Sr Data Analyst

Northeastern University; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Senior Data Analyst to work with NU-RES on data analysis, reporting, and dashboard development. You will ensure data accuracy, design scalable reporting processes, and provide insights to stakeholders across the university.

Responsibilities include data collection, modeling, and collaboration with senior team members to deliver actionable analytics for internal and external reporting, with potential to reside in Toronto.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., CS, data science, math, stats, IT).
• 3+ years of SQL/querying experience and Excel proficiency.
• Experience building dashboards with Tableau and/or Power BI.
• Familiarity with BI/reporting tools such as Cognos or Snowflake.
• Strong data modeling, analytics, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect and interpret data to support decisions and reporting.
• Develop and iterate self-service reports and dashboards with automation in mind.
• Support data pipelines and validate data across legacy and current systems (e.g., Coeus, ePAWS).
• Oversee KPI dashboards with Tableau and Cognos, refining visuals with best practices.
• Identify process improvements and document data pipelines and source-of-truth definitions.

Skills

SQL

Excel

Data analysis

Communication

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Cognos

Snowflake

Tableau Prep

Job description

About the Opportunity

Job Summary Under the supervision of the Data Quality & Research Administration Analytics Manager and with support of senior level team members, the Senior Data Analyst will work closely with key stakeholders to identify and conduct data analysis projects that support the mission and goals of the University and Northeastern University Research Enterprise Services (NU-RES). The Senior Data Analyst will provide support to key projects through data collection, computational support, and data interpretation and reporting, and will ensure data accuracy and consistent reporting by designing and creating optimal processes and procedures to systematize the data reporting process. The incumbent will use advanced data modeling, predictive modeling, and analytical techniques to develop reports used in key data submissions to internal and external stakeholders. Possess a good sense of humor, ability to be calm under pressure, and effectively communicate with report requestors to ascertain requirements for reports that tell an accurate story. This position can also reside in Toronto. If you are a Canadian applicant, please submit your application here

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., computer science, data science, mathematics, statistics, information technology, or related field); 3+ years of experience with querying databases, SQL, and Microsoft Excel; experience developing robust dashboards using Tableau and/or Power BI; creating visuals using data visualization best practices. Proficiency with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Cognos or Snowflake preferred. Understanding of, and experience in, using analytical concepts and tools, including data modeling and predictive analytics. Project management, time management, and communication skills necessary to execute responsibilities in a collaborative, academic setting. Teamwork and collaboration in a professional setting. Demonstrated curiosity, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet deadlines. Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to advise and clearly communicate ideas and results to non-technical audiences. Strong ability to manage multiple assignments while working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Ability to maintain a positive attitude and work well independently, within a team environment, and with external users as well as a variety of internal audiences. Experience working with university research administration data and systems preferred. Experience documenting business procedures and processes preferred. Understanding of, and experience in, using AI-enabled tools to provide appropriate levels of support to daily work. Familiarity with electronic research administration (eRA) systems (e.g., Coeus, ePAWS, or similar eRA platforms) preferred.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• 45% — Data Collection, Assessment, Interpretation, and Reporting Collect relevant data (both internal and external) to be used by college constituents to support decision making and strategic direction, resource allocation, internal and external reporting, and other operational decisions. Success factors include the accuracy and relevance of the data, analysis, and the clarity and usefulness of final reports. Develop and iterate on self-service reports and dashboards with an eye towards automation and re-use. Manage data sourced from both legacy systems (e.g., Coeus) and current eRA platforms (e.g., ePAWS 2.0), ensuring continuity and accuracy across reporting environments.
• 25% — Data Visualization Oversee the development and maintenance of key performance dashboards that show progress toward strategic and operational goals related to research. Work closely with Research Enterprise Services stakeholders to identify opportunities for additional dashboard requirements as needs evolve. Develop and iterate on self-service reports and dashboards with an eye towards automation and re-use. Tools include Tableau (including Tableau Prep and Tableau Server), Cognos, and other visualization platforms as applicable.
• 10% — System Support Evaluate and test back-end changes to electronic research administration systems as they impact data quality and access, including connectivity with Tableau and the Cognos Data Warehouse environment. Monitor data quality in reports and adjust as needed. Support migration activities between legacy and current systems, including data validation and reconciliation tasks.
• 10% — Process Improvement Identify opportunities to define areas for process improvement and work with stakeholders to design and build technical processes that improve efficiencies and address business issues and needs. Develop and maintain documentation of data pipelines, reporting logic, and source-of-truth definitions to support team continuity and institutional knowledge.
• 10% — Ad Hoc Duties Perform ad hoc research and analysis to support special projects and strategic initiatives serving faculty and staff across Research Enterprise Services in meeting their reporting and analytical needs. May include supporting AI-assisted data extraction, research analytics benchmarking, and cross-institutional data collaborations.

Applicants must have current work authorization for the country in which they will be based. The University is unable to sponsor a visa or work permit for this position.

Position Type

Data Planning and Analysis

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Compensation

Grade/Pay Type: 110S Expected Hiring Range: $76,335.00 - $107,823.75 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning.

Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact.

Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally.

The system—including 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California.

Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver.

Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses.

Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment.

Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world.

Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.