Head of Research Analytics & Strategic Initiatives

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and holidays

Parental leave

Tuition benefits

Pre-tax and flex spending accounts

Job summary

Northwestern University is seeking a Director of Research Analytics and Strategic Initiatives to lead analytics, dashboards, and reporting that support institutional decision-making. You will coordinate multiple projects, manage a small team, and serve as a liaison across the Office for Research and other units.

The role requires data-driven leadership, stakeholder management, and a strong background in research analytics and strategy within higher education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master’s preferred in related field.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, research administration, analytics, project management, or strategic operations.
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder projects with leadership and execution.
• Experience facilitating meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to use data from various sources with emphasis on accuracy and integrity.
• Experience with large data sets and data management systems.
• Strong skills in data visualization and storytelling for diverse audiences.
• Relationship development and stakeholder management.
• Organizational influence without direct authority

Responsibilities

• Lead development and delivery of research analytics dashboards and reports to support decision-making.
• Analyze research performance metrics, funding trends, and strategic indicators.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data to advance research growth and effectiveness.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders.
• Direct a two-person team: Senior Research Data Analyst and Senior Digital Design professional.
• Lead and coordinate multiple concurrent projects from initiation through implementation.
• Develop project plans, timelines, governance, and accountability measures.
• Monitor progress, identify risks, and mitigate to ensure outcomes.
• Facilitate status meetings and provide updates to leadership.
• Ensure alignment with institutional priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Communication

Data storytelling

Presentation

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Elsevier Pure

Symplectic Elements

Academic Analytics

Job description

Northwestern University is seeking a Director of Research Analytics and Strategic Initiatives to lead analytics, dashboards, and reporting that support institutional decision-making. You will coordinate multiple projects, manage a small team, and serve as a liaison across the Office for Research and other units.

The role requires data-driven leadership, stakeholder management, and a strong background in research analytics and strategy within higher education.