Overview

OverviewAs 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. This position is a hands-on role, requiring active involvement in day-to-day technical operations, problem-solving, and project execution in addition to management responsibilities.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.ResponsibilitiesStatistical Modeling and Technical Exploration Utilizing a combination of business focus, strong analytical and problem-solving skills and programming knowledge, drive new innovations and data explorationDevelop recommendation engines or automated lead scoring systems to drive our prospect management strategy and marketing segmentation, utilizing machine learning techniquesWork with structured data and drive innovation in unstructured data architecture and analysisWork with statistical programming language, like R or Python, and database querying language like PL/SQLUtilize 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 analyticsCommunication, Mentoring and Analytics Implementation Work with business users to define desired outcomes and business requirements of analyses, data visualization and other reportingProvide expertise on mathematical concepts for broader applied analytics and inspire the adoption of advanced analytics and data science across the Advancement OfficeDescribe 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 organizationAssist 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 serviceStaff Management 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 prioritiesResponsible for the hiring and professional development of staff including training, mentoring, and identifying goals, objectives and metricsResponsible for performance management of staff and monitoring of activity and metricsOther related tasks as assignedBest Practices & Strategy 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 environmentReview and recommend use of new technologies, vendor services and information sources. Keep abreast of news