DIRECTOR OF DATA ANALYTICS, Institutional Research

Boston University Information Services & Technology (IS&T) is seeking applicants with diverse skills and experiences to join our innovative and inclusive community. The Director of Data Analytics is a technically proficient and strategic leader responsible for designing and delivering a sophisticated analytics program that supports data-informed decision-making by senior leadership and central administration at Boston University. This position requires deep technical fluency in Python, SQL, machine learning, and statistical modeling, alongside the ability to translate advanced analyses into actionable institutional insights. The Director delivers high-impact data products including predictive models, statistical analyses, executive dashboards, and scenario simulations to support institutional planning, resource allocation, policy development, and performance assessment. This role is critical in advancing a modern, scalable analytics infrastructure and in developing cutting-edge models that directly inform areas such as enrollment forecasting, student success, and operational optimization. In collaboration with the Data Engineering team and analysts in Analytical Services & Institutional Research, the Director contributes to the University Data Library an integrated resource offering coordinated access to data, reports, and business intelligence tools. The role is essential to enrollment management and institutional forecasting, providing robust, technically sound models and decision frameworks that support the financial sustainability of the university. The Director leads a team of analysts and works across academic and administrative units to foster a culture of advanced analytics and evidence-based planning aligned with Boston University's strategic goals. Responsibilities:

• Advanced Analytics & Insight Generation: Develop predictive models and machine learning algorithms to support strategic initiatives like student success, enrollment forecasting, and space optimization. Extract actionable insights from complex datasets to inform university-wide decisions. Develop an analytics program that includes evaluation of academic and administrative efforts for potential improvement and growth.
• Analytics and Data Infrastructure: Build scalable analytics tools, automated reporting and processes, and secure reporting environments. Collaborate across departments to enhance data access, governance, and integration for improved decision-making.
• Reporting and Insight Delivery: Deliver clear, tailored reports and dashboards for senior leadership, ensuring accuracy and relevance in KPI tracking, benchmarking, and compliance.
• Leadership and Team Development: Lead and mentor analytics staff, promote best practices in data science, automation, and foster collaboration across academic and administrative units.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a liaison to campus and external groups, and champion data literacy among non-technical stakeholders.

Required Skills

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 articulate complex analyses to non-technical audiences and senior leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading analytic teams and managing high-impact, cross-departmental projects.

Bonus Qualifications: If you do not meet these, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn. •Higher education experience is ideal but not required.

• Demonstrated experience with enrollment management concepts, modelling, and applications.
• Experience in an R1 university or similarly complex academic institution.
• Familiarity with higher education data systems (e.g., SIS, HRIS, LMS) and national higher education data sources (e.g., 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 (e.g., AWS, Azure) and modern data stack tools (e.g., dbt, Airflow). Boston University offers an excellent benefits package including: Time Off: In addition to PTO and leave policy, BU employees have a paid intersession break and 13 paid holidays. Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 2 years of eligible service. Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program for yourself and family members. Check out and for more information! Boston University IS&T invests in our staff and their personal and professional growth. We promote staff learning including lunch and learn sessions, an extensive library of online courses, Fun Advisory Board (FAB) arranges a number of events throughout the year and opportunities to engage with peers at NERCOMP and EDUCAUSE events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to complete the employment application process, please contact the Equal Opportunity Office at 617-353-6474. 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. We, at IS&T, appreciate each individual's knowledge, experiences and insights which enhance who we are, and as our DEIA knowledge and practice grows, we will ensure that our Mission, Vision, & Practices remain equitable and welcoming to all.