Associate Director, Data Science

Overview

As part of University Advancement Data Strategy and Innovation team, the role of the Associate Director, Data Science is to turn data into tactical information and knowledge by applying statistical, algorithmic, mining and visualization techniques. Data Strategy and Innovation plays a critical strategic role within Advancement, providing the analytical framework, data architecture, application development, and tools for data‑driven decision making at all levels of the organization.

The person in this role should be a creative thinker and propose innovative ways to look at problems that can be used to make sound organizational decisions. The Associate Director, Data Science will need to be able to present their findings and communicate data in ways that can be easily understood by their business counterparts. Working with the department Executive Director, this role will supervise the activities of the data science team and provide management of day‑to‑day functional operations.

In addition, this position will serve as a liaison to other teams within University Advancement acting as a lead and driving strategic planning to successfully execute analytics strategies and solutions in support of the University fundraising and engagement operations.

Statistical Modeling and Technical Exploration (40%)

• Utilizing a combination of business focus, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills and programming knowledge, drive new innovations and data exploration
• Develop recommendation engines or automated lead scoring systems to drive our prospect management strategy and marketing segmentation, utilizing machine learning techniques
• Work with structured data and drive innovation in unstructured data architecture and analysis
• Work with statistical programming language, like R or Python, and database querying language like PL/SQL
• Utilize innovative approaches to drive knowledge, incorporate and promote a big data environment
• Identify what data is available and relevant, including internal and external data sources, leveraging new data collection processes such as social media and web analytics

Communication, Mentoring and Analytics Implementation (25%)

• Work with business users to define desired outcomes and business requirements of analyses, data visualization and other reporting
• Provide expertise on mathematical concepts for broader applied analytics and inspire the adoption of advanced analytics and data science across the Advancement Office
• Describe findings or the way techniques work to audiences, both technical and non‑technical, effectively using presentation tools such as data visualization, PowerPoint and documentation to drive strategic decision making and understanding of business analytics at all levels of the organization
• Assist in addressing daily operational questions as needed, identify critical process improvement areas and collaborate in developing procedures and solutions for enhancing a high level of customer service

Staff Management (20%)

• Serve as the team lead for projects and priorities of the data science team, working closely with the Executive Director, Prospect, Engagement, and Data Strategy to ensure projects are aligned with department and Advancement priorities
• Responsible for the hiring and professional development of staff including training, mentoring, and identifying goals, objectives and metrics
• Responsible for performance management of staff including staff appraisals and monitoring of activity and metrics
• Other related tasks as assigned

Best Practices & Strategy (15%)

• Working closely with Data Strategy and Innovation team members, conceive of and contribute to strategies and best practices in maintaining a comprehensive, reliable, and innovative data environment
• Review and recommend use of new technologies, vendor services and information sources. Keep abreast of news and relevant industry trends in support of the Office of Advancement
• Develop and maintain proficiency in using advanced analytic and database tools, internet resources, in‑house data, and other references

• 7+ years of professional experience required in an analytical or information…