Job Description

Job Summary
Data / Reporting Analysts
As a Data Research Analyst, you will play a central role on the University of Utah Marketing and Communication’s Digital Team, serving as the core engine for advanced analytics, trend research, and institutional intelligence. Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Digital Research and Operations, you will work in direct, daily collaboration on key research initiatives—translating complex data ecosystems into strategic insights that drive university marketing and digital operations forward.

This role requires a heightened level of analytical depth, intellectual curiosity, and rigorous research capability, paired with a keen eye for design. You will look beyond basic web metrics to analyze large datasets, map higher education marketing patterns, evaluate national industry shifts, and forecast emerging digital trends. We are seeking a data-focused professional who possesses exceptional quantitative skills, experience in UI/UX prototyping and Figma, a passion for higher education strategy, and the ability to turn high-volume data into clear, branded, executive-ready visual reports.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities
Strategic Research & Operations Partnership: Collaborate closely with the Associate Director of Digital Research and Operations across all core analytical projects, co-developing research methodologies to inform leadership, marketing strategy, and institutional policy.
Higher Education & Marketing Trend Analysis: Monitor, benchmark, and research macro-level higher education patterns, student engagement behaviors, and digital marketing trends. Synthesize external industry research with internal performance data to identify growth opportunities.
Large-Scale Data Processing & Modeling: Ingest, clean, structure, and manipulate large, disparate datasets (web analytics, social media data, marketing campaigns, CRM/demographic data, external research sources) to uncover actionable operational insights.
Social Sentiment & Behavior Analysis: Execute social sentiment analysis and deep-dive user behavior analysis across digital channels to evaluate brand perception, audience engagement, and sentiment shifts over time.
Pattern Recognition & Predictive Analytics: Apply pattern recognition methodologies across multi-touch user journeys, enrollment/conversion funnels, and digital interaction touchpoints to predict audience behavior and evaluate marketing ROI.
Branded Data Visualization & Prototyping: Design and prototype custom, branded dashboards, interactive reports, and visual assets in Figma, ensuring all data visualizations align with university brand guidelines, visual hierarchy, and UI/UX best practices.
Advanced Dashboard Development: Automate and maintain executive-level dashboards and comprehensive analytical reports across Tableau, Looker Studio, BigQuery, and SQL. Present complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Data Governance & Quality Control: Establish rigorous data validation protocols, maintain data hygiene across platforms, and ensure compliance with digital privacy standards and institutional governance.
Stakeholder Consultation & Support: Serve as a consultant for complex data inquiries, providing campus partners with deep-dive analysis, ad-hoc research, and data-backed recommendations.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Data / Reporting Analyst, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
Education and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree in data Analytics, Statistics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Visual Design/HCI, Business Intelligence, or a related field
Data Analysis & Reporting Experience: Progressive experience in data analysis, business intelligence, or quantitative research, with a proven track record of handling high-volume datasets and strategic reporting.
Domain Expertise: Strong, demonstrated interest and experience in higher education trends, digital marketing patterns, audience segmentation, and consumer behavior analysis.

Key Traits We’re Looking For
Fast & Careful: You pay close attention to details while responding quickly to user needs.
Curious: You love to learn and are always looking for ways to refine your craft.
Proactive: You take charge. You don’t wait for problems to happen; you actively hunt for solutions.
Resilient: You keep your cool and handle high-pressure situations with patience and a calm attitude.
Collaborative: You are a true team player who understands that we’re stronger when we work together.
Humble: You’re open to listening, receiving constructive feedback, and changing course with ease.

Type Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.


This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.


The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.


Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.


Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.