Principal Data Analyst

University Analytics & Institutional Research (UAIR) is seeking a highly skilled and strategically minded Principal Data Analyst to join our Administrative Data team. This role focuses on high-complexity analysis, analytical interpretation, and the development of reporting and BI solutions that support planning, resource allocation, workforce management, research administration, financial assessment, budgeting and forecasting, space utilization, and operational effectiveness across campus.

We work collaboratively with stakeholders and data stewards across campus to sustain and continuously improve the data systems that support the university’s operational and strategic objectives. Together, we ensure responsible access to high-quality datasets and refine analytical questions using established business intelligence practices. We also help interpret analytical results for informed application, promote data literacy and shared understanding, and support accreditation, compliance, and institutional reporting needs.

The Principal Data Analyst will work closely with UAIR’s Data Engineering, Systems teams, and other members of the Administrative Data team, often serving as the lead analyst on assigned projects — including work related to finance, research metrics, workforce and HR analytics, planning and budgeting data, space usage, and other administrative datasets. This includes guiding analytical approaches, coordinating the development of reporting and automation solutions, supporting data quality improvements, and helping shape analytical priorities and deliverables.

Candidates working anywhere in the U.S. may be considered for a remote assignment. If you are selected for this position and are employed to work remotely from outside of Arizona, your overtime exemption status will depend on the laws of the state where you perform your work. For employees working outside of Arizona, you may be hired as an hourly employee in accordance with state laws. A comparable hourly rate range would be: $36.317 to $47.212. These changes would not affect the position duties as outlined.”

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Serve as the lead analyst for assigned administrative data domains, which may include finance, workforce/HR, research activity and administration, budget and planning, space management, and related institutional datasets.
• Develop and maintain analytical reports, dashboards, and BI solutions that support planning, operations, forecasting, evaluation, and decision support.
• Provide guidance on analytical approaches, data structures, logic, and methodological rigor to team members and cross-functional partners.
• Engage with stakeholders to define analytical requirements, clarify expectations, and ensure deliverables meet decision-making needs.
• Lead strategic analysis projects within these domains to identify patterns, evaluate performance outcomes, and provide actionable insights to institutional leaders.
• Collaborate closely with members of the Administrative Data team to coordinate analytical work, share expertise, and build collective analytical capability.
• Provide informal leadership, mentorship, and technical guidance to analysts and colleagues, supporting knowledge development and analytical growth across the team.
• Engage directly with senior leadership as needed to present analytical work, explain methodologies, and communicate implications of key findings.
• Support institutional reporting obligations including state, federal, ABOR, accreditation, accountability metrics, and other required submissions.
• Perform statistical analysis, trend exploration, and interpretation in support of institutional objectives and planning.
• Document subject matter expertise and contribute to internal knowledge sharing, training, and process documentation for continuity and clarity.
• Represent UAIR in collaborative working groups, stakeholder engagements, and cross-unit initiatives, ensuring analytical clarity and accuracy.
• Support UAIR’s commitment to integrity, responsible transparency, continuous improvement, and ethical data stewardship, fostering a shared data-informed culture across campus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to independently plan, conduct, and interpret advanced analyses in support of institutional decision-making.
• Proven ability to translate ambiguous business questions into structured analytical approaches and clearly defined deliverables.
• Advanced proficiency in SQL and experience working with large and complex relational datasets.
• Ability to communicate analytical findings clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and confidentiality when handling sensitive and strategic data.
• Ability to work collaboratively within the Administrative Data team and to provide informal mentorship and knowledge sharing with colleagues.
• Capacity to present analytical content confidently in meetings or working sessions with stakeholders, including executive-level audiences.
• Strong project management capabilities, including managing expectations, establishing timelines, and ensuring timely execution of deliverables.
• Strong curiosity, initiative, and commitment to continuous improvement, analytical rigor, and institutional mission.
• Ability to build collaborative and trust-based working relationships across campus.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Expertise with Business Intelligence tools (e.g., Oracle Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, Cognos) used to support institutional decision-making.
• Experience with integrating data from enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft, Workday, Slate, or other student information, HR, or financial systems.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Institutional Research, Finance, HR, Enrollment, and IT) to develop shared analytics solutions.
• Understanding and experience in higher education reporting frameworks, including IPEDS, Common Data Set (CDS), accreditation reporting, and internal accountability metrics.

• The application window is anticipated to close February 26, 2026.