Decision Support Research Analyst

Position Summary

The Office of Planning and Institutional Research (OPIR), in the Office of the Provost at Columbia University, supports senior leadership in advancing institutional goals through rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting. OPIR’s mission is to enable strategic, evidence-based decision-making by delivering timely insights into the University’s academic, administrative, and operational landscape.

The Decision Support Research Analyst will work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders across the institution to support decision making, drawing insights from quantitative and qualitative analyses. The ideal candidate will have experience in both survey methodology and data analytics. This position will manage surveys across their full research lifecycle (i.e., instrument design, administration, analysis, and dissemination), analyze complex datasets, and develop reports and dashboards to communicate clear, actionable findings to diverse audiences. Additionally, this role will support benchmarking efforts, survey governance activities, and the implementation of survey research best practices across the University.

This role will work closely with the Senior Associate Provost for Institutional Research and OPIR team members to synthesize and communicate key insights related to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other University stakeholders. This is an opportunity for a skilled and strategic researcher to contribute to high-impact, collaborative, and fast-evolving institutional initiatives.

Responsibilities

Survey Design and Implementation

• Design and implement surveys targeting a wide range of audiences, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other community members.
• Collaborate with units such as the Offices of the Provost and President, University Life, Faculty Affairs and Advancement, Public Affairs, General Counsel, and Columbia’s individual Schools to scope and deliver survey projects.
• Conduct instrument design, pilot testing, and survey programming using Qualtrics.
• Assist in survey logistics including sampling strategies, administration, promotion, and monitoring response rates and data quality.
• Analyze survey results using appropriate statistical techniques and prepare reports, presentations, and visualizations that summarize findings and recommendations.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Respond to surveys and requests for information about the University and its schools from various internal and external entities
• Analyze data using appropriate statistical methods and tools (e.g., R, Python, Stata, SPSS).
• Conduct peer benchmarking analyses using internal and external data sources to support strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
• Synthesize findings into accessible and actionable insights through written reports, dashboards, slide decks, and presentations.
• Use data visualization tools (Tableau and Power BI) to effectively communicate findings to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Research and implement AI applications to increase timeliness and efficiency of deliverables.

Survey Strategy and Governance

• Work closely with the Senior Associate Provost on the development of a University-wide survey program, including policies, guidelines, and governance frameworks.
• Manage Columbia’s institutional survey calendar and coordinate survey timing, content, and methodology to facilitate access for campus leaders, avoid redundancy and mitigate survey fatigue.
• Consult with campus partners to identify and prioritize strategic research questions aligned with institutional needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, social sciences, educational research, or a closely related field.
• 3–4 years of professional experience conducting applied research or survey analysis, ideally in a higher education or institutional research context.
• Demonstrated success managing the full survey lifecycle—from research design and question development to data analysis and reporting.
• Strong understanding of survey methodology, sampling, and quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in Qualtrics and at least one statistical analysis software package (e.g., R, SPSS, Stata, or Python).
• Experience querying and managing data using SQL and relational databases.
• Experience translating data into actionable insights through clear writing and effective visualizations.
• Familiarity with Tableau and Power BI for interactive reporting and dashboard development.
• Excellent project management and interpersonal skills; ability to navigate a decentralized institution and manage multiple stakeholder relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to responsible data handling and confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in statistics, social sciences, educational research, or a related field.
• Experience in institutional research or a comparable applied research setting in higher education.
• Familiarity with benchmarking projects or consortia (e.g., AAUDE, HEDS).
• Experience working with administrative data from student information systems or enterprise platforms.
• Knowledge of survey governance and best practices in large, complex institutions.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

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