Information Technology - Head of Education Data Strategy

Witt/Kieffer; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation time

Medical benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Training opportunities

Job summary

Witt/Kieffer is seeking a Head of Education Data Strategy to lead the Education Data Team in Washington, DC. This pivotal role involves ensuring clarity and excellence in education rankings, overseeing editorial data processes, and mentoring team members to foster their development in the education space.

The ideal candidate will have 15+ years in data analytics/ editorial experience, a Bachelor's degree, and strong communication and leadership skills. A hybrid work schedule is available with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive data analytic and/or editorial experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing a team of analysts and/or editors.
• Understanding of the changing media landscape.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Education Data Team to support overarching goals.
• Oversee the editorial data process.
• Ensure timely launch of Education rankings.
• Mentor and develop team members.

Skills

Data analytics

Team management

Strong communication

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Stata

Python

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a Head of Education Data Strategy to lead our Education Data Team and ensure clarity, accuracy, and analytic rigor in all education rankings. You will lead the Education Analysis and Strategy team, ensuring timely launch of all Education rankings, and play a leading role in building new categories and rankings.

Strategy and Operations

Lead the Education Data Team to support the department’s overarching goals.

Oversee the editorial data process, including survey instrument preparation, data collection and acquisition, methodology development and enhancements, production of ranking and rating data sets, media relations, and stakeholder communications.

Ensure the accurate and timely launch of all Education rankings, support external communication, and engage with stakeholders ranging from industry experts to leaders within educational institutions.

Collaborate with the General Manager of Education to align operational targets and business goals, while strictly maintaining the critical boundary between editorial integrity and business interests.

Provide strategic direction on education data and ranking initiatives for both the immediate team and the broader organization.

Lead the editorial consideration of new ranking initiatives, by determining data availability, survey development, usefulness to readers and needs for cross‑functional collaboration with key internal stakeholders.

Keep abreast of Education industry trends across all types of education.

External Communications

Work with internal teams on inquiries from a wide range of stakeholders.

Attend meetings with outside Subject Matter Experts, including deans, presidents, government officials, associations, and accrediting bodies. Work with the team to identify additional Subject Matter Experts as needed for each project.

Be prepared to review panel presentations and act as a spokesperson for rankings when needed, including attending industry events and making appearances in a wide range of media.

Leadership

Mentor and develop team members, cultivating their growth as Subject Matter Experts in the education space.

Act as the internal subject matter expert on all things related to education rankings and data.

Educate and appropriately and timely inform executive leadership on education‑related matters.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive data analytic and/or editorial experience, preferably in a digital media company; inclusive of 5+ years of experience managing a team of in‑house analysts and/or editors.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Detail‑oriented and organized with a strong ability to prioritize, multitask, and perform under deadlines.
• Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
• High energy, enthusiasm, and a collaborative, team‑oriented mindset.

It would be nice if you had:

• Experience Programming in Stata.
• Technical Versatility: Familiarity with additional analytical tools or data visualization platforms is helpful. Experience with Python or AI‑assisted analytics in particular is a plus.
• Domain Expertise: Professional or academic experience in K‑12 and Higher Education data is helpful but not required.

What it’s like to work with us

• Mission‑driven culture with core values of quality and integrity.
• Focus on fostering personal and professional growth.
• Competitive benefits including paid vacation time, medical, tuition reimbursement, and training.
• Collaborative work environment—fun, diverse, inclusive and ambitious coworkers.

Other Job Info

• These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.
• U.S. News & World Report strongly encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated (including boosters).
• Washington, DC based applicants to work a hybrid schedule in the office.
• The anticipated base salary for this position is $160,000 to $195,000 plus bonus opportunity. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, interview performance, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.

About the Organization U.S. News & World Report is a publisher of news and information that empowers people to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives.

EOE Statement We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.