Business Intelligence Lead Jobs in Illinois
Business Intelligence Lead jobs in Illinois are actively sought across finance, healthcare, logistics, and technology sectors, with openings at every level from junior BI analyst stepping into a lead role through senior-level enterprise positions. Chicago is the dominant hiring hub, with additional concentration in Naperville and Schaumburg, where major employers such as United Airlines, Walgreens, and Allstate maintain large analytics teams. The most in-demand specialties include cloud data platform management, self-service BI tools like Tableau and Power BI, and cross-functional analytics program leadership. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 36+ Business Intelligence Lead jobs
- Normal, Illinois, Illinois, United States
- Hybrid
- On Campus
- Remote
- Closing at: Oct 3 2026 - 23:55 CDT
Title: Director of Business Intelligence
Division Name: Finance and Planning
Department: Decision Support
Job Summary
The Director of Business Intelligence is charged with:
- Overseeing and coordinating requirements gathering, data analysis, technical design, BI development, end-user customer support, and training
- Ensuring the University is able to optimize its data assets by understanding and promoting best practices in business intelligence reporting and delivery
- Planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and providing oversight of the work of the unit
- Understanding industry standards, trends and best practices to ensure successful management of opportunities and risks for the reporting and data warehouse environment
- Shaping the business intelligence strategy, data management strategies, and business intelligence architecture
- Ensuring data security through user role management and adherence to data restriction policies
Additional Information
There is the potential for 100% remote work in this position, within the State of Illinois. Eligibility is based upon employee performance, appropriate remote working environment, and business needs.
The Business Intelligence team provides a strong business intelligence environment that helps the University make informed and strategic decisions.
https://data.illinoisstate.edu/
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$110,000 - $120,000 annual
Required Qualifications
2. Minimum of six (6) years’ experience which included the following:
- Leading teams of business intelligence and data analysts
- Leading large-scale business intelligence and/or data warehousing projects
- Developing reports and dashboards using the following BI tools:
- IBM Cognos Analytics
- Microsoft Power BI
- Administering the following BI tools, including configuration management, user management/security, and data source configuration:
- IBM Cognos Analytics
- Microsoft Power BI
- Managing communications with BI end-users, self-service developers, and other key stakeholders
- Training BI end-users and developers and/or managing a BI training function
- Developing data governance policies, particularly for BI self-service developers
3. Minimum of six (6) years’ experience which included the following:
- Writing complex queries using SQL
- Designing and implementing new relational databases
4. Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience which included the following:
- Collecting, analyzing, and documenting requirements
- Developing test cases
- Managing user-acceptance testing
Preferred Qualifications
1. Master's Degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or related disciplines.
2. Minimum of 10 years’ experience working at a higher education institution
Work Hours
Core work hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Distinguish colors on a monitor.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
Proposed Starting Date
October 2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Transcripts - See Special Instructions to Applicants for additional options
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Optional Applicant Documents
Certification of Retirement Annuity
Please Note: These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.
Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.
College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.
To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.
Transcripts and/or military service documentation may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:
Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Colette Homan
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300
The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. The active register for this classification will be voided when the position is filled.
Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Contact Information for Applicants
Colette Homan
Human Resources
309-438-8848
cshoman@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.
- Normal, Illinois, Illinois, United States
- Hybrid
- On Campus
- Remote
- Closing at: Oct 3 2026 - 23:55 CDT
Title: Director of Business Intelligence
Division Name: Finance and Planning
Department: Decision Support
Job Summary
The Director of Business Intelligence is charged with:
- Overseeing and coordinating requirements gathering, data analysis, technical design, BI development, end-user customer support, and training
- Ensuring the University is able to optimize its data assets by understanding and promoting best practices in business intelligence reporting and delivery
- Planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and providing oversight of the work of the unit
- Understanding industry standards, trends and best practices to ensure successful management of opportunities and risks for the reporting and data warehouse environment
- Shaping the business intelligence strategy, data management strategies, and business intelligence architecture
- Ensuring data security through user role management and adherence to data restriction policies
Additional Information
There is the potential for 100% remote work in this position, within the State of Illinois. Eligibility is based upon employee performance, appropriate remote working environment, and business needs.
The Business Intelligence team provides a strong business intelligence environment that helps the University make informed and strategic decisions.
https://data.illinoisstate.edu/
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time
For more University Benefit information: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/
Information regarding eligibility for participation in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program can be reviewed here https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/insurance/
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
$110,000 - $120,000 annual
Required Qualifications
2. Minimum of six (6) years’ experience which included the following:
- Leading teams of business intelligence and data analysts
- Leading large-scale business intelligence and/or data warehousing projects
- Developing reports and dashboards using the following BI tools:
- IBM Cognos Analytics
- Microsoft Power BI
- Administering the following BI tools, including configuration management, user management/security, and data source configuration:
- IBM Cognos Analytics
- Microsoft Power BI
- Managing communications with BI end-users, self-service developers, and other key stakeholders
- Training BI end-users and developers and/or managing a BI training function
- Developing data governance policies, particularly for BI self-service developers
3. Minimum of six (6) years’ experience which included the following:
- Writing complex queries using SQL
- Designing and implementing new relational databases
4. Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience which included the following:
- Collecting, analyzing, and documenting requirements
- Developing test cases
- Managing user-acceptance testing
Preferred Qualifications
1. Master's Degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, or related disciplines.
2. Minimum of 10 years’ experience working at a higher education institution
Work Hours
Core work hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Functional Expectations
Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Distinguish colors on a monitor.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
Proposed Starting Date
October 2026
Required Applicant Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Transcripts - See Special Instructions to Applicants for additional options
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Optional Applicant Documents
Certification of Retirement Annuity
Please Note: These documents may be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for Illinois State University in the United States. Illinois State University will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Illinois State University is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Illinois State University.
Please fully complete the entire application including, but not limited to, the education and work history portions. Be specific on your work history, including employment dates (if part-time you must list the number of work hours) and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Please do not put "see resume" in the duties and responsibilities section of the work history. This will be considered an incomplete application and incomplete applications will not be considered.
College or university transcripts (may be unofficial) must be submitted prior to the application deadline to receive full consideration. Transcripts can either be uploaded with your application or submitted via the options listed below.
To be eligible for Veteran's Preference points on the exam, appropriate military service documentation such as a DD-214 must be submitted prior to the application deadline.
Transcripts and/or military service documentation may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Human Resources by the application deadline:
Fax: 309.438.0011, Attn: Colette Homan
Address: Illinois State University
Human Resources
Campus Box 1300
Normal, IL 61790-1300
The Civil Service examination for this classification is based on your application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. No participation other than submission of applicant materials is required from applicants that qualify to take the exam. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score calculated based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register by exam score. After the application deadline, the names within the top three scores will be referred to the department for interview. The active register for this classification will be voided when the position is filled.
Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. If hired, out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days from the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois driver’s license or a valid State of Illinois ID card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.
Contact Information for Applicants
Colette Homan
Human Resources
309-438-8848
cshoman@ilstu.edu
Important Information for Applicants
This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.
Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.
If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.
See All 36 Business Intelligence Lead Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsBusiness Intelligence Lead Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Business Intelligence Lead Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Insurance
- Science & Research
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in business intelligence lead jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or a related analytical field
- Proficiency in BI platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker
- Experience writing complex SQL queries and building scalable data models
- Demonstrated ability to lead a team of analysts or BI developers
- Familiarity with cloud data warehouses such as Snowflake, BigQuery, or Azure Synapse
- Strong communication skills translating data insights for non-technical business stakeholders
Business Intelligence Lead Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a business intelligence lead in Illinois?
Most business intelligence lead roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, statistics, or a related field, though some employers accept equivalent experience. There is no state-issued license for this role in Illinois. Candidates typically advance by building expertise in BI platforms and SQL, earning vendor certifications such as Microsoft's Power BI Data Analyst Associate, and gaining experience managing analytics projects before moving into a lead position.
How much do business intelligence leads make in Illinois?
Business intelligence leads in Illinois earn a median of about $106,560 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $68,810 for the lowest 10% to over $168,880 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire business intelligence leads in Illinois?
Employers hiring business intelligence leads in Illinois right now include Ryan Companies US, ZF, and RSM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Illinois's concentration of corporate headquarters in financial services, healthcare, and logistics means large enterprise analytics teams are a consistent source of openings for experienced BI leads.
Which Illinois cities have the most business intelligence lead jobs?
Chicago, Normal, and Bloomington account for the greatest concentration of business intelligence lead openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the bulk of demand through its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, financial institutions, and health systems, while suburban hubs like Naperville and Schaumburg host major operations centers for national employers that maintain dedicated analytics teams.
Are there remote business intelligence lead jobs in Illinois?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 75% of business intelligence lead openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how well the role translates to distributed work. Dashboard development, report automation, and stakeholder presentations are the functions most commonly performed fully remote, though cross-functional project leadership sometimes requires periodic on-site collaboration.
How can I get hired as a business intelligence lead in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a BI analyst or data analyst role first, then building toward a lead position. Illinois employers in healthcare and insurance, including large Chicago-area systems and carriers, regularly hire junior analysts and offer rotational analytics programs for recent graduates. Earning a Microsoft or Tableau certification alongside a portfolio of published dashboards makes a strong case for candidates without direct lead experience.
Where can I find and apply to business intelligence lead jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to business intelligence lead jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers across the state. Find roles that match your experience and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 36 Business Intelligence Lead Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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