Associate Director, Business Intelligence

Furman University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Furman University seeks an experienced Associate Director of Business Intelligence to lead analytical initiatives across Finance & Administration, the Investment Office, and IT. This senior role transforms complex institutional data into actionable intelligence that supports Furman’s long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence.

The Associate Director will champion advanced analytics and AI integration, ensuring data-driven insights are central to strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in business intelligence or data analytics within complex environments.
• Bachelor’s in Data Science, Finance, Economics, Statistics or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Strong command of data visualization software, predictive modeling languages, SQL and Python.
• Ability to translate technical findings into strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Leadership experience and a track record of setting best practices in analytics teams.

Responsibilities

• Build BI & analytic capabilities delivering insights across Finance & Administration, the Investment Office, and IT.
• Drive end-to-end analysis from data sourcing to interpretation and prediction for strategic priorities.
• Stay current with analytic platforms, databases, and AI-driven capabilities relevant to higher education.
• Set quality standards and best practices ensuring reliable, repeatable outputs.
• Provide deep-dive analyses on spending, endowment performance, and revenue dynamics to support sustainability.
• Champion AI integration across administrative operations and explore automation opportunities.
• Coordinate across IT, Finance, and Investment Office to ensure data quality and security.

Skills

BI analytics

Data visualization

SQL

Python

Executive communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in quantitative field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SQL

Python

CRM analytics

Predictive modeling

Tableau/Power BI

Job description

Job Summary

Furman University seeks an experienced Associate Director of Business Intelligence to lead analytical initiatives across Finance & Administration, the Investment Office, and IT. This senior role transforms complex institutional data into actionable intelligence that supports Furman's long-term financial sustainability and operational excellence. The Associate Director will champion advanced analytics and AI integration, ensuring data-driven insights are central to the university's strategic decision-making.

Job Title: Associate Director, Business Intelligence

Job Family: Professionals

Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time

Pay Type: Salary

Department: Finance & Administration-1

Key Responsibilities

• Build BI & Analytic Capabilities: Design and deliver business intelligence solutions that turn raw data into clear, visually compelling insights for end users across the university. Apply modern visualization platforms and predictive modeling techniques to make complex information accessible and actionable.
• Drive Analytical Rigor: Lead end-to-end analysis—from data sourcing through interpretation and prediction to inform strategic priorities, financial planning, and investment decisions.
• Stay at the Forefront of the Field: Continuously sharpen expertise across analytic platforms, database environments, and emerging technologies. Bring fresh approaches to Furman by evaluating new tools, methodologies, and AI-driven capabilities relevant to higher education.
• Set the Standard for Quality: Establish and uphold consistency, accuracy, and professionalism across all analytical deliverables. Define team-wide best practices that ensure outputs are reliable, repeatable, and aligned with institutional priorities.
• Strengthen Financial Sustainability: Provide deep-dive analysis on institutional spending patterns, endowment performance, and revenue dynamics to support a resilient, forward-looking financial environment.
• Champion AI Integration: Spearhead the thoughtful adoption of AI tools throughout administrative operations—discovering where automation, predictive insight, and intelligent reporting can deliver measurable outcomes.
• Coordinate Across Departments: Act as the central point of coordination between IT, Finance, and the Investment Office, ensuring data quality, security, and seamless integration.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 5+ years in business intelligence, data analytics, or a closely related field—preferably within a complex institutional or financial environment.
• Education: Bachelor's in Data Science, Finance, Economics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field. Master's preferred.
• Technical Expertise: Strong command of modern data visualization software, predictive modeling languages, SQL, and Python. Familiarity with CRM-based analytics environments is a plus.
• Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to synthesize large, complex datasets into clear, executive-level insights.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to translate technical findings into strategic recommendations for non-technical senior leadership.
• Leadership: Proven track record of setting best practices and quality standards across an analytical team or function.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education administration or endowment management.
• Familiarity with AI and machine learning techniques applied in financial or operational settings.
• Working knowledge of major financial databases and cloud-based data platforms.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives with multiple departmental stakeholders.

Job Posting End Date (if date is blank, posting is open-ended)

Welcome to Furman University Employment Opportunities! Furman University is a selective private liberal arts and sciences college committed to helping students develop intellectually, personally, and interpersonally and providing the practical skills necessary to succeed in a rapidly-changing world. Furman professors are exceptional teacher-scholars who mentor undergraduate students within a campus community that values and encourages diverse ideas and perspectives. Our strategic vision, The Furman Advantage, promises students an individualized four-year pathway facilitated by team of mentors and infused with a rich and varied set of high impact experiences outside the classroom that include undergraduate research, study away, internships, community-focused learning, and opportunities to engage across differences. Furman University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and adheres to all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. The University is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where all individuals represent a multiplicity of identities including gender, race, religion, spiritual belief, sexual orientation, geographic origin, socioeconomic background, ideology, world view, and varied abilities are treated equitably and with respect. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and institutional needs. In keeping with this commitment domestic partners of employees are eligible for comprehensive benefits and faculty/staff affinity groups exist to offer support for faculty/staff that identify as LGBTQIA+ and/or Black/African-American.

The Furman student experience is supported by a rich network of centers and institutes that includes The Hill Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, The Riley Institute, The David E. Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, The Institute for the Advancement of Community Health, The Rinker Center for Study Away and International Education, The Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection, The Furman Humanities Center, The Shucker Center for Leadership Development, The Malone Center for Career Engagement, The Center for Interpersonal Connections, and our newest addition, The Tocqueville Center for the Study of Democracy and Society.

Furman is located on traditional Cherokee land in Greenville, South Carolina, a racially and culturally diverse community that is one of the fastest growing cities in the Southeast. It has been ranked among "America's Ten Best" by Forbes Magazine. Greenville has a thriving downtown, excellent private and public schools and a vibrant international community. A 20-mile bike and running trail connects the university to Greenville and Travelers Rest, which was named "one of America's coolest small towns." It is within a short driving distance of Asheville, Charlotte and Atlanta. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Atlantic Beaches are within easy reach.