Business Process Analyst Associate

Department: Office of Human Resources
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

Job Summary:

The Business Process Analyst Associate plays a key role in supporting the Office of Human Resources (HR) by serving as the primary liaison for HR business processes and requirements. This position bridges communication between HR divisions, Northwestern Information Technology (NUIT), and HR system users across the University. The incumbent is responsible for evaluating, maintaining, and enhancing both new and existing HR IT-supported business processes. Additionally, the Business Analyst generates data-driven reports and analytics and leads strategic projects within the Office of Human Resources.

• Provides support for assigned HR business application modules, including PeopleSoft HCM, Workforce Software Timekeeping, NU I-9 Service Center, and others.
• Serves as a Tier 2 escalation point for the askHR service team, resolving system-specific issues and complex HR-related inquiries.
• Partners with Northwestern University IT to identify and resolve system errors and implement enhancements to support operational continuity and legal compliance.
• Collaborates within the Systems, Process, and Analytics (SPA) team to ensure timely execution of HR-related processes, including user testing, HCM/IT configuration, data entry, analytics, bulk data updates, and data extractions.
• Creates and updates internal SOPs and process documentation as needed.
• Works with HR teams to assess business needs and recommend improvements to workflows and system processes.

• Assists in the development of new data queries by gathering requirements, validating data, and analyzing results.
• Develops and maintains routine and ad hoc reports using tools such as SQL, Query Manager, and COGNOS Business Intelligence.
• Ensures data accuracy and consistency by cross-referencing multiple sources.
• Summarizes key findings and insights for stakeholder reports and presentations.

• Serves as project manager for multiple HR initiatives, including system implementations, enhancements, updates, and business process improvements.
• Defines project tasks, milestones, and deliverables in alignment with project objectives and established methodology standards.
• Facilitates communication among stakeholders to support requirements gathering, design decisions, and implementation timelines.
• Maintains test scripts, participates in initial system testing and validation, and coordinates user acceptance testing across HR divisions.
• Collaborates with the HR Training Specialist and other team members to develop user training materials and documentation.
• Acts as a liaison between HR units and school administrators to ensure business needs are accurately documented and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are maintained.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proficiency in SQL, database structures, and a variety of reporting and analytical tools.
• Demonstrated expertise with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Prior experience with HR systems (HCM, timekeeping, etc.) and managing HR data.
• Training in project management, information technology, or the equivalent experience and education from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.
• Strong customer service orientation and excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least four years of experience managing complex, multi-faceted projects in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Familiarity with HR business processes and the configuration of HR IT systems.
• Familiarity with project management styles or methodologies, such as Agile and Scrum.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $76,000-$80,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.