Strategic Institutional Research Analyst

Aurora University; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora University is seeking an Institutional Research Analyst to support planning, accreditation, and decision-making. You will perform advanced analyses, automate reporting, and contribute to data warehouse initiatives across campus.

You will translate complex findings into clear insights for university leaders and partners, while ensuring data governance and compliance with FERPA and privacy standards.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in institutional research, higher education analytics, or related field
• Advanced ability to query, combine, validate, analyze, and interpret complex data using SQL and analytics tools
• Experience developing clear reports/dashboards using Power BI or Tableau
• Strong knowledge of quantitative methods and data-quality practices
• Ability to translate business questions into analytical specifications and document data definitions
• Ability to manage recurring compliance work and multiple analytical projects with accuracy

Responsibilities

• Collect, validate, maintain, analyze, and report institutional data to support university-wide planning and accountability.
• Lead complex recurring and ad hoc analyses related to enrollment, retention, outcomes, and program performance; translate results for varied audiences.
• Coordinate and prepare external reports (IPEDS, CDS, NCAA) and maintain a calendar of requirements.
• Monitor reporting changes and collaborate to implement timely updates.
• Develop, test, and improve reproducible data processes, queries, data models, dashboards, and reports.
• Assist in data warehouse solutions and reporting workflows, including data governance and validation procedures.
• Translate complex data into accessible reports and executive summaries for leaders and campus partners.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on data use and reporting standards.

Skills

SQL

Power BI

Tableau

Analytical thinking

Communication

Excel

R

Python

SAS

SPSS

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's preferred

Tools

SQL

R

Python

SAS

SPSS

Job description

Aurora University is seeking an Institutional Research Analyst to support planning, accreditation, and decision-making. You will perform advanced analyses, automate reporting, and contribute to data warehouse initiatives across campus.

You will translate complex findings into clear insights for university leaders and partners, while ensuring data governance and compliance with FERPA and privacy standards.