Lead Data Analyst

Lead Data Analyst

Hawai'i Pacific University is designated as an Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian (ANNH) Serving Institution by the US Department of Education. As such, we strive for accurate displays of the Hawaiian language in all our institutional materials. This includes the appropriate use of diacritical marks such as the 'okina and kahako. Unfortunately, at times external vendors and other third-party technology integrations do not support the use of these characters. Mahalo for your understanding.

The Budget Office is seeking a Lead Data Analyst who will report to the Assistant Vice President of Financial Planning, Analysis, and Budgeting. This position serves as the primary analytics resource for the Budget Office and coordinates the work of external data analytics vendors while overseeing the development and maintenance of dashboards, reports, data integrations, and analytical solutions that support budgeting, financial planning, and Business Office operations.

The successful candidate will possess strong SQL and data analytics skills, with the ability to extract, transform, and analyze data from multiple sources to generate meaningful insights and support strategic decision-making. This position requires an individual who thrives in a collaborative environment, effectively manages competing priorities, and works independently with minimal supervision while demonstrating a strong sense of ownership, accountability, and initiative.

Location: This on-site position is based out of our Waterfront Plaza campus and offices, in downtown Honolulu.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience in data analysis, business intelligence, or a related role.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including Power Query and data modeling techniques.
• Strong technical skills in writing SQL queries and working with relational database systems.
• Ability to troubleshoot and analyze programming code to identify root causes of issues and implement effective solutions.

• Experience developing dashboards and data visualizations using tools such as Power BI.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to transform complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, budgeting, or financial reporting.
• Experience with Ellucian Banner or a comparable higher education ERP system.
• Experience with Vena Solutions financial planning and reporting software, including ETL configuration, data integration, and template design.
• Familiarity with higher education data, reporting, and business processes.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and actionable insights.

Other Qualifications:

• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship and relocation allowance are not available for this position.
• Must meet training and background check qualifications and comply with the Protection of Minors policy.
• Able to work extended hours if needed, and always communicating with their supervisor in advance if unable to attend work.
• The successful candidate will be able to work in an environment that requires excellent time and stress management skills.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Job Functions:

1. Transform data into actionable information and insights to support informed business decision-making (25%):

• Oversee and enhance automated data processes that support revenue and expense reporting, enabling detailed financial performance analysis of individual departments, programs, and business units.
• Develop and maintain reports, interactive dashboards, visualizations, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Assist in the analysis of student account activity, receivables, and outstanding balances.
• Extract, cleanse, transform, and analyze large and complex datasets from multiple sources to support management decision-making and strategic planning initiatives.

• Maintain the financial planning software and support Business Office systems and data structures (25%):

• Maintain and enhance the University's financial planning and reporting software, ensuring data integrity, system reliability, and alignment with business requirements.
• Maintain existing data integrations between the financial planning software, Banner ERP, and other institutional systems through ETL processes and automated workflows.
• Redesign, maintain, and continuously improve enrollment and net tuition forecasting to support in-depth analysis by academic program, student type, and other key drivers.
• Develop, test, and implement system enhancements, process improvements, and new functionality to support evolving business needs.

• Ensure integrity of financial data across University systems (20%):

• Partner with Institutional Research and other data owners to document and reconcile shared data definitions, reporting populations, program mappings, and business rules used in financial planning and institutional reporting.
• Serve on the Banner Services and Data Governance Committees and collaborate with the Business Office, Institutional Research, Information Technology Services, and other stakeholders to ensure data structures, system mappings, and reporting hierarchies support accurate student billing, financial reporting, and budgeting.
• Monitor data quality and integrity through audits, reconciliations, and quality assurance processes, identifying root causes and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and participate in system testing, validation, and quality assurance activities related to software upgrades, enhancements, implementations, and data integrations.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve documentation of data definitions, business rules, system mappings, and data governance standards to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and integrity of data used for the University's financial reporting, budgeting, and financial analysis activities.
• Continuously evaluate data management processes and recommend improvements to systems, workflows, and reporting structures to enhance efficiency and data reliability.
• Must maintain the confidentiality and security of student education records and other sensitive University information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), applicable laws and regulations, and University policies.

• Data Analytics Coordination and Knowledge Management (25%):

• Provide guidance, training, and ongoing support to data analysts on University systems, data structures, business processes, reporting tools, and data governance standards.
• Develop, maintain, and continuously enhance training materials, user guides, process documentation, and a centralized knowledge repository to support analyst onboarding and professional development.
• Review and provide feedback on reports, dashboards, analyses, and data solutions developed by other analysts to ensure accuracy, consistency, and adherence to University standards.

• Perform other related duties as assigned (5%):

• Actively participate as an effective member of the team by completing assigned duties, accepting additional assignments or reassignments.
• Assist with seasonal peaks.

This description is not designed to list all activities, duties, or responsibilities which may be required for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned at any time.

Hawaii Pacific University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, equitable environment in which faculty and staff can excel irrespective of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or any other protected class covered by state and federal law. Hawaii Pacific University encourages applications from veterans and individuals with disabilities. A pre-employment background investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, including individuals with disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io to request assistance.

Benefits

Hawai'i Pacific University is a learning community where staff, faculty, and more than 5,000 students come together from around the world to learn and work in a spirit of caring, honesty, freedom, and 'ohana (family).

Cooperation, communication, and collegiality are the foundation of our community. We fulfill the responsibilities of our educational mission through mutual trust and respect, innovation and involvement, expertise, and intellectual fellowship. We offer all members of our community the opportunity to excel, including resources and rewards commensurate with individual contributions and potential. As a team, we are committed to serving our local and global communities and embrace our values of aloha, pono, and kuleana.

We seek talented and energetic people who thrive on challenge and innovation in supporting the mission and values of our university. HPU offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

For student employment, please visit Career Development Center.

Why consider a career with HPU? Here are some of the benefits of employment