Senior Business Intelligence Specialist, UMKC Institutional Effectiveness

Institutional Effectiveness | University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)

JOB DESCRIPTION

UMKC is seeking a Senior Business Intelligence Specialist who enjoys exploring information, finding the story behind the numbers, and creating compelling ways to share what they reveal. This is an Institutional Effectiveness role with a special emphasis on visual communication, creative problem-solving, and the thoughtful use of data.

The specialist will work across campus to evaluate how information is presented in dashboards, websites, research briefs, and student communications-and help make those resources clearer, more engaging, and more useful. Projects may involve shaping a recognizable visual style for IE publications, turning survey findings into an accessible presentation, or helping an office reach local, national, and international audiences more effectively.

We are looking for someone who is comfortable working with quantitative information, asks thoughtful questions, writes clearly, and brings fresh ideas to the way a university shares and uses evidence. Candidates may come from institutional research, assessment, social sciences, business analysis, information design, research communications, or other fields that combine analytical and creative strengths.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

External Communications and Institutional Reporting

• Evaluate and improve how UMKC presents institutional information through websites, dashboards, recruitment and advancement materials, and other communications for local, national, and international audiences.
• Create engaging research briefs, infographics, PowerPoint presentations, and visualizations; help develop consistent, recognizable templates for IE reports and dashboards aligned with UMKC branding.
• Manage the university chatbot as an extension of website content, checking accuracy, reviewing user questions, and coordinating improvements with campus partners.
• Analyze communication engagement and audience data to assess outreach efforts, identify audiences for targeted messages, and recommend improvements to recruitment and marketing communications.
• Interpret institutional survey results and benchmarks to highlight opportunities for improvement, and check that public information remains consistent with official reporting.

Internal Communications and Data Engagement

• Partner with campus staff to understand what they are trying to communicate, review their existing reports and dashboards, and suggest more useful and creative ways to present the information.
• Explore datasets, reports, and dashboards independently to investigate results, check accuracy, and create or modify visualizations when appropriate.
• Develop concise reporting briefs, presentations, and training materials that help colleagues understand findings and use institutional information.
• Use reporting from university and vendor systems as sources of insight and inspiration for improving institutional dashboards and reports.
• Facilitate collaborative idea sessions and use visual mapping tools, such as Lucidchart, to document concepts, workflows, and opportunities for improvement.

Student Success Systems and Communications

• Join the Starfish support team, working alongside the primary administrator to answer campus questions, troubleshoot issues, and help maintain effective student success operations.
• Improve international student communications and reporting in collaboration with International Student Services, and help campus partners assess and strengthen student outreach for domestic and international audiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Demonstrated ability to work with quantitative information and analytical datasets, interpret findings, communicate clearly, and collaborate effectively with others.
• Experience in higher education, institutional effectiveness, assessment, applied research, business analysis, or communicating research findings to varied audiences.
• Strong writing, visual communication, and presentation skills, with interest in information design, visual storytelling, and creating consistent reporting templates.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Power BI or a comparable reporting platform is strongly preferred, including exploring reports and creating or modifying visualizations.
• Ability to question assumptions and interpret findings responsibly; experience with user-centered design, communication analytics, or audience segmentation is valued.
• Experience with student-facing systems or communication platforms such as Starfish, Slate, or chatbots; experience with Microsoft Power Apps is an advantage.
• Familiarity with scripting, website content management systems (such as Cascade CMS), or basic web content markup is an advantage.
• Experience facilitating collaborative workshops or creating process maps and diagrams with tools such as Lucidchart is an advantage.
• Curiosity, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to carry creative, cross-functional projects from idea to completion.

The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as $55,000 - $65,000 annually.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Grade: 10
University Title: Senior Business Support Specialist
To review the University of Missouri's Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application materials must include a cover letter and updated resume / cv.

For best consideration, submit application materials by or before November 30, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until opening is filled.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.