Business Data Analyst II

Department Summary

The Research Data & Analytics team within the Division of Research & Innovation develops reporting tools and data analysis to support data-driven decision-making that informs strategic planning and promotes transparency across the research enterprise. These reporting tools and data analytics provide real-time metrics such as research proposals, awards, expenditures, and student research data that are utilized by both UNT leadership and external stakeholders to help track progress, identify opportunities that align with strategic research goals, and implement solutions that enhance faculty, staff, and student success.

Position Overview

The Business Data Analyst II position is part of the Research Data & Analytics team within the Division of Research & Innovation. The position will design and implement student data solutions that enhance student success, academic performance tracking, and career outcome analysis. This role develops dashboards, predictive models, and automated reports using Power BI and SQL, integrating data from student information systems, research databases, and career services. The position enables strategic decision-making by connecting academic progress with research involvement and post-graduation outcomes. It requires advanced technical skills, a deep understanding of student lifecycle data, and a commitment to continuous improvement in analytics practices. This position reports to the Associate Director, Research Administration Information Systems & Analytics.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and one year of professional experience in a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

* Ability to analyze data, identify patterns or trends, and draw valid conclusions
* Ability to present data in clear concise forms to a variety of audiences
* Knowledge of BI tools, platforms, and technologies for data analysis and visualization.
* Understanding of data mining techniques, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling.
* Knowledge of managing and integrating data across multiple environments and systems.
* Familiarity with key business performance indicators (KPIs) and how data-driven insights can enhance strategic decision-making.
* Strong communication skills.
* Ability to apply creative, data-driven solutions to complex business problems and recommend innovative approaches for improvement.
* Proficiency in performing in-depth data analysis and delivering clear, actionable reports to guide business decisions.
* Skilled in leading high-impact data research and analysis projects, providing guidance, and making adjustments.
* Ability to consult with senior leaders to understand business needs and design research and analytic solutions that improve performance.
*Ability to leverage big data and advanced analytics to uncover insights and drive better decision-making for the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

* Master’s degree in Data Analytics, Business, or related field.
* 3+ years of experience analyzing student or institutional data.
* Proficiency in SQL, Power BI, and Excel for reporting and visualization.
* Experience with student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft, Workday).
* Strong skills in data interpretation, KPI development, and storytelling with data.
* Familiarity with data governance, FERPA, and higher education reporting standards.

Required License/Registration/Certifications

Preferred certifications: Microsoft PL-300 (Power BI Data Analyst) or Microsoft Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate

Job Duties

• Design and develop Power BI dashboards to visualize data for student outcomes, academic progress, and career placement trends. 
• Write and maintain SQL queries to extract and transform data from student information systems and institutional databases. 
• Build and manage data models that connect student life-cycle data across enrollment, academic performance, and graduation.
• Automate recurring reports for compliance, accreditation, and internal planning.
• Collaborate with academic departments, graduate school staff, and institutional research to define data needs and ensure alignment. 
• Maintain technical documentation, data dictionaries, and metadata for analytics processes.
• Stay current with emerging data tools and practices to enhance reporting and analysis capabilities.

Physical Requirements

• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Environmental Hazards

• No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm

Driving University Vehicle

No

Security Sensitive

This is a Security Sensitive Position.

Special Instructions

Applicants must submit a minimum of two professional references as part of their application. If needed, additional references can be added after the application has been submitted.