Associate Data Analyst
CURRENT JOB POSTING, ASSOCIATE DATA ANALYST
Location: Full Time & Fully Remote Position Within the U.S.
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Who We Are
At E&I Cooperative Services, we are transforming how universities and schools buy the goods and services they need to operate and thrive. By leveraging the power of cooperative purchasing, we help our 6,000+ member educational institutions save time, contain costs, and redirect critical resources to their core mission of education and research. With over 90 years of experience and a trusted brand, we now operate like a high-growth startup—launching innovative technology, data, and service solutions to meet the evolving needs of the education sector.
The Associate Data Analyst plays a key role in supporting the analytics efforts that drive strategic decision-making across E&I. As part of the Operations team, you will contribute to meaningful, data-driven initiatives that enhance how we serve our members and strengthen our internal capabilities.
Are you energized by working with data, solving problems, and continuously learning new tools and techniques in a collaborative environment? If so, this is an opportunity to build a strong analytics foundation while making a meaningful impact.
What Makes E&I Unique
- Mission-Driven Impact: At E&I, your work directly supports the success of educational institutions nationwide, from universities to K-12 schools.
- Growth Culture: We are passionate about the power of culture to create conditions for excellence. We believe in the power of linking arms and lifting each other up in pursuit of common objectives. And we invest heavily in the personal and professional development of every single member of our team.
- The Best of All Worlds: We’re ninety years old - but act like a startup. We’re a non-profit cooperative - with a high-growth enterprise mindset. We work hard – and play hard. We love success - but reward failure that comes from bold ideas and big swings. We combine tradition with innovation, passion with purpose, and ambition with heart.
What You Will Do
The Associate Data Analyst is an entry-level professional in the Operations Department (Analytics team), responsible for supporting internal and external analytics efforts that inform strategic decision-making. This role focuses on data collection, preparation, basic analysis, and reporting to help derive insights for Sourcing, Member Engagement, and other departments, always with guidance and mentorship from more experienced analysts. The Associate Data Analyst contributes to projects such as spend analysis, supplier data reviews, routine dashboard updates, and other business intelligence initiatives, ensuring accuracy and developing a strong foundation in analytics.
How You Will Do It
- Analytical Support & Flexibility: Support multiple analytics functions (internal operational analytics, member-facing analytics, etc.) as needed, demonstrating flexibility and capacity to adapt to evolving project needs.
- Data Collection & Preparation: Gather, organize, and cleanse data from internal systems and external sources (e.g., procurement, financial databases) under guidance, ensuring data quality and accuracy. Perform initial data validation and prepare datasets for analysis.
- Foundational Analysis & Reporting: Conduct quantitative analyses (e.g., descriptive statistics, trend identification) with supervision. Create standard reports and visual charts (e.g., using Excel or BI tools) to clearly summarize key findings for stakeholders.
- Project Assistance: Contribute to sourcing and procurement analytics projects, such as spend analyses, cost baseline calculations, supplier utilization reports, Institutional Price Reviews (IPRs), and Strategic Spend Assessments (SSAs). Prepare data inputs, update pre-defined models, and assist in developing insights to support more senior analysts and business objectives.
- Professional Development: Actively participate in training and mentorship programs. Seek and apply feedback to continuously improve technical skills (analytics, data tools) and soft skills (communication, collaboration), preparing for advancement to a mid-level Data Analyst role.
- Dashboard & Data Product Support: Maintain and enhance standardized dashboards and data products by updating data and making improvements. Work within established standards and use certified data sources under guidance to ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Engage with colleagues in Sourcing, Member Engagement, Finance, and other departments to understand their analytical needs. Communicate effectively to clarify requirements and deliver data outputs that are relevant and accurate.
- Data Administration & Quality: Perform routine data quality checks (identifying missing data, outliers, etc.) and assist in managing analytics data sources and documentation. Contribute to improving data processes by noting issues and suggesting enhancements.
- Tools & Technology Learning: Use and learn analytic tools including advanced Excel features, SQL for querying databases, and Python scripts for data manipulation. Demonstrate initiative in adopting new technologies or methods (like automation tools or basic AI-assisted analysis) to increase efficiency, with support from mentors.
- Ad Hoc Support: Respond to ad hoc requests for data, analysis, or visualizations from internal stakeholders. Ensure timely delivery of accurate and well-organized results.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Finance, Accounting, Economics, Statistics, Data Science, Operations/Supply Chain Management, Computer Science, or Engineering), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Qualifications
- 1–3 years of relevant experience (including full-time employment, internships, or significant academic projects) in roles involving data analysis, reporting, or similar business analytics tasks.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills (e.g., advanced formulas, pivot tables, data analysis features).
- Working knowledge of SQL and Python for data querying, manipulation, and basic analysis highly preferred
- Analytical aptitude and attention to detail, with a demonstrated ability to accurately handle and interpret data.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with an ability to document work and explain data findings in a clear, concise manner.
- Teamwork and growth mindset: Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues, accept feedback, and adapt to new challenges.
- Curiosity to learn and grow new skills
- Experience with data visualization or business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and creating basic dashboards or reports
- Familiarity with procurement, finance, or business operations data through coursework or practical experience, preferred
Travel Requirements
National travel to company sponsored events (5%)
Call To Action
If you’re ready to bring your skills or values to a mission that matters and create meaningful impact together, we’d love to hear from you.
Use the "Apply Now" button on our careers page and submit your resume and a cover letter specifying your salary expectations. All submissions will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.
E&I is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal opportunities for employment and advancement without regard to an individual’s race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or any characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law.