Senior Operations and Data Analyst

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Academic and Student Affairs. The Senior Operations and Data Analyst enables efficient, data-driven management and support of the academic, admissions, career, and operational functions of the Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (IEOR) Department.

Responsibilities

Data Systems, Automation & Applications (30%):

• Design, build, and maintain automated tools and scalable workflows to support academic, career, and operational processes across different functional teams within the department.
• Develop, optimize, and manage internal databases, data pipelines, and centralized repositories that integrate and synchronize multiple institutional data sources.
• Create, deploy, document, and maintain in-house applications and system integrations to streamline cross-functional operations.
• Automate recurring administrative and reporting tasks using scripting, macros, APIs, and platform-specific automation tools to improve efficiency and reduce manual errors.

Academic & Admissions Operations Support (30%):

• Manage and maintain student and admissions data across internal systems, repositories, and communication platforms, ensuring data integrity and consistency.
• Support admissions operations by building, refining, and maintaining queries, reports, dashboards, and tracking tools for application and enrollment management in Slate CRM.
• Monitor, audit, and validate data accuracy across systems; investigate discrepancies and implement corrective workflows to maintain compliance and reliability.
• Enhance staff workflows by designing structured data tools, templates, and documentation that improve operational transparency and collaboration.

Reporting, Communication & Data Access (20%):

• Create, maintain, and automate reports, dashboards, and data visualizations tailored to stakeholders across academic and administrative teams.
• Manage large-scale, data-driven communications, including automated mail merges, targeted outreach campaigns, and dynamic distribution lists.
• Navigate and integrate emerging data systems and institutional platforms to respond efficiently to complex reporting and analysis requests.
• Translate complex datasets and technical findings into clear, structured, and actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders and leadership.

Analytics, Algorithms & Optimization (15%):

• Develop analytical models and logic frameworks to support tasks like matching, scheduling, and enrollment management, while identifying conflicts.
• Build projection, simulation, and modeling tools to support academic planning.
• Analyze historical academic, admissions, and operational data to generate reports, trend analyses, forecasts, and decision-support insights.

Administrative and Events Operations (5%):

• Provide on-site support for departmental events, programs, and initiatives as needed.
• Offer technical support during events, including setup and troubleshooting of presentation equipment, software, and virtual platforms.
• Provide and update content for the Departmental website in the areas of admissions, academic and student affairs, and curricular changes.
• Other tasks as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required; graduate-level work is preferred. Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working with data.

Technical Skills: Experience with programming or scripting (Python, JavaScript, macros) and automating tasks.

Data Skills: Experience managing and organizing data, creating reports, and using tools like SQL, Google Sheets, and Excel.

Systems & Integrations: Familiarity with CRMs (Slate preferred), internal tools, and connecting different systems for smooth workflows.

Problem-Solving & Learning: Ability to troubleshoot data or system issues, understand how systems work, and quickly learn new tools.

Professional Strengths: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; clear communicator with both technical and non-technical audiences; adaptable, collaborative, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented.

Ability to work independently and under pressure, with a high level of attention to detail. Must be able to prioritize multiple tasks with minimal supervision.

Candidates must exercise good judgment and flexibility, with a student-wellness mindset. Positive, mission-oriented, forward-thinking attitude.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.