Assistant Vice President for Analytics Strategy

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic, Visionary Leadership
  • Develops and implements a comprehensive strategy for integrating AI and data analytics across student acquisition, enrollment, retention, and academic programs
  • Collaborates with senior leadership to align AI and data integration initiatives with institutional goals and priorities
  • Stays abreast of emerging trends and best practices in AI, machine learning, and data analytics in higher education
  • Creates and executes an annual strategic plan integrating data collection, manipulation, and analysis to enable decision-makers to develop more significant insights and transform student acquisition, enrollment, retention, and academic programs 
• Team Development and Continuous Learning
  • Builds and leads a cross-functional, multidisciplinary team across N&G, including data scientists, analysts, technologists, and system administrators
  • Supports ongoing professional development in AI, data analytics, and technology across all aspects of N&G. Introduce AI and data leaders from various institutions to N&G to facilitate continuous professional development
  • Provides mentorship, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members
  • Fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team and across N&G
  • Collaborates with leading institutions nationwide and attends national conferences and think tanks to ensure that N&G is at the forefront of AI and analytics in higher education 
• Data Architecture, Governance, and Compliance
  • In collaboration with enrollment technology and university information technology, design the appropriate architecture for AI and data analytics
  • Enforces data governance policies and procedures in collaboration with Information Technology to ensure institutional data's integrity, security, and privacy
  • Ensures compliance with relevant regulations, such as FERPA and GDPR, governing the use of student data
• Enrollment Management
  • Works with the enrollment technology team to develop and deploy AI and predictive analytic tools to optimize student acquisition, recruitment, and enrollment strategies
  • Organizes complex analyses to identify and prioritize target student populations based on data-driven insights for recruitment efforts
  • Monitors enrollment trends and provides actionable recommendations to enhance enrollment outcomes
  • Supports the VP with developing and maintaining a performance management system, including an array of reporting, dashboard, and analytical tools to track operational and individual performance 
• Student Retention and Success
  • Designs and implements predictive modeling techniques to identify at-risk students and intervene proactively to support their success
  • Collaborates with faculty, academic advisors, mentors, and student support services to develop personalized intervention strategies
  • Tracks and evaluates the effectiveness of retention initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed based on data analysis 
• Academic Program Enhancement
  • Analyzes student performance data to inform curriculum development and program improvement initiatives
  • Identifies opportunities for innovative program delivery models, such as online and hybrid learning, based on market demand and student preferences
  • Collaborates with faculty development and academic assessment administrators to integrate AI and data analytics into teaching and learning processes 

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Advanced degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, higher education administration, or a related discipline

Experience

• Ten to fifteen (10-15) years of higher education experience, preferably in enrollment or a related function
• Proven experience in leadership roles involving AI, data analytics, or technology implementation in higher education settings
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, innovate, and drive change in complex organizational environments
• Experience managing cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation

Required Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
  • Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Well-rounded problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills
  • Demonstrated ability to develop trust, nurture relationships, and demonstrate professional maturity under challenging situations
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
  • Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues who represent a diversity of work and conflict resolution styles
• Executive Skills
  • Demonstrated analytical skillset to assess data and develop action plans
  • Demonstrated ability to execute strategies and initiatives as evidenced by project management skills
  • Demonstrated ability to initiate change and determine new opportunities
  • Demonstrated ability to bring diverse groups together to solve wicked problems
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex financial and human resource environments
  • Demonstrated ability to execute and work cross-departmentally with a broad understanding of higher education
  • Demonstrated ability to lead self and team without constant oversight as evidenced by time and personnel management
• Technical Skills
  • Strong understanding of data governance principles and regulatory compliance requirements in higher education
  • Proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL), statistical analysis (SPSS, Mathematica, Python), and visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI, Tableau)
  • Knowledge of best practices and emerging trends in AI, machine learning, and data analytics in higher education

Diversity Statement

IWU commits to create a community that reflects kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment that exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member’s earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.