Job Description

About this Opportunity
Ball State has an opening in its Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support for either a Decision Support Assistant or a Decision Support Analyst, depending on qualifications. This role is essential to advancing data-informed decision-making at the university. The Assistant role provides support in areas like data visualization, reporting, and data governance, while the Analyst takes on more advanced data analysis and reporting tasks. If a qualified Analyst candidate isn’t found, we will hire instead at the Assistant level (please carefully review the qualifications). This position offers the chance to contribute to important projects and grow in a collaborative, data-focused environment.
Our Statement on Inclusiveness
At Ball State University, inclusiveness is one of the enduring values and informs all of our work. We define ‘inclusiveness’ as a commitment ‘to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.’ As such, this value incorporates a commitment to inclusive excellence and freedom of expression.
Benefits and Community

Ball State University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible positions. Click here to explore options.


Affordable Healthcare

Retirement

Tuition Remission (For eligible employees, their dependents, and spouse)

Paid Parental Leave

Professional Development

Live Near Your Work - If you are considering living near the Ball State area, please visit the following link to learn more about relocation and living in east central Indiana: https://www.bsu.edu/about/live-near-your-work
FLSA Learned Professional Exemption
Hrs/Week 40
Length of Assignment Full-Time At-Will
Position Function
For Decision Support Assistant:
In this role, you’ll work closely with the university community to develop and maintain report and business term definitions, ensuring thorough documentation of these decisions. You’ll become a subject matter expert on Data Cookbook to bolster Data Governance efforts at BSU and maintain existing data visualizations to enhance data understanding and support effective decision-making. Responsibilities also include validating dashboard data with Institutional Research, testing dashboards for issues, and collecting specifications from college stakeholders to deliver high-quality reports in various formats. Additionally, you’ll support the director with meeting agendas, minutes, and follow-ups, update project management software for Decision Support staff, support the evaluation of items covered by the Data Rating System, and help create technical documentation for the university community. You will also support the completion of external survey requests such as those from US News, CDS, and IPEDS.

For Decision Support Analyst:
In this position you will have the opportunity to leverage BSU’s data warehouse and other systems to provide data analysis that supports the university in data informed decision making. You will have responsibility for data collection, extraction, cleaning, and analysis/analytics. You will prepare reports of official university data to both internal and external constituents. Under supervision, you will be responsible for analyzing, validating, and managing institutional data coming from the student information database, Banner, and other ancillary systems to the Data Warehouse and use that data to develop valid, sustainable practices. Support and participate in strategic planning and unit outcomes, accreditation needs and other items related to institutional effectiveness. You’ll work collaboratively on projects with colleagues inside and outside the Office of Decision Support.
Minimum Education
For Decision Support Assistant:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, or related field from an accredited university. In lieu of Bachelor’s degree, an associate’s degree will be considered when combined with applicable work experience.

For Decision Support Analyst:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Economics, Mathematics, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, or related field from an accredited university.
Minimum Experience
For Decision Support Assistant:
None

For Decision Support Analyst:
One year of experience as an analyst.
Minimum Other
Authorization to work in the US Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
Preferred Education
For Decision Support Assistant:
Graduate-level course work, certification, or degree from an accredited college or university.

For Decision Support Analyst:
Graduate degree from an accredited college or university.
Preferred Experience
For Decision Support Assistant:
One or more years of relevant work experience, including internships and graduate assistantships, in accessing data from Data systems to perform analyses and produce comprehensive reports. Previous experience working in higher education. Experience with technical writing.

For Decision Support Analyst:
Three or more years of relevant work experience in accessing data from multiple sources to perform analyses and produce comprehensive reports; experience with statistical software such as Stata, R, SPSS, and/or SAS. Previous experience working in higher education.
Preferred Other
Pre-Employment Screening Requires successful completion of a background check and education verification.
Position Title(s) Supervised
None
Required Certifications
EEO Statement
Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.
About Ball State University
Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 270+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of our master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees rank among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.