Senior Research Analyst (WGU School of Education)

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

Pay Range: $80,300.00 - $120,400.00

Job Description

Job Summary

Western Governors University is seeking a Senior Research Analyst to join our Academic Portfolio Management team in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this role, you’ll analyze labor market trends, evaluate new degree opportunities, and ensure WGU’s academic programs align with workforce demands and student success outcomes. As the primary liaison for the School of Education, you’ll collaborate with leadership to deliver actionable insights that enhance academic offerings and drive meaningful results. A strong understanding of the K-12 Education sector is essential. 

This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. The ideal candidate is not only technically skilled but also kind, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a team culture that values curiosity, innovation, and fun. If you love solving complex problems and enjoy working with supportive colleagues who are passionate about making a difference, you’ll feel right at home.

Key Responsibilities

• Data-Driven Insights: Conduct advanced research and analysis to evaluate workforce trends, program performance, and emerging opportunities, ensuring alignment with WGU’s mission.

• Visualization & Reporting: Create compelling dashboards and reports using Tableau, Power BI, and SQL to share insights with technical and non-technical audiences, including executives.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with School of Business leadership to align academic offerings with market needs, acting as a trusted advisor and problem-solver.

• Market Research: Perform competitive analysis and whitespace research to identify new degree opportunities and refine existing programs for optimal impact.

• Teamwork & Mentorship: Collaborate with colleagues across the university, guide less experienced team members, and contribute to a culture of learning and growth.

• Continuous Improvement: Troubleshoot data issues, validate KPIs, and optimize processes to enhance efficiency and support data-driven decisions.

Soft Skills & Cultural Fit

This position goes beyond technical expertise—it requires someone who:

• Values Collaboration: Works well with others and builds positive relationships across the organization.

• Embraces Curiosity: Seeks to learn, adapt, and grow continuously, both personally and professionally.

• Is Kind & Empathetic: Treats colleagues and stakeholders with respect, creating an inclusive and supportive environment.

• Loves Problem-Solving: Tackles challenges with a creative, solutions-oriented mindset.

• Thrives in a Fun, Mission-Driven Culture: Enjoys working in a team that balances hard work with humor and camaraderie.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Business, or related field.

• 4+ years of experience in d