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Institutional Research Data Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Data Analysts

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

Working closely with Principal Investigators, institutional partners, and research staff, the Research Data Analyst will oversee data workflows that include raw and inconsistently structured ...

Research Data Analysts

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

Working closely with Principal Investigators, institutional partners, and research staff, the Research Data Analyst will oversee data workflows that include raw and inconsistently structured ...

Research Data Analysts

Campus, IL · On-site +1

$80K - $90K/yr

Working closely with Principal Investigators, institutional partners, and research staff, the Research Data Analyst will oversee data workflows that include raw and inconsistently structured ...

$100K - $125K/yr

Summary The Chief of Institutional Analytics and Research Data serves as the expert on data analysis at Air University (AU). The incumbent conducts analyses on educational processes, students ...

Job Title Director, Institutional Research Agency Texas A&M International University Department ... Education - Master's degree in a field emphasizing data analysis, research methods, statistics, or ...

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Institutional Research Data Analyst information

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$99.5K

How much do institutional research data analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for institutional research data analyst in the United States is $73,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Institutional Research Data Analyst do?

An Institutional Research Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to support decision-making at educational institutions, such as colleges and universities. They help inform policy, strategic planning, and accreditation processes by providing accurate and actionable reports on student enrollment, retention, outcomes, and other institutional metrics. Their work ensures that the institution meets regulatory requirements and improves its educational effectiveness. Analysts often collaborate with faculty, administrators, and external agencies to provide data-driven insights for continuous improvement.

What are the main challenges faced by Institutional Research Data Analysts when managing institutional data requests?

Institutional Research Data Analysts often face the challenge of balancing multiple data requests from various departments, each with different priorities and timelines. Ensuring data accuracy and consistency across reports is critical, especially when dealing with sensitive information like enrollment, retention, and student success metrics. Analysts must also navigate evolving data privacy regulations and implement best practices for secure data handling. Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders are essential to clarify data needs and deliver actionable insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Institutional Research Data Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Research Data Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, a background in statistics or social sciences, and experience with data management, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Proficiency with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS, SAS, or R), database systems (like SQL), and data visualization tools (such as Tableau or Power BI) is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart by enabling them to interpret and relay complex data insights clearly. These skills are crucial for providing accurate, actionable information that supports institutional decision-making and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Institutional Research Data Analyst vs Data Analyst?

AspectInstitutional Research Data AnalystData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in research, education, or related field; familiarity with data analysis toolsBachelor's degree in data science, statistics, or related field; proficiency in data tools
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, focusing on institutional data and reportingVarious industries, including finance, healthcare, tech, analyzing diverse datasets
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in higher education and research institutionsAcross multiple sectors including corporate, government, and non-profit

Institutional Research Data Analysts focus on analyzing data related to educational institutions, often working with institutional metrics and compliance reporting. Data Analysts have a broader scope, working across industries to interpret data for decision-making, requiring similar skills but often with more diverse datasets and tools.

More about Institutional Research Data Analyst jobs
What cities are hiring for Institutional Research Data Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Institutional Research Data Analyst job openings:
What states have the most Institutional Research Data Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Institutional Research Data Analyst jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Institutional Research Data Analyst jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Research Data Analyst jobs are:
Infographic showing various Institutional Research Data Analyst job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,965 per year, or $35.6 per hour.
PRINCIPAL INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH ANALYST, Institutional Research

PRINCIPAL INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH ANALYST, Institutional Research

Boston University

Boston, MA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

173rd of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is seeking applicants with diverse skills and experiences to join our innovative and inclusive community. Boston University is looking for a technically experienced Principal Institutional Research Analyst to support institutional research and student success initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Research, you will be responsible for collecting, managing, and analyzing complex institutional data to support data-informed decision-making across the university. A successful candidate leverages strong technical expertise in databases, scripting, automation, visualization, and approved web-based data collection to enhance reporting efficiency, transparency, and institutional effectiveness. This position is local remote with occasional meetings on campus and office space available for reservation.

You Will:

  • Clean, integrate, and analyze data using SQL, Python, R, and Excel (can perform complex functions); automate workflows; and develop dashboards and reports while providing training and technical support.
  • Apply statistical and analytical methods (e.g., regression, trend analysis, predictive modeling) to produce meaningful insights.
  • Ensure data accuracy, privacy, and governance standards, and lead the preparation of external compliance reports (e.g., IPEDS, CDS, and accreditation).

Required Skills

You Will Have:

  • Proficiency in SQL, relational databases, and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), with experience in Python, R, SPSS, APIs, and survey design.
  • Proven ability to analyze complex data, ensure accuracy through detailed validation processes, communicate technical information, and manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Information Systems, or Education (advanced degree preferred) with several years of experience in data-focused roles.

Bonus Qualifications: If you do not meet these, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. 

  • Knowledge of enrollment management and university admissions and financial aid processes and reporting, student success analytics, and accreditation requirements.
  • Knowledge of data privacy regulations such as FERPA and GDPR.

Boston University offers an excellent benefits package including: Time Off: In addition to PTO and leave policy, BU employees have a paid intersession break and 13 paid holidays. Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 2 years of eligible service. Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program for yourself and family members. Check out https://www.bu.edu/wellness/ and https://www.bu.edu/hr/part-time-employee-perks/ for more information!

Boston University IS&T invests in our staff and their personal and professional growth. We promote staff learning including lunch and learn sessions, an extensive library of online courses, Fun Advisory Board (FAB) arranges a number of events throughout the year and opportunities to engage with peers at NERCOMP and EDUCAUSE events.

If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-353-6474.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We, at IS&T, appreciate each individual's knowledge, experiences and insights which enhance who we are, and as our DEIA knowledge and practice grows, we will ensure that our Mission, Vision, & Practices remain equitable and welcoming to all.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. 


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About Boston University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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