Institutional Research Analyst II - Data Career in Higher Ed in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This Research Analyst II role at Temple University offers a stable, mission-driven environment within higher education — a sector known for strong work-life balance, job security, and excellent benefits relative to private industry.
Compensation context: The $49,250–$56,000 salary range is on the lower end compared to private-sector data analyst roles (market median ~$70,000–$85,000 for comparable experience in a major metro). However, the tuition remission benefit — free degrees for employees and dependents — is a substantial non-monetary offset, especially for those pursuing graduate education.
Skills you'll build:
- Advanced Tableau and Power BI dashboard development
- Statistical programming in R and/or Python
- SQL and ERP/Banner data systems (Banner is widely used in higher ed)
- IPEDS and federal higher education reporting — highly specialized and in demand within the sector
- Data governance and data literacy advocacy
Career signals: Institutional Research is a niche but growing field. Experience with IPEDS, enrollment analytics, and federal reporting is highly portable within higher ed and increasingly valued in ed-tech firms and policy organizations. The hybrid arrangement and university culture suggest a green flag for work-life balance. The role reports to an Assistant Vice Provost, offering direct exposure to senior leadership and strategic planning. For those targeting a Director of Institutional Research or data leadership path, this is a solid stepping stone.
Potential red flag: Salary growth in higher education can be slow; proactive advancement often requires pursuing a master's degree (fortunately free here) or moving institutions.
Temple University's Institutional Research & Assessment Department is searching for a Research Analyst II!
Become a part of the Temple family and you will have access to the following:
- A hybrid work schedule
- Full medical, dental, vision coverage
- Paid time off
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Tuition remission – eligible employees and their dependents can obtain a degree tuition free
- A generous retirement plan and so much more!
Salary Range: $49,250 – $56,000
A variety of important factors are reviewed by HR when considering salary, including job duties, the applicant's education and experience, all relevant internal equity considerations, department budget, and funding source.
Position Summary
The Research Analyst II supports the university's strategic planning and decision-making by conducting independent research and advanced data analysis. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Provost and Director of Data Analysis and Reporting, this role develops and executes quantitative and qualitative research projects, including forecasting and trend analyses related to student and institutional data.
The position transforms complex data into actionable insights through statistical modeling, data visualization, and effective communication. The Research Analyst II partners with campus stakeholders to define analytical needs, ensures data integrity through validation and governance practices, and supports institutional reporting for internal and external audiences. This role also monitors trends in higher education to inform planning, policy, and data-informed decision-making. Performs other duties as assigned.
Job Details
- This position requires the following background checks: Cash Handling and Personally Identifiable Information background check.
- This position is listed as Hybrid work: Workweek divided between being onsite and working remotely.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in social sciences, statistics, educational research, or related field.
- At least two (2) years of directly related experience in Institutional Research or in educational research.
- Experience designing user-centered dashboards and reports for diverse audiences.
- Experience using reporting and data visualization tools such as Tableau and Power BI.
- Demonstrated experience with statistical software packages such as R, Python, SPSS, JMP, or SAS.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Master's degree in social sciences, statistics, educational research, or related field.
- Experience working with Banner or other student information/ERP systems.
- Experience using SQL and/or statistical programming languages (R or Python).
- Experience working in an Institutional Research office.
- Experience developing dashboards using Tableau or Power BI.
- Knowledge of higher education data structures, metrics, and reporting requirements (e.g., enrollment, retention, graduation, IPEDS).
Required Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to manage, manipulate, and analyze large and complex datasets.
- Working knowledge of relational databases and data query tools; proficiency in SQL preferred.
- Strong statistical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret analytical results and clearly document methodologies, findings, and conclusions.
- Ability to identify opportunities to streamline reporting processes and improve data workflows.
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook.
- Ability to communicate complex analyses through clear data visualizations, reports, and presentations tailored to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into analytical solutions and actionable insights.
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to promote data literacy and support effective data use across the institution.
- Understanding of data governance principles, including data definitions, standards, and data quality management.
This position is assigned a hybrid work arrangement (on-campus and remote); the duration of this hybrid work arrangement is at the discretion of Temple University and the Department.
Temple University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all in every aspect of its operations, including employment, service, and educational programs. The University has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or veteran status.
Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description, employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial, and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.
Temple University's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety. Go here to review: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report
You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University's Department of Public Safety at 215-204-7900.
Primary Location: Pennsylvania – Philadelphia – Main Campus – Wachman Hall
Job Type: Staff | Schedule: Full-time | Shift: Day Job | Employee Status: Regular