The Executive Director, Analytics and Data Science, is a senior leader within Excelsior University's Office of Analytics and Data Science (ADS), reporting to the Chief Analytics Officer. This position oversees analytics initiatives supporting both Academic Affairs and Transformative Partnerships-leading a team of three data scientists and analysts to deliver high-impact insights that advance student success, curriculum optimization, enrollment growth, and institutional performance. The Executive Director collaborates directly with senior leadership, including the Provost, Executive Deans, and the Special Assistant for Transformative Partnerships, to translate data into strategy. The ideal candidate brings deep analytical expertise, organizational leadership, and the ability to synthesize complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations. This is a full-time hybrid role requiring a minimum of two onsite days per week at Excelsior University's headquarters in Albany, NY, with remaining days remote.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership for analytics initiatives across Academic Affairs and Transformative Partnerships.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of three data scientists and analysts.
- Serve as primary liaison to Academic Affairs on student success, curriculum design, and faculty analytics.
- Serve as primary liaison to Transformative Partnerships on market growth, enrollment trends, and partner performance.
- Design and oversee predictive and prescriptive analytics models to inform institutional strategy.
- Translate data insights into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leaders.
- Partner with institutional leaders to define KPIs and success metrics.
- Ensure analytical outputs are methodologically sound, interpretable, and aligned with Excelsior's equity and innovation goals.
- Advance Excelsior's AI and decision-intelligence strategy in collaboration with the Chief Analytics Officer.
- Promote data literacy and evidence-based decision-making across the university.
- Maintain high standards of data governance, privacy, and integrity.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Data Science, Operations Research, Statistics, Economics, Business Analytics, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in analytics or data science, including 3+ years in leadership.
- Demonstrated success translating analytical insights into strategy for non-technical audiences.
- Proven experience managing and mentoring analytical teams. Strong technical knowledge of predictive modeling, data visualization, and experimental design.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
The hiring salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $120,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting
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