Institutional Research Data Specialist

Northeastern Illinois University • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

This entry-level position supports the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment through routine data collection, reporting, survey administration, and responses to data requests. The role works under the direction of the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment and in collaboration with other office staff. Work 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 university departments with routine data requests, supports institutional surveys, and helps prepare recurring reports. The role also performs routine data validation, documents report definitions and office procedures, updates the office website and published reports, and uses SQL Developer, Cognos Analytics, Workday, and Excel or similar tools to work with and report data. Additional duties may be assigned to support the office’s operations and goals.

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 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; the position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.
• Successful completion of a 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.

Responsibilities

• Retrieve, organize, validate, and summarize institutional data for routine university department requests using established procedures and templates; escalate complex or sensitive 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 survey 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 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 so stakeholders can access current information.
• 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.

Benefits

• State of Illinois benefits may be available, including health, dental, and vision benefits; sick and vacation days; and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed