MIS (management information systems) analysts are individuals who work in an information systems environment for an organization with the primary responsibility to provide direction and guidance concerning an organization meeting strategic goals related to processing and security of data and software application management. The basic requirements for the position include excellent verbal and written skills and a technical background in systems management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of MIS analyst jobs should grow 25 percent between 2012 and 2022, much faster than average job growth.

Creates Information Systems Strategies

An MIS analyst creates strategies for the deployment of information systems or computer systems concepts. This includes budgeting for equipment, software and personnel requirements reflected in the annual strategic plan for the organization. Strategies created by an MIS analyst also reference how data is processed, a review of data processing agreements in support of other departments and branches in the organization, risk management assessments and training objectives for IT (information technology) personnel.

Data Security Structure

The MIS analyst coordinates with the data security officer to establish system policies regarding security of data and information through computer networks. Policies are established for the control and management of user ids and passwords that govern access to files, systems programs and utilities. In most computer programming environments, the analyst creates partitioning instructions to separate programs that are in production and active programs on the system.

Supervises IT Personnel

The MIS analyst is a supervisor of a branch or division with oversight of several positions under the organizational structure of information systems management. Positions of supervisory responsibility include computer programmers, data processing operators, data security officers, project managers and network analysts. The analyst interviews and hires potential employees for the MIS department and creates or updates job descriptions for positions in an MIS structure and reviews employee performance reports submitted by supervisors regarding information technology personnel.

Coordinates Implementation of Technology

The MIS analyst is responsible for planning and implementing technologies, including installation of new hardware systems, telecommunications equipment, network servers and designing the network topology for an organization. The analyst approves software versions through program releases to upgrade operating systems and computer programs that are created "in-house" by computer programmers.

Education and Salary

A bachelor's or master's degree in administration with a core concentration in information systems management is usually required for a management position. Most colleges have degree programs in information systems management, which provides a concentration of courses in business, computer science and management principles. Tenure is also a consideration for employers when hiring an MIS analyst. According to the Bureau f Labor Statistics, the median salary for computer system analysts as of 2012 was $79,680 per year.