Inside Higher Ed
DIRECTOR OF DATA ANALYTICS, Institutional Research
Inside Higher Ed, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298
Director of Data Analytics, Institutional Research
Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is seeking a Director of Data Analytics to design and deliver a sophisticated analytics program that supports data-informed decision‑making by senior leadership and central administration. The role requires deep technical fluency in Python, SQL, machine learning, and statistical modeling, and the ability to translate advanced analyses into actionable institutional insights.
The Director will develop predictive models, statistical analyses, executive dashboards, and scenario simulations to support institutional planning, resource allocation, policy development, and performance assessment. Working closely with the Data Engineering team and analysts in Analytical Services & Institutional Research, the Director will also contribute to the University Data Library, an integrated resource providing coordinated data access and business intelligence.
Responsibilities
Develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms for student success, enrollment forecasting, and space optimization.
Build scalable analytics tools, automated reporting processes, and secure reporting environments.
Deliver clear, tailored reports and dashboards for senior leadership, ensuring accuracy and relevance in KPI tracking, benchmarking, and compliance.
Lead and mentor a team of analysts, promoting best practices in data science, automation, and cross‑departmental collaboration.
Serve as liaison to campus and external groups, championing data literacy among non‑technical stakeholders.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, computer science, applied mathematics, higher education, or a related field.
Master’s or PhD preferred but not required.
8+ years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, data science, or institutional research.
Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and R for data modeling, cleaning, and analysis.
Hands‑on experience with machine learning frameworks and statistical modeling.
Proficiency in data visualization platforms and programming libraries (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Strong understanding of data engineering practices, including pipeline design, version control, and workflow orchestration.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex analyses to non‑technical audiences and senior leadership.
Demonstrated success leading analytic teams and managing high‑impact, cross‑departmental projects.
Bonus Qualifications
Higher education experience is ideal but not required.
Experience with enrollment management concepts, modeling, and applications.
Experience in an R1 university or similarly complex academic institution.
Familiarity with higher education data systems (SIS, HRIS, LMS) and national data sources (IPEDS, NSF HERD, Common Data Set).
Knowledge of higher education policy, strategic planning, or institutional effectiveness frameworks.
Knowledge of data governance practices, metadata management, or semantic modeling.
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and modern data stack tools (dbt, Airflow).
Benefits The University offers a comprehensive benefits package: paid intersession break, 13 paid holidays, a retirement plan with full vesting after two years of service, and a competitive tuition assistance program for employees and families. Additional professional development opportunities include lunch and learn sessions, an extensive library of online courses, and participation in industry events.
To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/316084
Equal Opportunity Statement : We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617‑353‑6474.
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The Director will develop predictive models, statistical analyses, executive dashboards, and scenario simulations to support institutional planning, resource allocation, policy development, and performance assessment. Working closely with the Data Engineering team and analysts in Analytical Services & Institutional Research, the Director will also contribute to the University Data Library, an integrated resource providing coordinated data access and business intelligence.
Responsibilities
Develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms for student success, enrollment forecasting, and space optimization.
Build scalable analytics tools, automated reporting processes, and secure reporting environments.
Deliver clear, tailored reports and dashboards for senior leadership, ensuring accuracy and relevance in KPI tracking, benchmarking, and compliance.
Lead and mentor a team of analysts, promoting best practices in data science, automation, and cross‑departmental collaboration.
Serve as liaison to campus and external groups, championing data literacy among non‑technical stakeholders.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, computer science, applied mathematics, higher education, or a related field.
Master’s or PhD preferred but not required.
8+ years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, data science, or institutional research.
Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and R for data modeling, cleaning, and analysis.
Hands‑on experience with machine learning frameworks and statistical modeling.
Proficiency in data visualization platforms and programming libraries (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
Strong understanding of data engineering practices, including pipeline design, version control, and workflow orchestration.
Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex analyses to non‑technical audiences and senior leadership.
Demonstrated success leading analytic teams and managing high‑impact, cross‑departmental projects.
Bonus Qualifications
Higher education experience is ideal but not required.
Experience with enrollment management concepts, modeling, and applications.
Experience in an R1 university or similarly complex academic institution.
Familiarity with higher education data systems (SIS, HRIS, LMS) and national data sources (IPEDS, NSF HERD, Common Data Set).
Knowledge of higher education policy, strategic planning, or institutional effectiveness frameworks.
Knowledge of data governance practices, metadata management, or semantic modeling.
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) and modern data stack tools (dbt, Airflow).
Benefits The University offers a comprehensive benefits package: paid intersession break, 13 paid holidays, a retirement plan with full vesting after two years of service, and a competitive tuition assistance program for employees and families. Additional professional development opportunities include lunch and learn sessions, an extensive library of online courses, and participation in industry events.
To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/BU/External/jobs/316084
Equal Opportunity Statement : We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617‑353‑6474.
#J-18808-Ljbffr