Institutional Research Data Specialist

NEIU•Chicago, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

This entry-level position supports the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment with routine data collection, reporting, survey administration, and data requests. The role works under the direction of the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment and in collaboration with other office staff. It emphasizes accurate data preparation, following established reporting processes, and developing technical and analytical skills rather than independently owning complex research or reporting projects. The specialist assists with data requests, institutional surveys, recurring and external reports, data quality checks, documentation, and updates to the office website and published reports. The position uses SQL Developer, Cognos Analytics, Workday reports, and Excel or similar tools, with guidance as needed. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with three days in the office and two remote workdays per week. The work location is NEIU Main Campus in Chicago; occasional travel to other NEIU campus locations may be required. Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available. The position requires a background check. The listed salary is $52,853.

Requirements

Twenty-four semester hours of college credit in computer science, mathematics, or a related field, with specialization in operations research and/or mathematical modeling, including twelve semester hours of credit in mathematical modeling and/or mathematical programming.
Strong attention to detail.
Basic quantitative and analytical skills.
Ability to follow established procedures and document work accurately.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to handle and protect confidential information.
Willingness to learn and develop new technical skills through training and experience.
Legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States; this position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Ability to complete a required background check.

Nice To Haves

Interest in institutional research and higher education data.
Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or similar data tools.
Exposure to SQL, survey software, Tableau, Cognos, Workday, or other reporting tools; desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Assist with routine university data requests by retrieving, organizing, validating, and summarizing institutional data using established procedures and templates.
Escalate complex or sensitive data requests to senior staff or the Director.
Assist with setting up, distributing, monitoring, and reporting on institutional surveys, including alumni surveys, NSSE, the Graduating Student Exit Survey, and other campus-wide surveys.
Support basic data cleaning and preparation of survey summaries.
Assist with preparing and quality-reviewing semester, annual, and recurring reports.
Update established reports and tables using documented processes and verify data for completeness and consistency.
Perform routine data validation and quality checks.
Maintain documentation of report definitions, data sources, procedures, and recurring office processes.
Assist with updating the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment website and published reports.
Use SQL Developer to run, modify, and develop basic queries, with guidance as needed.
Assist with maintaining and running established Cognos Analytics and Workday reports.
Use Excel or similar tools to clean, organize, validate, summarize, and present data.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support the goals and operations of the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment.