<p>Department: Kellogg Career Management Ctr</p> <p>Salary/Grade: EXS/8</p> <p>Job Summary:</p> <p>The Business Data Analyst provides advanced expertise in data management, automation, and analytics to support strategic decision-making across the CMC. This role is responsible for designing and maintaining automated data pipelines, ensuring data quality and governance, and delivering actionable insights through statistical analysis and business intelligence tools.</p> <p>The analyst leverages programming languages such as Python and SQL, integrates data from multiple enterprise systems, and develops dynamic dashboards and reports using platforms like Power BI. In addition to technical proficiency, the role requires strong communication and collaboration skills to translate complex data into meaningful recommendations for stakeholders.</p> <p>The analyst also contributes to continuous improvement initiatives, promotes data literacy, and ensures compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.</p> <p>Specific Responsibilities:</p> <p>Strategic Planning</p> <ul> <li>Partners with clients to define requirements based on business objectives. </li><li>Identifies opportunities for automation, data integration, and advanced analytics to support strategic initiatives. </li><li>Collaborates with stakeholders to align data solutions with institutional goals and continuously improve data-driven decision-making. </li><li>Incorporates financial planning and budget forecasting into strategic data initiatives to ensure alignment with fiscal goals. </li></ul> <p>Administration</p> <ul> <li>Develops standardized templates, policies, and procedures for internal and external reporting to ensure consistency and compliance. </li><li>Designs and prepares documentation for both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including process documentation for automated workflows. </li><li>Discusses findings with management and provides actionable recommendations based on data insights. </li><li>Maintains documentation for data governance, ensuring adherence to privacy, security, and compliance standards. </li><li>Tracks and reconciles departmental processing of payments and adherence to financial policies. </li></ul> <p>Development</p> <ul> <li>Develops and maintains complex queries, quality metrics, and automated ETL pipelines to support scalable data operations. </li><li>Interprets results using a variety of techniques, from simple aggregation to advanced statistical models. </li><li>Manages and optimizes relational and non-relational databases, ensuring data integrity, performance, and accessibility. </li><li>Builds dashboards and tools to monitor expenditures, encumbrances, and payment workflows. </li></ul> <p>Performance</p> <ul> <li>Completes data cleaning and organizes data files for analysis using tools such as Python, SQL, and Excel. </li><li>Reviews data for quality issues and implements automated validation checks to ensure accuracy and reliability. </li><li>Presents findings through Power BI dashboards, reports, and visualizations tailored to technical and non-technical audiences. </li></ul> <p>Supervises</p> <ul> <li>Provides work direction and/or supervises staff such as team members, subordinates, contractors, vendors, and student workers. </li><li>Mentors staff and student workers. Fosters a collaborative environment that supports professional development and continuous learning. </li><li>Oversees allocations for projects and ensures timely approval and processing of vendor and contractor payments. </li></ul> <p>Miscellaneous</p> <p>Performs other duties as assigned.</p> <p>Minimum Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. </li><li>Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in data analysis, business intelligence, or a related field, including experience with data reporting, visualization, and automation. </li><li>Demonstrated proficiency in tools and technologies such as Python, SQL, Power BI, and Microsoft Excel. </li><li>Experience working with enterprise data systems and reporting platforms (e.g., PeopleSoft, Cognos BI, or similar). </li><li>Familiarity with data governance, data quality assurance, and compliance standards. </li><li>Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights for diverse audiences. </li><li>Experience with workflow automation tools (e.g., Power Automate) and collaborative platforms (e.g., Microsoft Lists, SharePoint) is preferred. </li></ul> <p>Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)</p> <ul> <li>Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets and derive actionable insights. </li><li>Proficiency in data management, including data cleaning, transformation, and validation using tools such as Python, SQL, and Excel. </li><li>Experience with business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, or Cognos BI) for data visualization and reporting. </li><li>Familiarity with Microsoft Power Automate for streamlining workflows and automating repetitive tasks. </li><li>Knowledge of statistical analysis techniques and the ability to apply them to real-world business problems. </li><li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences. </li><li>Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. </li><li>Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment. </li><li>Commitment to data integrity, security, and compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Business Analytics, or a related field. </li><li>Minimum of 2 years of experience in a data analyst, business intelligence, or similar role. </li><li>Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining automated ETL pipelines and workflow automation using tools like Power Automate. </li><li>Experience working in higher education or a similarly complex organizational environment. </li><li>Prior experience with institutional research, employment reporting, or career services data is a plus. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)</p> <ul> <li>Proficiency in Python or Java for data automation, including scripting, web scraping, and API integration. </li><li>Experience with cloud-based data platforms (e.g., Azure) and version control systems (e.g., Git). </li><li>Ability to design and implement automated reporting solutions and dashboards. </li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Power Automate for automating business processes and integrating data systems. </li><li>Knowledge of data governance principles and best practices. </li><li>Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and solving problems. </li><li>Ability to mentor staff or student workers and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement. </li></ul> <p>Target hiring range for this position will be $80,000 - $85,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.</p> <p>Benefits:</p> <p>At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.</p> <p>Work-Life and Wellness:</p> <p>Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.</p> <p>We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.</p> <p>Professional Growth & Development:</p> <p>Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.</p> <p>Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.</p> <p>#LI-AS1</p>