Senior Data Scientist — Student Forecasting & Planning

Western Sydney University; Penrith City Council; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation (17% plus Leave Loading

Leave loading

Onsite parking

Job summary

Western Sydney University invites a highly skilled analyst to lead the student load forecasting function across enrolment, funding and strategic planning. You will deliver reliable projections and scenario analyses, ensuring models are transparent, defensible and fit for purpose.

Working under the Director, Insights, Analysis & Reporting, you will drive methodological excellence and cross‑portfolio collaboration.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification with extensive experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and advanced professional expertise.
• Extensive experience leading complex forecasting or analytical modelling in a large organisation.
• Advanced expertise in statistical modelling, scenario analysis and evaluation of uncertainty.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex analysis into clear advice.
• Advanced programming and data management skills relevant to enterprise forecasting and analytical systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University’s student load forecasting capability and deliver reliable projections and scenario analysis.
• Design, delivery and assurance of institutional forecasting models.
• Develop forecasting methodologies that integrate student demand and planning assumptions.
• Provide clear, authoritative advice to senior leaders on forecast outcomes and implications.
• Establish forecasting standards and strengthen the University’s forecasting capability.

Skills

Forecasting

Statistical modelling

Programming

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

R

Python

SQL

Job description

Western Sydney University invites a highly skilled analyst to lead the student load forecasting function across enrolment, funding and strategic planning. You will deliver reliable projections and scenario analyses, ensuring models are transparent, defensible and fit for purpose.

Working under the Director, Insights, Analysis & Reporting, you will drive methodological excellence and cross‑portfolio collaboration.