Reporting to the Director, Strategic Planning and Initiatives, the Senior Research Analyst (SRA) – Data Quality and Administration supports institutional planning, reporting, and decision-making through the effective management, integration, and analysis of institutional data. The role requires a high degree of independence, analytical judgment, and problem-solving in a complex data environment characterized by legacy systems, incomplete documentation, and evolving data definitions.
The SRA leads the development and maintenance of reliable, well-documented, and fit-for-purpose datasets and analytical outputs that support the work of the Office of Strategic Planning and Initiatives (the Office), including analyses related to enrolment, student outcomes, and faculty workload, and supporting collective agreement and bargaining processes as required. The role contributes to the development and operationalization of emerging institutional data governance practices, supporting the establishment of data standards, priorities, and processes across the Office and the institution. In addition, the position contributes to the coordination of Office activities and provides operational continuity in the Director’s absence by managing day-to-day workflow, making routine decisions, and escalating more complex or higher-risk issues as appropriate.
Division
VP Administration and Finance
Department
Strategic Planning and Initiatives
Campus
Nanaimo campus *Successful candidates must be able to attend in person on campus as required.
Location
Nanaimo, British Columbia
Appointment Type
regular full-time
Workload
35 hours per week
Pay Level
Excluded Pay Band 9: Minimum salary is $98,703 and maximum salary is $112,162.
Starting Salary
Normal salary placement at the time of hire is $98,703 (prorated if part-time). This position is eligible for annual performance-based salary increases.
Appointment Start Date
29-Jun-2026
Additional Information
Open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis.
Applicant Documents
CV/Resume, Cover Letter, Name and contact information of recent supervisors willing to provide a reference
Key Responsibilities:
Data Query, Analysis, and Integration
- Analyze, develop, and maintain data queries, aggregations, and transformations used to support institutional reporting and analysis.
- Integrate data from multiple institutional source systems into combined datasets suitable for analysis, reporting, and modelling.
- Own and maintain the processes used to extract, integrate, and consolidate data from institutional source systems into the Office’s analytical data environment.
Data Administration and Quality Assurance
- Lead data administration activities including requirements analysis, data definitions, validation processes, and documentation.
- Establish and apply data quality standards and controls to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reliability of institutional data.
- Identify data issues, limitations, and risks, and work with partner units to improve data quality and processes.
Data Aggregation, Reporting, and Modelling
- Create curated datasets, cohort files, and analytical outputs to support institutional planning, accountability, and reporting needs.
- Apply statistical methods and analytical techniques, including trend analysis and modelling, to support forecasting and decision-making.
- Apply advanced analytical tools and methods, including emerging approaches such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to support data modelling, analysis, and efficient data processing.
Data Standards, Documentation, and Office Data Environment
- Maintain the Office’s data environment to support historical, longitudinal, and point-in-time analysis.
- Develop and maintain documentation describing data sources, transformations, methodologies, and limitations.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of data processes, tools, standards, and emerging institutional data governance practices.
- Institutional Reporting and Submissions
- Support the preparation of internal and external reports, including government and agency submissions, by ensuring accurate and compliant data.
- Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of data used in internal and external reporting, including submissions to government, regulatory, and accreditation bodies.
Advisory and Collaborative Support
- Provide analytical and data-related advice to support institutional research, reporting, and decision-making.
- Collaborate with internal partners to support data interpretation, survey activities, and appropriate analytical approaches.
Collective Agreement and Workload Analysis
- Conduct analyses related to faculty workload, enrolment, and related indicators to inform management planning and collective agreement discussions.
- Prepare datasets and analytical summaries used to support bargaining, workload equity discussions, and related institutional requirements.
Office Coordination and Acting Leadership
- Support the coordination of activities within the Office of Strategic Planning and Analysis and provide operational continuity during the Director’s absence. This includes overseeing workflow, making routine operational decisions, supporting team members, and escalating complex or high-risk issues to senior leadership as appropriate.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as statistics, data analytics, mathematics, economics, computer science, or a related discipline. Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis, data administration, or institutional research.
- Demonstrated experience working with complex datasets from multiple sources and ensuring data quality and consistency.
- Strong applied knowledge of statistical analysis, data modelling, and analytical methods.
- Demonstrated ability to translate analytical results into clear, accurate, and well-documented outputs.
- Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, and the ability to work independently with a high level of accountability.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a post-secondary institution or public-sector research or planning environment.
- Familiarity with institutional reporting, enrolment analysis, or accountability frameworks.
- Experience supporting survey cohort creation, longitudinal analysis, or forecasting activities.
VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.
Note:
- Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
- All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
- Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.
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