Senior Director – Academic Data Analytics – Faculty & Curriculum

Senior Director – Academic Data Analytics – Faculty & Curriculum

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge of statistical analysis, machine learning, and AI applications, including natural language processing and predictive modeling, to improve educational workflows and student outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of BI platforms (eg. Tableau, Power BI), ETL tools, and AI/ML frameworks, with the ability to guide teams in leveraging these tools for advanced analytics, data visualization, and decision-making.
• Proven ability to develop and implement a forward-looking analytics strategy that enhances institutional priorities.
• Demonstrated success in leading large-scale change initiatives, particularly related to data systems, team structures, and institutional processes, with the ability to guide teams through transitions effectively.
• Proven track record of leading research initiatives and developing analytics tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively advise senior leaders, align cross-departmental initiatives, and promote data literacy.
• Exceptional project management skills to oversee multiple complex initiatives, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outcomes aligned with strategic goals.
• Expertise in managing budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation to maximize value and maintain operational excellence.
• Master’s degree in data science, analytics, computer science, social sciences, education, or a related field with coursework in research methods and statistics required.
• 12 years of experience in data analytics, data science, institutional research, or a related field.
• 7 years in leadership or supervisory roles overseeing large, cross-functional teams, including 5 years managing managers.
• Extensive experience collaborating with product and data engineering teams to design and manage data integration strategies that consolidate relevant data into a centralized warehouse, enabling seamless access for analytics and research purposes.
• Experience delivering actionable insights for operational improvements.
• Extensive experience partnering with academic, technical, and operational teams to align analytics efforts with institutional priorities.
• Experience managing large budgets, including oversight of vendor contracts and resource allocation for analytics initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a vision and strategy for leveraging analytics to enhance faculty operations, curriculum development, and personalized learning experiences, driving enhanced student outcomes.
• Collaborates with university leadership to define and executes strategic plans aligned with institutional goals.
• Oversees the design, creation, and management of dashboards, reports, and analytics tools that empower stakeholders with actionable insights.
• Partners with faculty and curriculum development teams to drive the adoption of analytics tools and establish effective and scalable support processes.
• Analyzes factors influencing student success and provide actionable recommendations to optimize faculty outreach, interactions, and support, as well as enhance the design and effectiveness of learning experiences.
• Evaluates faculty initiatives and student outreach efforts to determine their effectiveness in enhancing student outcomes.
• Delivers high-impact reports and executive summaries to internal and external stakeholders.
• Guides the use of advanced statistical models and machine learning to enhance faculty workflows, personalize learning experiences, and improve student outcomes.
• Partners with Product and Data Engineering teams to design and manage data integration frameworks that ensure seamless access to relevant systems and data.
• Coordinates with external vendors and technical experts to integrate data sources and maintain strong vendor relationships.
• Defines and maintains metrics to improve instructional quality, mentorship support, curriculum effectiveness, and equitable student outcomes.
• Develops frameworks to support faculty managers in evaluating team member performance fairly and equitably.
• Creates and manages effective processes to promptly address faculty-related needs and concerns regarding data, reports, and analytics tools, ensuring seamless resolution and collaboration with Faculty Operations teams to maintain access and functionality.
• Partners with Academic Delivery, Program Development, Schools, and EdTech teams to align analytics initiatives with institutional priorities and foster innovation.
• Identifies and leads research initiatives to develop novel analytics tools and frameworks that drive industry advancements and continuous improvement.
• Leads the design, execution, and analysis of faculty and student surveys and focus groups, integrating findings into strategic initiatives.
• Ensures the accuracy, consistency, and security of curriculum, instruction and mentoring-related data by collaborating with product and data engineering teams.
• Conducts regular data quality reviews and address issues proactively.
• Leads, mentors, and develops a diverse team of analysts, researchers, data scientists, and data leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and high performance.
• Manages recruitment, talent retention, and succession planning to build a high-performing team.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to university leadership by delivering insights and strategic recommendations that influence decision-making.
• Engages with key stakeholders to identify data needs and promote data literacy through workshops, training, and communication.
• Oversees the budgeting and resource allocation for analytics initiatives, ensuring cost-effective operations without compromising quality.
• Regularly assesses resource allocation to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and anticipate future needs as analytics programs scale.
• Manages vendor contracts and service agreements to maximize value and alignment with departmental objectives.
• Stays informed on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in research, data analytics, and data science.
• Implements processes that ensure efficiency, innovation, and alignment with industry standards.
• Identifies and mitigates risks associated with data management and research, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and institutional policies.
• Proactively addresses compliance issues and maintain the highest standards of integrity in research activities.
• Develops frameworks to mitigate risks in data integration, privacy, and security, ensuring adherence to evolving regulations and institutional policies.
• Represents the university at conferences, professional organizations, and forums to enhance its reputation and influence in the higher education industry.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience in a higher education environment, with a deep understanding of faculty operations, student success metrics, curriculum development processes, and their interplay.
• Familiarity with the tech industry and proven experience collaborating with software development teams to deliver analytics-driven solutions.
• Proficiency in Decision Intelligence principles, including the ability to design decision-support systems that enable evidence-based strategies and drive institutional success.