Job Summary:
The Data Analyst at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing institutional and operational data to provide meaningful insights that guide academic, administrative, and strategic decision-making. The role ensures accuracy and integrity of data, develops comprehensive reports and dashboards, and identifies trends that support efficiency, student success, and the university’s long-term growth. By transforming complex datasets into clear and actionable information, the Data Analyst enables stakeholders across the university to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Job Description:
Data Analyst
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
General information about institution
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sands dunes, and the many historical sites.
AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities. AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.
Job Purpose & Responsibilities
The Data Analyst at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing institutional and operational data to provide meaningful insights that guide academic, administrative, and strategic decision-making. The role ensures accuracy and integrity of data, develops comprehensive reports and dashboards, and identifies trends that support efficiency, student success, and the university’s long-term growth. By transforming complex datasets into clear and actionable information, the Data Analyst enables stakeholders across the university to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Minimum Qualifications and Education
Essential:
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field.
Desirable:
- Master’s degree in data Analytics, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or related discipline is a plus.
- Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate
- Databricks Certified Data Engineer
- AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty
Required Knowledge and Skills
- Understanding of academic data domains such as student lifecycle, enrollment, retention, graduation, faculty performance, course evaluations.
- Familiarity with institutional research, accreditation reporting, and strategic planning metrics.
- Experience working with Student Information Systems (e.g. Banner), LMS platforms (e.g. Moodle, Blackboard), and administrative ERP systems.
- Strong analytical skills to interpret complex datasets and derive actionable insights.
- Experience in statistical modeling, forecasting, and trend analysis.
- Ability to translate data findings into strategic recommendations for academic and administrative stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Python, MS SQL, Java, or Scala for data manipulation and scripting.
- Experience with Databricks Lakehouse or Banner Insight Platform for analytics and machine learning.
- Strong command of Power BI and Databricks Dashboards for data visualization and reporting.
- Expertise in designing scalable, robust data architectures using data mesh principles.
- Proven ability to build and maintain efficient data pipelines from diverse sources.
- Familiarity with structured and unstructured data, including storage in AWS S3.
- Hands-on experience with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform for data solutions.
- Proficiency in version control, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.
- Deep understanding of data governance frameworks, privacy laws, and regulatory compliance.
Work Experience
Essential:
- Minimum 2 to 4 years of experience in data analysis, reporting, and business intelligence preferably in Higher Education sector.
- Must have experience with Programming languages like Python, MS SQL and Spark.
- Must have experience with Cloud Platforms like Databricks, Banner Insight, AWS and/or Azure.
- Must have Data integration experience with multiple data sources like Databases, ERP, CRM, SaaS applications, Excel and File Sharing platforms
- Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI, Databricks and/or Banner Insight.
- Hands-on experience in data cleaning, validation, integration, and governance.
- Experience with large datasets, statistical analysis, predictive modelling, and advanced analytics.
Desirable:
- Extensive experience in designing and implementing complex and robust data architectures across multiple platforms, domains and technologies.
- Extensive experience in integrating with diverse sets of cloud, on-premises and hybrid data sources.
- Experience in developing and maintaining data integration, ingestion, and streaming pipelines using modern frameworks and tools.
- Experience in utilizing version control systems like Git and implementing CI/CD pipelines to automate the build, test, and deployment processes for data applications.
Language proficiency required
Verbal communication/ Language skills
- English, Fluent
- Arabic, Desirable
- Any other language is an asset
Written communication skills
- English, Fluent
- Arabic, Desirable
Competencies
- Service Excellence-
- Professional Ethics and Integrity-
- Problem-solving-
- Time Management-
- Teamwork-
Reporting line
Manager of the Office of Information Technology
