Position Title:

Data Analyst I

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience using Student Information Systems and financial aid management systems such as Workday Student, Ellucian Banner, or PowerFAIDS for reporting and data extraction.

Proven experience creating and validating complex queries or reports using SQL or reporting tools (e.g., Workday Report Writer, Microsoft Access, Tableau, Power BI, or similar).

Demonstrated understanding of federal and state financial aid reporting requirements (e.g., FISAP, IPEDS, Common Data Set, Board of Regents, Iowa College Aid).

Experience collaborating with IT professionals and functional users to test, troubleshoot, and implement system updates or enhancements.

Experience with maintaining data accuracy, documentation, and compliance in a higher education environment.

Job Description:

The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Data Analyst I to support the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of financial aid data and reporting. This position serves as the office’s primary reporter, ensuring timely and precise submission of institutional, state, and federal reports. The Data Analyst I will play a key role in maintaining data systems, developing and validating reports, and supporting data-informed decision-making that enhances student success.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the primary reporter for the Office of Student Financial Aid, compiling, verifying, and submitting accurate data and reports.
Develop, run, and maintain queries and reports to support financial aid operations, compliance, and reconciliation.
Ensure data accuracy and integrity through validation, documentation, and standardized reporting practices.
Compile and submit required reports such as FISAP, IPEDS, Common Data Set, Board of Regents, and Iowa College Aid.
Monitor student enrollment and eligibility to ensure accurate disbursement and reporting of financial aid.
Support the reconciliation of financial aid funds with internal departments, including Accounting, Accounts Receivable, and Student Information offices.
Collaborate with Information Technology Services (ITS) and vendors to troubleshoot, test, and implement system updates.
Create and enhance reporting tools and dashboards for improved data access and decision-making.
Document and share reporting processes to promote team transparency and consistency.
Communicate data findings and reporting outcomes to stakeholders in clear, actionable formats.
Respond to data inquiries from external agencies, ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., ERA, ITS, OSI) to resolve data issues and improve workflows.
Participate in system testing, validation, and training related to upgrades and regulatory changes.
Stay informed on financial aid regulations and support staff training to maintain compliance.
Pursue professional development opportunities relevant to financial aid, data reporting, and analysis.

About the Office of Student Financial Aid:

The Office of Student Financial Aid at Iowa State University is committed to empowering over 85% of undergraduate students through the administration of more than $400 million in financial assistance annually. As a unit within the Division of Academic Affairs, our team helps students and their families understand, apply for, and manage financial aid throughout their academic journey. We are driven by values of student success, innovation, collaboration, and respect. Our supportive work environment emphasizes personal and professional growth, with opportunities for training, development, and meaningful contributions to the university’s mission. Join us in making college more accessible and affordable for Iowa State students.

Example of Duties

Gathers operational data to examine past organization performance.
Assist in the preparation, cleansing, and verification of data.
Perform basic data manipulation and analysis techniques.
Develops and analyzes organizational data to quantify the competitive performance of business segments, evaluate potential operational changes, and design new approaches and methodologies.
Applies and integrates statistical, mathematical, predictive modeling and business analysis skills to manage and manipulate high volume data from a variety of sources.
Recommends actions for future developments & strategic business opportunities, as well as enhancements to operational policies.
May be involved in exploratory data analysis, confirmatory data analysis and/or qualitative analysis.

Level Guidelines

Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
May provide guidance to students

This position is based in Ames, Iowa, and the selected candidate must be able to commute and work on-site from the start of employment.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS807

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

October 23, 2025

Posting Close Date:

October 30, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18002

Iowa State University

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