Research Analyst II

Company: University of Central Missouri

Job Location: Warrensburg, 64093

Category: Institutional Research and Planning

Type: Full-Time

Salary: $58,700.00 Annually

Location: UCMO - Warrensburg, MO

Job Type: Exempt Staff Full Time

Job Number: 997621

Division: Univ Analytics & Inst Research

Description

The Research Analyst II plays a key role in the University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) team by conducting data analysis, developing statistical models, and providing data-driven insights to support institutional decision-making. This position is responsible for preparing and submitting mandated federal and state reports, including IPEDS submissions and reports for the Missouri Higher Education Coordination Board. In addition to these critical tasks, the Research Analyst II manages the campus survey system, oversees data projects, and produces comprehensive reports that inform university planning and operations.

As a trusted resource for the campus community, the Research Analyst II is responsible for producing both formative and summative reports derived from multiple data systems. This role involves collaborating with vice presidents, directors, deans, associate deans, department chairs, administrators, faculty senate representatives, and other university staff to ensure a clear understanding of the survey process and its results. Findings are presented to the university president, executive cabinet, and other leadership teams, supporting high-level decision-making as needed.

The position also involves close collaboration with university administrators and faculty to conduct ad-hoc evaluations and school- or division-level assessments. The Research Analyst II provides expert guidance on designing evaluation instruments, developing evaluation procedures, and performing data analysis, delivering actionable insights to institutional stakeholders.

Examples of Duties

Essential Responsibilities:

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze, verify, and correct mandated reports for the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MODHEWD), including student profiles, admissions, and graduation reports.
• Organize and submit data for mandated federal reports, including IPEDS Completions, Enrollment, Graduation, Admissions, and Outcome Reports.
• Prepare and publish data for institutional publications such as the annual Fact Book and semesterly Preliminary and Certified Fact Sheets.

Data Requests & Ad-hoc Reporting

• Gather and prepare internal data to support ad-hoc requests from the UCM community, facilitating data-driven decision-making.
• Collect and prepare data for external surveys and questionnaires, including the Common Data Set, U.S. News, the National Center for Education Statistics, the College Board, Princeton Review, and Peterson Survey.

Survey Design & Program Evaluation

• Design, conduct, and report on program evaluations and longitudinal studies using a variety of survey instruments and student assessments.
• Collaborate with departments to plan and administer campus surveys, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Analyze survey data and produce actionable reports, including recommendations for program improvement.

Collaboration & Data Insights

• Work with various campus units and departments to interpret and apply institutional data for key initiatives.
• Assist senior analysts in interpreting data and developing insights for internal stakeholders.
• Provide leadership and guidance on survey design, evaluation models, and data interpretation across the university.

Reporting & Presentation

• Prepare well-organized, accessible reports, presentations, and proposals that clearly communicate key findings and insights.
• Utilize statistical tools and data visualization software to effectively summarize and present data.

Process Improvement & Documentation

• Recommend and implement enhancements to data management systems and processes.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all data analysis, management, and reporting activities.

Institutional & External Data Reporting

• Analyze and interpret data for institutional and external reporting, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Develop and maintain reports and dashboards to support decision-making across the institution.

Ad-hoc Analysis & Dashboards

• Assist in developing self-service reports and dashboards for institutional stakeholders, enhancing access to accurate data.
• Perform ad-hoc data collection and analysis to meet the needs of various constituents across the institution.

Project Management & Collaboration

• Manage multiple complex projects concurrently while ensuring timely completion and high-quality results.
• Work independently and collaboratively with team members on data analysis and reporting tasks.

Documentation & Efficiency

• Maintain documentation of data processes, ensuring transparency and repeatability.
• Propose process improvements to enhance efficiency in data management and reporting.

Typical Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in business, computer science, CIS, economics, statistics, mathematics, or related field required. Master's degree in business, statistics, economics, CIS, computer science, mathematics, student affairs, higher education, or related field preferred.

Minimum of two years of experience utilizing evaluation and analytic software (for example, Excel, SPSS, Qualtrics, Survey Monkey, etc.)

Demonstrated project management experience and attention to detail

Demonstrated ability in statistical analysis and interpretation

Demonstrated ability in data presentation

Demonstrated strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills

Demonstrated proficiency in written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse groups/populations

Experience:

Thorough knowledge of statistics and the ability to understand and analyze qualitative and quantitative information required

Experience with sophisticated information management tools required

Experience in data manipulation required

Advanced proficiency in Excel preferred

Experience with BANNERLMS preferred

Experience completing or contributing to IPEDS and other federal reports for National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) preferred.

Special Instructions:

Full-time benefits-eligible position: Benefits include competitive salary; health, dental, vision, life insurance, AD & D, long-term disability; 3 weeks paid vacation per year; 3 weeks of accrued sick leave per year; 13 paid holidays; retirement; and generous education assistance for an employee, spouse and dependent children taking classes at UCM.

Part-time benefits-eligible positions: Benefits include generous education assistance for the employee.

Temporary, adjunct, student employment, or graduate assistant positions: Benefits are not included.

Completed UCM online application for employment required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

A review will begin immediately and continue until filled unless indicated otherwise.

NOTE: A background check is required for the selected candidate of all staff, faculty, adjunct, and temporary positions and any job offer is contingent on the results of this check. Student employees and graduate assistants do not require a background check to be conducted prior to employment.

The University of Central Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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