ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Associate Director / Director of Data Strategy and Alumni Insights plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective use of data and technology to advance the UIAA’s alumni engagement goals. This position oversees data strategy, supervises team members, and collaborates with internal and external partners to maintain and optimize data pipelines, visualizations, and reporting. As a key contributor to organizational decision-making, the Director provides actionable insights, supports self-service data tools, and drives the adoption of best practices in data management.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

50% Data Strategy, Visualization, and Support

1. Maintain and optimize data pipelines, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and effective auditing to support organizational needs.
2. Provide guidance to the leadership team, fulfilling ad hoc data requests and delivering clear, actionable insights.
3. Develop and maintain dashboards, visualizations, and self-service tools to empower staff with the data needed for decision-making.
4. Lead the creation of new visualizations and reporting solutions as organizational needs evolve.
5. Manage and oversee key software platforms that support data strategy and reporting.
6. Create and maintain documentation for data processes, reporting workflows, and solution development to ensure transparency and consistency.

20% Team Leadership and Supervision

1. Supervise IT Field Consultant on UIAA’s IT strategy and daily operations. Provide feedback and collaborate on IT strategy for UIAA.
2. Supervise graduate and/or undergraduate-level information services staff. Design positions as needed, developing projects and work assignments to support UIAA operations.
3. Participate in Marketing Operations meetings to ensure alignment and efficiency within the marketing team and across departments.
4. 20% Liaison to UIF and Other Data Partners
5. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with UIF, Tech Services, and third-party data vendors to optimize data-sharing processes and enhance alumni engagement tools.
6. Represent the UIAA in data-related discussions and projects to identify and implement effective solutions.

10% Unit Security Contact and AITS Liaison

1. Act as the primary Unit Security Contact, managing security protocols and ensuring compliance with university policies.
2. Serve as the primary liaison with AITS, ensuring smooth communication and alignment on shared initiatives.
3. Performs other duties and tasks as requested.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

This position requires the employee to be continuously available and maintain an acceptable, appropriate level of access to UIAA infrastructure/systems. When needed, it is the employees’ responsibility to sustain a proper connection to UIAA that allows them to perform work-related duties from a remote location.

This position does not include sponsor work authorization or visa applications. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements are:

Experience:

1. Minimum of 3 years in data management, analytics, or a related field for Director title. Fewer years of experience are eligible for the Associate Director role.
2. Proven track record of managing data pipelines, creating data visualizations, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
3. Demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners to implement data strategies.
4. Familiarity with customer service platforms and data-sharing tools.
5. Technical Skills:
6. Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or equivalent).
7. Strong understanding of database query languages (e.g., SQL).
8. Experience managing and implementing software solutions for data management and reporting.
9. Knowledge of data auditing techniques and best practices.
10. Ability to design and maintain technical documentation for data processes.
11. Soft Skills:
12. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-experts.
13. Strong organizational and project management abilities.
14. High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
15. Ability to build collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders.
16. Problem-solving mindset with a results-oriented approach.

EDUCATION AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
2. Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required.

Preferred Certifications:

1. Certification in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau Desktop Specialist) or equivalent.
2. SQL Proficiency Certification.
3. ITIL Foundation Certification or familiarity with IT service management practices.

Appointment Information:

This is a 100% full-time position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after February 28, 2025.

The position salary range is as follows:
If hired as an Associate Director: 75-85k
If hired as a Director: 85-95k

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by February 28, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Interested candidates should apply by sending a cover letter and resume to racarlsn@illinois.edu , attention Becky Pope. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-6117.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: req13158
Job Category: Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu