, analytical methods, and the use of data to support decision-making in higher education.
• Advanced skill in SQL, including script writing, joins, queries, data validation, and query optimization.
• Ability to manage data requests from intake through delivery, including requirement gathering, analysis design, validation, interpretation, and communication of results.
• Strong knowledge of data quality practices, documentation standards, and process standardization.
• Ability to conduct research and benchmarking on higher education trends, peer institutions, and best practices.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work, manage multiple deadlines, and create realistic timeline estimates.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into clear, concise, audience-appropriate information.
• Strong data literacy and analytical reasoning skills, including the ability to identify patterns, discrepancies, and implications in complex datasets.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage ambiguity in a dynamic environment;
• High degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to data integrity and confidentiality.

Preferred Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Master's degree
• Seven to ten years of experience in an Institutional Research office.
• Experience conducting research or data analysis, preferably in an institutional research or similar higher educational setting.
• Ability to effectively deal with ambiguity and changing project requirements.
• Ability to successfully participate and collaborate with others and be responsive in working relationships

Benefits And Compensation

Compensation for the position is budged for $85,000 to $90,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee's benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/.

About Us

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.