Business Data Analyst

Job Summary

To provide assistance and support on a variety of Operational Excellence initiatives and projects for the University. The Business Data Analyst gathers and analyzes data, business needs and consults with users and develops strategies to streamline processes and automates systems that can be used to support short and long-term strategies. They provide leadership in the areas of data collection, analysis, dashboard development, requirements gathering, business process improvements, functional design, implementation, testing, training, facilitation, organizational change, communication and documentation to deliver solutions. Working closely with various partners on campus assisting with finding opportunities to implement and drive operational efficiency. The position requires the ability to solve sophisticated problems, co-ordinate activities of others, and to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Operational Excellence Business Intelligence Manager. This position will also participate in a number of projects as part of a project team and so may indirectly report to a Project Manager.

The Business Data Analyst will interact with staff from other units, senior academic officers including Vice-presidents, Deans, Directors, Department Heads, Senate Committees, and representatives of other universities.

Work Performed

Building and sustaining collaborative relationships on campus. This involves dealing with confidential and sensitive information and liaising with numerous partners to clarify and confirm data, gathering, and analyzing, documenting, and handling changes to identify business priorities and recommends options for automated systems and other business solutions

Leads the data analysis and requests for multiple projects simultaneously, and creates relevant information and reports from data. Advising / recommending key areas of improvement by analyzing data results.

Assists with solution development and implementation to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Contributes to project planning and execution, which includes defining scope and objectives, involving key partners, defining timelines and budgets; gathering requirements and reporting on status.

Leads short and long-term planning sessions to implement integrated business process improvements.

Leads the data and information collection processes for the UniForum program, including ensure data accuracy, and continuous improvement of the collection process. Acts as the interdepartmental interface for the UniForum project team and other units on campus

Maintains the IRP Benefits Realization Management (BRM) implementation plan, supports the successful implementation of the benefits, improve appropriate BRM tools, templates, standards and processes to identify, maintain and sustain benefits as needed.

Develops and assist in overall strategies and provides advice on options, risks and costs versus benefits and presentation of business cases. Conducts feasibility studies and drafts proposals for evaluation by appropriate users and managers.

Effective data analysis, reporting and development of dashboards. Prepares executive reports for the senior leadership team and synthesis data into easily interpretable information

Responds to ad hoc requests for information and to undertake special analytical projects as needed, and performs other actions as required

Consequence of Error / Judgement

The analyst is expected to be able to obtain the required information and create the analysis without supervision. Data and analyses errors could lead to incorrect decisions by Executives and Leadership, which could have significant effects on University standards and operations.

Supervision Received

The Business Data Analyst reports directly and works under general direction with the Operational Excellence Business Intelligence Manager. Must work independently as well as contribute actively and collaborate openly as a team member.

Supervision Given

In general, provides leadership and education to other staff. No direct supervision given.

Minimum Qualifications

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant field. Professional development in business analysis and related disciplines. Formal certification from a recognized professional organization or professional development provider is an asset.

A minimum of 6 years of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience demonstrating in-depth knowledge of applications and the business requirements supporting them

Proven knowledge of MS Office, including MS Excel, PowerPoint and Project, with solid understanding in SQL, VBA and SharePoint. Good solid understanding of Business Intelligence tools such as Tableau or Microsoft BI.

Solid understanding of change management disciplines and practices; and development methodologies.

Knowledge of business process re-engineering / improvement.

Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills. Able to multi-task and deliver multiple assignments in a fast-paced and changing environment.

Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrable ability to work effectively and respectfully with a wide range of individuals at all organizational levels.

Demonstrates the willingness, ability, and passion to learn new processes, methodologies or technologies.

Proven knowledge and continuous learning of the business analysis field and standard methodologies.

Demonstrated contributions to the continuous improvement of business analysis practices,

Collaboration - Actively solicits ideas and opinions from others to efficiently and effectively accomplish specific objectives targeted at defined business outcomes. Openly encourages other team members to voice their ideas and concerns. Shows respect for differences and diversity, and disagrees without personalizing issues. Utilizes strengths of team members to achieve optimal performance. Ability to form relationships, and advise customers and potential customers.

Communication for Results - Conducts discussions with and writes memoranda to all levels of colleagues and peer groups in ways that support troubleshooting and problem solving. Seeks and shares relevant information, opinions, and judgments. Handles conflict compassionately. Explains the context of interrelated situations, asks probing questions, and solicits multiple sources of advice prior to taking action when appropriate. Ability to develop and deliver effective presentations and workshops. Ability to effectively facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcome.

Problem Solving - Applies problem-solving methodologies and tools to diagnose and solve operational and interpersonal problems. Resolves potential causes of the problem and devises testing methodologies for validation. Shows emotional intelligence and objectivity toward individuals involved in the issue. Analyzes multiple alternatives, risks, and benefits for a range of potential solutions. Recommends resource requirements and collaborates with impacted partners.

Analytical Thinking - Coordinates the information gathering and reporting process. Reviews trends and compares to expectations. Conducts research to define problems and prepares responses to anticipated questions. Prioritizes multiple issues and opportunities. Identifies relationships and linkages within several information sources. Anticipates issues that are not readily apparent on the surface.

Identifies root causes and effects. Defines priorities within performance objectives. Reports and identifies areas that need guidance in order to resolve sophisticated issues. Anticipates the possible outcome of potential solutions.

Business Process Knowledge - Maps full business processes and designs operational process flow. Facilitates group input and drafts proposals for process improvements. Identifies resource implications. Implements process improvement recommendations within the context of overall business processes.

Initiative - Seeks out new challenges that require risk taking. Determines the resources, team support, and technical needs vital to enable success and procures them. Keeps responding to the challenge in spite of obstacles and setbacks.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community furthers the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and / or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.