People Data & Analytics Specialist

Job Summary

The Human Resources Department at CU Boulder invites applications for a People Data & Analytics Specialist ! This role drives strategic HR initiatives by sourcing, organizing, and analyzing workforce data in collaboration with HR leadership and campus partners. This role is responsible for building and sustaining datasets that support ongoing analytics, dashboards, and reporting, while ensuring the accuracy, effectiveness, and security of HR data products.

With equal emphasis on data manipulation and reporting, the specialist develops and automates accessible reports and dashboards, fulfills ad hoc HR data requests, and creates predictive models and curated data products to inform talent acquisition, retention, engagement, and organizational development.

Additionally, the position documents analytic methods, maintains robust data governance protocols, and communicates findings and methodologies to HR partners through reports and consultations, supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous process improvement across the organization.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

Human Resources (HR) contributes leadership, guidance, tools and services to support employees throughout their careers at CU Boulder and to cultivate a culture which upholds the campus’ strongly held values. HR partners with campus in the achievement of the campus vision and strategic imperatives.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Data Manipulation and Analysis:

• In collaboration with HR leadership and campus partners, identify business requirements related to workforce data requests, critical initiatives, and employee experience projects.
• Source, organize, and curate people-related data (e.g., employee demographics, engagement, performance, turnover) to support meaningful analysis and minimize limitations in reporting.
• Develop sustainable datasets that support ongoing HR analytics, dashboards, and data products.
• Apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods—including descriptive and exploratory analysis, predictive modeling, causal inference, survey design, and natural language processing—to address HR and organizational needs.
• Evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of HR data products, models, and dashboards to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with strategic HR goals.
• Document analytic methods, data sources, and project specifications using appropriate repositories.
• Assess internal and external data assets to inform HR decision-making and improve people-related processes.
• Maintain a strong data governance and security approach by applying appropriate documentation, access controls, and approval protocols for sensitive HR data.
• Collaborate with University Information Services (UIS), Employee Services (ES), and the Office of Information Technology (OIT) to improve data pipelines and implement integrity checks that ensure the accuracy and completeness of people data.

Reporting and Data Product Development:

• Design, maintain, and automate accessible reports and dashboards that synthesize workforce insights for HR leaders and campus partners.
• Create data products (e.g., curated datasets, dashboards, predictive models) that support HR initiatives such as talent acquisition, retention, engagement, belonging, organizational development and other general workforce measurements.
• Fulfill ad hoc HR data requests related to employee metrics, organizational trends, and future planning.
• Effectively communicate analytic methods and findings to HR partners through reports, presentations, and consultations.

What You Should Know

This position offers a hybrid work modality with both on campus and remote work hours based on business needs.

What We Can Offer

• The annual hiring range for this position is $90,000-$107,700.
• Relocation is available for eligible candidates.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in applied math, statistics, computer science, data science, or related field.
• 3+ years of professional experience which includes: Developing research questions and methodologies, curating data sets, conducting analyses, building data tools and products, and using reproducible data analytics workflows.
• A combination of education and relevant experience may substitute.
• Proficiency with SQL, Python, R, and/or SAS for data queries, data manipulation, and analysis.
• Proficiency with Tableau, PowerBI, or other data visualization tool for data visualization.

What You Will Need

• Skilled in working directly with customers to understand their requirements and translate their needs into data analysis problems and products.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in data preparation and processing (e.g., automating data cleaning and integrity testing), with the ability to work with structured and unstructured data and wrangle data in SQL and Python/R, Snowflake.
• Proficiency with a selection of applied statistics or behavioral analyses such as: descriptive and exploratory data analysis, advanced statistical analysis, predictive modeling, causal and quasi-causal analysis, and/or natural language processing.
• Skilled in writing reports that highlight and explain conclusions from data analysis.
• Knowledge of data visualization standard methodologies and skill at using these practices to create accessible and informative figures, charts, and dashboards.
• Experience and proficiency documenting project plans and specifications, code, data sources, research methods, and analysis.
• Proactive approach and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize them appropriately.
• Attentive to details, quality, and follow-through with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Willingness to learn the latest emerging technologies and adapt to new technologies and tools.
• Able to thrive independently, and in collaborative environments and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Commitment to act in alignment with OIT, the campus and the university's values.

What We Would Like You to Have

• A master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited university in applied math, data science, statistics, computer science, or related field.
• 6+ years of professional experience which includes: Developing research questions and methodologies, curating data sets, conducting analyses, producing data reports and dashboards, building data tools and products, and using reproducible data analytics workflows, including version-controlled codebases in GitHub or similar.
• Proficiency in SAS for data queries, manipulation, and analysis.
• Proficiency in multiple applied statistical methodologies or machine learning techniques.
• Experience with cloud computing environments and data infrastructure.
• Experience working in a higher education setting, especially with institutional data, such as in an Institutional Research (IR) unit or other data-related role.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by May 12th, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources

Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu