Research Analyst

Job Description Job Description Digital/Data Research Analyst 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. Special Instructions Requisition Number: PRN46140B Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Work Schedule Summary: Monday through Friday, 9:00 - 5:00 pm Department: 00339 - Marketing & Communications Location: Campus Pay Rate Range: $68,000-$78,000 Close Date: 11/26/2026 Open Until Filled: #J-18808-Ljbffr