Director of Data Strategy and Institutional Analytics

The Director of Data Strategy & Institutional Analytics leads the college’s advanced research, data analytics, and decision-support functions. This role provides high-level technical expertise, data modeling, and critical analyses to support institutional planning, program improvement, accreditation, student success initiatives, and community impact evaluation. The position reports to the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, and in concert with the Executive Director collaborates across academic and administrative units to generate actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.

This position complements the Director of Institutional Research by serving as the college’s advanced analytics lead, responsible for deeper quantitative and qualitative research, improved data infrastructure, and forward-looking predictive and evaluative models.

Essential Functions:

Advanced Analytics & Research

• Conduct complex statistical analyses, predictive modeling, and advanced data visualization to support institutional planning and program evaluation.
• Collaborates with the Executive Director for the design and implementation of research studies evaluating student outcomes, enrollment patterns, workforce alignment, and community needs.
• Develop models and dashboards that identify trends, risks, opportunities, and key performance indicators.

Decision Support & Strategic Insight

• Translate complex data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for senior leadership, academic deans, and program chairs.
• Provide analysis supporting strategic planning, resource allocation, enrollment management, equity initiatives, and grant development.
• Assess institutional performance relative to peer institutions, regional and national benchmarks, and accreditation standards

Data Infrastructure & Technology

• Enhance data systems and processes to increase analytic capacity and quality.
• Collaborate with IT on data architecture, warehousing, integrations, and automation of reporting workflows.
• Select and maintain analytic tools, dashboards, and software to increase efficiency and insight generation.

Collaboration, Consultation & Communication

• Partner closely with the Director of Institutional Research to ensure alignment of reporting, compliance, and analytics functions.
• Provide training, coaching, and consultation to faculty, staff, and administrators on data literacy and effective use of analytics.
• Serve on college committees related to assessment, accreditation, planning, and student success.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, provides data and analysis for use by departments for the development and oversight of programs and services that result in enrollment, progression, retention, and graduation growth for the service area.

Quality Assurance & Compliance Support

• Ensure integrity, accuracy, and reliability of data used in analyses and reports.
• Support compliance with accreditation and state/federal reporting by enhancing underlying data quality and interpretation.

Education, Training, and Experience

Required:

• Master’s degree in Data Analytics, Statistics, Research Methodology, Social Science Research, Educational Research, Data Science, or related field.
• 5 years of demonstrated experience with advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• High proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, SAS), data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau), and database querying (SQL).
• Experience conducting complex analyses and presenting findings.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaborative skills.

Preferred:

• Experience in higher education or public-sector research
• Knowledge of accreditation, program review, or institutional effectiveness practices.
• Experience with predictive analytics, machine learning techniques, or data warehousing systems.
• Familiarity with student information systems and ERP data structures

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Analytical & Critical Thinking – Ability to conduct sophisticated analyses and derive meaningful insights.
• Technical Expertise – Mastery of analytic tools, programming languages, and data systems.
• Strategic Mindset – Ability to identify institutional opportunities and risks from data trends.
• Collaboration & Influence – Skilled at building relationships and guiding teams toward data-informed decisions.
• Communication – Ability to convey complex data clearly to non-technical audiences.

Working Conditions

• Standard office environment with typical sitting and computer use.
• Travel to Columbia State centers, sites, and service area locations.
• Varied work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Titles Supervised

• None

Hiring Salary Range: $63,400 – $79,240

This position is based at the Columbia, TN Campus.

About Columbia State Community College:

As Tennessee’s first community college (established in 1966), Columbia State is committed to committed to student success both in and out of the classroom, as well as economic and community development in our nine-county service area. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Columbia State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 14 paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

Columbia State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources
humanresources@columbiastate.edu
1665 Hampshire Pike, Columbia, TN 38401
931-540-2501