Research Associate IV - Data Strategy

Job title:

Research Associate IV – Data Strategy (PD Level IV).

Location:

Athens Area, University of Georgia. Full‑time employee with benefits and FLSA exempt.

Senior‑level Research Associate IV in the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government supporting data strategy, governance, organizational improvement, and applied research initiatives for higher education, government, and public sector partners. The role provides strategic consultation and technical assistance, project leadership, partner engagement, applied research support, training development, and collaboration across cross‑functional teams and external stakeholders.

• Lead and support data strategy, governance, and organizational improvement initiatives for higher education, government, and public sector partners.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assess organizational needs and support strategic planning.
• Develop and deliver training, facilitation, and professional development programs related to data strategy, governance, and organizational effectiveness.
• Support technical assistance initiatives and collaborative projects related to strategic planning, performance improvement, and operational consulting services.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, external organizations, and stakeholder groups.
• Remain current on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices related to data strategy, governance, and public sector innovation.

• Terminal degree in a relative discipline and 8 years of professional experience, including 5 years of formal post‑degree work.

• Terminal degree in data science, analytics, information systems, public administration, business, organizational development, statistics, engineering, geography, or a related field.
• Experience leading or supporting enterprise data strategy, governance, analytics, or data management initiatives in complex organizations.
• Experience developing and delivering professional training, facilitation, or technical assistance programs for organizational leaders or working professionals.
• Experience working with cloud‑based data environments, analytics platforms, reporting tools, or organizational data systems.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, cross‑functional teams, or external stakeholders within higher education, government, nonprofit, or public sector environments.
• Experience managing or supporting externally funded projects, contracts, or technical assistance initiatives.

• Knowledge of enterprise data strategy, data governance, organizational data management, data quality, privacy, lifecycle management, and data‑informed decision‑making.
• Ability to assess organizational needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and translate needs into technical recommendations using data and analytics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including evaluation of complex issues, risk assessment, solution development, and support for performance measurement and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of analytics, reporting, data visualization, data systems, cloud technologies, analytics platforms, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to collaborate with technical professionals, leadership, and cross‑functional stakeholders; manage multiple projects; exercise independent judgment; and develop and deliver training, facilitation, and technical assistance programs.

Office work, prolonged sitting, computer work; can lift up to 25 lb. Day trips with overnight stays may be required. Travel estimated about 20%. Driving is a responsibility of this position. Position requires security access.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status.