Senior Research & Data Analyst

Senior Research & Data Analyst

FLSA Status: Exempt 
Employment Status: Full-Time
Reporting To: Executive Vice President 
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm PT
Work Location: The role follows a hybrid work schedule, combining remote work with periodic on-site responsibilities at the Redmond, WA office. In-person presence is required as needed to advance organizational priorities, engage with team members, participate in cross-functional collaboration, and support key initiatives.

To be considered, candidates must reside and work in one of NWCCU’s approved employment states and be available to work regular Pacific Time business hours. This position is not eligible for employment in international locations. NWCCU is also not currently hiring for this role in California, Hawaii, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, or Florida.

About NWCCU

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) is a recognized institutional accreditor dedicated to assuring educational quality and effectiveness across higher education. Our mission is grounded in collaboration, integrity, and a relentless commitment to continuous improvement.

About the Role

Make Data Matter: Shaping the future of higher education.

NWCCU is seeking a Senior Research & Data Analyst who is energized by turning complex data into clear, meaningful insights that support institutional effectiveness and accreditation. In this role, you’ll be a trusted partner to NWCCU leadership, staff, and external stakeholders, ensuring data is accurate, accessible, and strategically used to inform decision-making across the organization.

You’ll collaborate closely with the Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, liaisons to NWCCU institutions, and cross-functional teams to design data systems, dashboards, and analyses that strengthen the integrity of the accreditation process and elevate how information is used across our member institutions. You will also cross-train with the Chief Information Officer and serve as the backup as needed to support business continuity. 

If you enjoy working at the intersection of data, systems, and mission-driven impact, this is an opportunity to do work that truly matters.

What You Will Do

Data Analysis & Insight Delivery

• Develop and implement processes to collect, link, and analyze data from multiple sources, including institutional reports, internal systems, state and federal agencies, and external databases.
• Design, maintain, and continuously improve dashboards, reports, and data visualizations that deliver actionable insights to NWCCU staff, peer evaluators, member institutions, and Commissioners.
• Conduct basic statistical and data analyses to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Respond to ad hoc data requests with accuracy, clarity, and timeliness.

Database & Data Integrity Management

• Develop and maintain data infrastructure that supports accreditation processes and NWCCU’s strategic priorities.
• Monitor data integrity to ensure compliance with state, federal, and accreditation requirements; identify and resolve discrepancies as they arise.
• Oversee updates and ensure the ongoing reliability of data housed in Salesforce and other internal systems.

Accreditation Process Support

• Partner with NWCCU staff to manage data in systems such as Salesforce and Box, ensuring accreditation records and documentation remain accurate, accessible, secure, and up to date.
• Coordinate data workflows that improve efficiency, transparency, and alignment with accreditation timelines and standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain strict confidentiality of member institution data, accreditation materials, and organizational information in accordance with NWCCU policies and professional standards.
• Cross-train with the Chief Information Officer and serve as a backup as needed to support business continuity.
• Perform other related duties in support of NWCCU’s mission and strategic objectives.

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in computer science, statistics, research methods, informatics, or a related field).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in information technology, data analysis, institutional research, or a related field.
• Experience working with higher education systems, including administrative or student information systems.
• Technical understanding of data warehousing, data mining, and data visualization.
• Proficiency with dashboard and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), including hands-on experience developing Tableau dashboards.
• Experience with Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) reporting and analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, analyze, and interpret complex datasets in higher education or similar environments.
• Familiarity with institutional research methodologies, data governance practices, and reporting standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications and personal computing/networking environments.
• Experience with web-based survey tools such as Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or continuing education in database design, data analysis, informatics, or data visualization/presentation.
• Experience with common coding languages such as Python, SQL, or Java.

Working Conditions 

This is role requiring a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends for Commission deliberations and institutional events. Approximately 5-15% travel is expected for period travel to the Redmond, WA office and Commission-related meetings and conferences.  A hybrid work arrangement is available, with periodic travel to the Redmond, WA office.

Compensation & Benefits 

• Base Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000 (commensurate with experience).
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage for employees, a generous retirement plan, paid time off, paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation

NWCCU is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

NWCCU provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and applicants with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during the application or employment process, please contact Human Resources at hr@nwccu.org.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to employment@nwccu.org outlining their qualifications and commitment to NWCCU’s mission.