"Associate Director of Data Science & Technology"

Associate Director of Data Science & Technology

The Associate Director of Data Science and Technology, reporting to the Executive Director of the Career Center, is responsible for overseeing and delivering data science and technology solutions that advance and support the mission of the Career Center. This includes managing one or more direct reports, collaborating with key internal and external stakeholders to identify and deliver key projects, creating and maintaining analytic dashboards and custom data models, overseeing the business strategy for data analytics and reporting, managing data sources and data validation, and leading projects related to Career Center data priorities with a concentrated emphasis on the career outcomes of UGA students and alumni. The focus is on delivering valuable insights and decision-making support through effective data management and analysis, while managing technology licensing, hardware, and resources and developing a team to achieve the Career Center’s goals.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is structured as a permanent position within the Division of Development & Alumni Relations. We are unable to sponsor a work visa for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 5 years of professional experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in data science, analytics, information systems, computer science, higher education administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• Demonstrated leadership of enterprise‑level data analytics, reporting, business intelligence, and data governance functions within complex organizations, including oversight of data quality assurance, documentation, and validation processes.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross‑functional projects involving both technical and non-technical stakeholders, along with experience supervising professional staff through performance management, goal setting, and professional development.
• Proficiency with modern analytics, data integration, and visualization platforms—such as Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server (SSMS, SSAS, SSIS), and comparable enterprise tools—and experience developing dashboards, operational reports, and ad hoc analyses that support executive‑level decision‑making.
• Strong understanding of data visualization best practices, effective storytelling for executive and public audiences, and working knowledge of advanced analytics techniques, including predictive modeling and applied AI in business or educational settings.
• Experience integrating and managing data from multiple sources, including survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, QuestionPro), CRM or career management systems (e.g., Handshake), and external datasets, as well as modernizing data architecture through cloud‑based analytics, automation, and real‑time reporting solutions.
• Knowledge of FERPA, data privacy standards, and information security best practices related to student and alumni data, along with experience managing technology resources such as software licensing, vendor relationships, and hardware lifecycle planning.
• Direct experience with career outcomes data collection, analysis, and reporting, including first‑destination and alumni outcomes surveys.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Strategic and systems thinking
• Ability to set goals and achieve outcomes in a timely fashion with little oversight
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Data-informed decision-making and basic program assessment knowledge
• Advanced technical skills and comprehensive understanding of business practices
• Excellent technical skills, be adept at engaging others through collaboration, ability to apply systems thinking to technical applications
• Ability to identify emerging requirements and solutions
• Ability to think organizationally, conceptually, and strategically
• Ability to manage projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate complex material clearly in all formats
• Ability to translate objectives into IT solutions
• Strong project management skills
• Strong program management skills
• Relationship-building and collaboration across a broad range of stakeholder groups

Physical Demands

• Work in a standard office environment
• Travel in and out of state if necessary
• Work nights and weekends as necessary
• Work using electronic mail, telephone, face-to-face discussions, paper form correspondence
• Communicate effectively in writing, speaking, and listening
• Organize and establish priorities; Remember detail; multi-task
• Lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Walk, stand, stoop, lift, kneel, climb

Duties/Responsibilities

(35%) Management of Data Modeling and Enterprise Data Systems

• Oversee the integrity, quality, and governance of career outcomes data across systems of record, including Qualtrics, QuestionPro, Handshake, Steppingblocks, Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft SQL Server Suite (SSMS, SSAS, SSIS), and other technology platforms.
• Provide vision, leadership, and strategy for execution of the Career Outcomes Initiative. Monitor and evaluate progress year-round to take necessary actions. Collaborate with UGA schools/colleges and non-academic units to continue to evolve and improve survey outcomes, data reporting, and data visualizations.
• Utilize external data sources to augment internally managed information (e.g., third-party career outcomes data, Steppingblocks, U.S. Census, National Student Clearinghouse, etc.).
• Act as the Career Center’s liaison to the Office of Institutional Research (OIR) providing career outcomes reporting and obtaining student demographics and activities data for the Career Outcomes Initiative. Provide reporting for national surveys such as US News & World Report, Princeton Review, etc.

(15%) Supervision

• Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Career Center Data Analytics team.
• Foster professional growth through mentoring, training, and leadership development opportunities for Data Analytics team members.
• Define and track performance metrics that measure and support the effectiveness of Career Center programs and services.
• Supervise and manage staff reporting to this position and develop performance initiatives, expectations, and evaluate his/her performance annually.

(30%) Analytics Innovation and Enablement

• Lead the development of analytics dashboards, predictive models, and analytic tools that support Career Center strategic priorities.
• Drive the integration of advanced analytics, AI, and data visualizations to support continuous improvement and innovation.
• Oversee the migration and modernization of data architecture to support scalable analytics, automation, and real-time insights into Career Center projects, programs, and services.
• Ensure that the uses of data through reports and queries are accurate.
• Design and develop standardized operational, management, and ad hoc solutions for use by Career Center staff.

(20%) Security, Compliance, Campus Integration, and Data Stewardship

• Ensure compliance with the Division of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) and university IT policies, data security standards, and FERPA requirements.
• Provide leadership and strategic direction for data automation and request and exchange of data with DAR IT, the Office of the Registrar, EITS, and other campus units.
• Coordinate user access controls and data permissions across systems.
• Partner with DAR IT and EITS to manage security updates, backups, and incident responses.
• Liaise with DAR IT, EITS, procurement, and other campus technology partners to align systems, standards, and support processes.
• Oversee the deployment, maintenance, and lifecycle management of all computer hardware, peripherals, and AV equipment used by the Career Center.
• Contribute to long-term technology planning aligned with Career Center strategic goals.
• Act as a liaison to DAR IT and Enterprise Information Technology Services, utilizing working knowledge of EITS’ DNS/DHCP system and basic understanding of networking components. Act as a liaison for the Registrar’s Office obtaining various data sets used to update Handshake and the Career Outcomes Survey.