What are the responsibilities and job description for the University Human Resources Data Analyst position at Montana State University - Office of Student Engagement?
Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27073 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Linda Shott
(406) 994-5533
linda.shott@montana.edu
Classification Title Data/Research Analyst Working Title University Human Resources Data Analyst Brief Position Overview
The University Human Resources (UHR) Data Analyst works closely with the Compliance Specialist, Service Center Director, and Payroll Director to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of UHR Data. This position performs advanced data analysis, reporting, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing to support University Human Resources operations and strategic initiatives.
The Analyst collaborates with University Information Technology (UIT), University Data Analytics (UDA), and other campus departments to optimize UHR systems, improve business processes, maintain data integrity throughout the employee lifecycle, and support informed decision-making through accurate reporting and process automation.
Position Number 4M1607 Department HR Comp Ben Empl Services Division Administration Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
University Human Resources is committed to supporting the university’s mission and strategic objectives through effective leadership, guidance, and comprehensive administration in key areas such as classification, recruitment, payroll, benefits, and employee and labor relations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Position Management and Data Quality
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but as a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin on September 15, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27073 For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Linda Shott
(406) 994-5533
linda.shott@montana.edu
Classification Title Data/Research Analyst Working Title University Human Resources Data Analyst Brief Position Overview
The University Human Resources (UHR) Data Analyst works closely with the Compliance Specialist, Service Center Director, and Payroll Director to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of UHR Data. This position performs advanced data analysis, reporting, system maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing to support University Human Resources operations and strategic initiatives.
The Analyst collaborates with University Information Technology (UIT), University Data Analytics (UDA), and other campus departments to optimize UHR systems, improve business processes, maintain data integrity throughout the employee lifecycle, and support informed decision-making through accurate reporting and process automation.
Position Number 4M1607 Department HR Comp Ben Empl Services Division Administration Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
University Human Resources is committed to supporting the university’s mission and strategic objectives through effective leadership, guidance, and comprehensive administration in key areas such as classification, recruitment, payroll, benefits, and employee and labor relations.
Duties and Responsibilities
Position Management and Data Quality
- Serve as the primary backup for creating, updating, and maintaining position numbers in Ellucian Banner.
- Perform routine audits across HR systems including Argos to proactively identify, investigate, and resolve data discrepancies before impacting operations.
- Maintain position classifications, employee records, and timesheet orgs to support accuracy and consistency across systems.
- Develop, validate, and maintain ad hoc, Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and recurring UHR reports.
- Verify the accuracy and completeness of campus-wide reports, collaborate with appropriate UHR personnel to resolve discrepancies, and recommend improvements to reporting workflows across multiple systems.
- Administer the MUS contract lifecycle by verifying information, monitoring process steps, and supporting timely contract cycle completion.
- Ensure data management and reporting processes maintain strict compliance with university policies and state regulations.
- Assist with HRIS system maintenance, troubleshooting, upgrades, and testing.
- Develop, maintain, and perform User Acceptance Testing (UAT) on electronic forms and automated workflows, and HR system enhancements prior to campus rollouts.
- Identify and support system enhancements, workflow improvements, and automation opportunities that improve UHR system functionality and operational efficiency.
- Analyze complex UHR data to support operational planning, institutional reporting and strategic decision making.
- Provide analytical and technical support for University Data Analytics (UDA) projects and institutional data governance initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional projects with UHR, UIT, 4 MSU Campus, OCHE, and other MUS campuses.
- Recommend workflow and process improvements that enhance data quality, reporting speed, and administrative efficiency.
- Create and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), process documentation, and training materials.
- Provide exceptional customer service by responding professionally and promptly to inquiries from faculty, staff, administrators, and campus partners.
- Communicate technical information, procedures, and system updates clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, or a related field, plus two years of professional experience working with databases involving data development, analysis, and interpretation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated professional experience collecting, auditing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting large datasets with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated proficiency using Microsoft Excel to analyze and reconcile data (e.g., lookup functions, pivot tables, complex formulas, and formatting tools) along with standard office applications.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information, procedures, concepts, and data-related findings clearly in person, writing, and by telephone.
- Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential data with discretion and in compliance with institutional policies and privacy standards.
- Experience working with HRIS, payroll, or enterprise database systems.
- Experience with Ellucian Banner HR/Payroll.
- Knowledge of HRIS administration and database management.
- Experience developing queries, reports, or dashboards using SQL or enterprise reporting tools (e.g., Argos, Tableau, Power BI, Oracle SQL Developer).
- Experience supporting workflow automation platforms, electronic form development, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
- Previous experience supporting compensation, classification, position control, or multi-campus reporting in a higher education or public sector setting.
- Familiarity with institutional data governance frameworks and data quality assurance methodologies.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills including the ability to evaluate complex datasets, identify root causes of data errors, and recommend effective solutions.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining data accuracy and consistency across interconnected systems.
- Ability to translate business needs into data, reporting, system, or workflow requirements that support practical HR process improvements.
- Broad understanding of HR, payroll, position management, and informational systems.
- Ability to organize work, prioritize concurrent projects, meet tight reporting deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to build effective working relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, technical partners, and campus stakeholders.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgement.
- Ability to work independently with minimal direction while collaborating with cross-functional, multi-campus teams.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but as a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? No
Posting Detail Information
Number Of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon Completion Of a Successful Search. Position End Date (if Temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications Will Be
Screening of applications will begin on September 15, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Salary : $28