SENIOR DATA ANALYTICS DEVELOPER, Institutional Research

Job Description

Boston University seeks a Senior Data Analytics Developer to join our growing Analytical Services & Institutional Research team. This is a high-impact role at a leading R1 university, where advanced analytics directly shape institutional strategy, resource planning, and student success.

The Senior Developer will design and deliver sophisticated data solutions including dashboards, visualizations, and analytic models that transform complex datasets into actionable insights for senior leadership and academic/administrative stakeholders. This position offers the opportunity to apply advanced technical skills in Python, R, SQL, and modern BI platforms while working in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

If you thrive at the intersection of technical innovation, data storytelling, and strategic decision support, this is an outstanding opportunity to make a measurable difference at a world-class research institution.

Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates will bring a strong technical foundation combined with the ability to communicate insights that drive institutional priorities.

• Analytics Development
  • Build advanced dashboards, reports, and visualizations (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) to deliver clear insights to senior leaders and decision-makers.
  • Design and implement reproducible data models and statistical analyses (e.g., regression, clustering, predictive modeling).
  • Contribute to scenario planning, enrollment forecasting, and operational optimization projects.
• Data Engineering & Infrastructure
  • Develop and optimize queries and pipelines using SQL and/or cloud-based tools.
  • Support the integration of data across institutional systems (SIS, HRIS, LMS) and external sources (IPEDS, NSF HERD, CDS).
  • Contribute to a scalable and modern data environment, leveraging cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and data stack tools (dbt, Airflow).
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Partner with administrators and technical staff to clarify questions, design solutions, and translate complex data into actionable insights.
  • Create executive-ready reports and presentations tailored to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Support a culture of data literacy and evidence-based decision-making across the institution.
• Continuous Improvement
  • Document workflows, models, and reporting resources for transparency and reproducibility.
  • Mentor junior staff and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the team.
  • Stay current on emerging analytics technologies and best practices.

Required Skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, or related field.
• Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, computer science, applied mathematics, or related field and 8+ years total experience.
• Proficiency in Python, R, and SQL for data cleaning, modeling, and analysis.
• Strong experience with data visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI, or similar).
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical analyses into leadership-ready insights.

Bonus Qualifications

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

• Experience in an R1 university or similarly complex academic institution.
• Familiarity with higher education data systems (SIS, HRIS, LMS) and national datasets (IPEDS, NSF HERD, CDS).
• Knowledge of higher education policy, enrollment management, or institutional effectiveness.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and modern data stack tools (dbt, Airflow).
• Understanding of data governance, metadata management, or semantic modeling.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of an innovative analytics team at one of the nation's leading research universities.
• Work on projects that directly impact student success, institutional planning, and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with highly engaged administrators, faculty, and data professionals across a vibrant campus.
• Access professional development opportunities to expand technical and leadership skills in a rapidly evolving field.

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 and 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 .

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.