Research Associate IV - Data Strategy

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government seeks a senior data strategist to lead data strategy, governance, and organizational improvement initiatives for higher education and public sector partners. You will provide strategic consultation and technical assistance on data management and analytics.

You will act as a senior collaborator on funded projects, develop training programs, and engage campus partners and external stakeholders while staying current on governance

Qualifications

• Terminal degree with 8 years of professional experience, including 5 post‑degree.
• Experience leading enterprise data strategy and governance initiatives.
• Experience delivering professional training and facilitation.
• Experience with cloud‑based data environments and analytics tools.
• Collaborating with executive leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Experience with externally funded projects preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead data strategy, governance, and organizational improvement initiatives for partners.
• Develop and deliver training, facilitation, and professional development programs.
• Support analytics, governance, and operational consulting services.
• Establish relationships with campus partners and external organizations.
• Stay current on trends in data strategy and public sector innovation.
• Collaborate on funded projects and multi‑disciplinary initiatives.

Skills

Data governance

Data strategy

Organizational improvement

Analytics

Training facilitation

Education

Terminal degree

Data science / analytics / related field

Tools

Cloud platforms

Analytics platforms

Reporting tools

Job description

Position Summary

This senior‑level position within the Carl Vinson Institute of Government supports the Institute’s growing portfolio of data strategy, governance, organizational improvement, and applied research initiatives for higher education, government, and public sector partners. The role provides strategic consultation and technical assistance related to enterprise data strategy, organizational data management, analytics, governance practices, and operational effectiveness. The successful candidate will act as a senior collaborator or co‑investigator on funded projects and multi‑disciplinary initiatives under the general guidance of Institute leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support data strategy, governance, organizational improvement, and technical assistance initiatives for higher education, government, and public sector partners (60%).
• Develop and deliver training, facilitation, and professional development programs related to data strategy, governance, organizational effectiveness, and related operational best practices (15%).
• Support Institute technical assistance initiatives and collaborative projects related to strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, performance improvement, and operational consulting services (10%).
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners, external organizations, professional networks, and stakeholder groups to support project success, partnership development, and ongoing client engagement (10%).
• Remain current on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices related to data strategy, governance, analytics, organizational effectiveness, and public sector innovation (5%).

Qualifications

• Terminal degree in a relative discipline and 8 years of professional experience, including 5 years of formal post‑degree work.
• Preferred: Terminal degree in data science, analytics, information systems, public administration, business, organizational development, statistics, engineering, geography, or a related field.
• Experience leading or supporting enterprise data strategy, governance, analytics, organizational improvement, or data management initiatives within complex organizations.
• Experience developing and delivering professional training, facilitation, or technical assistance programs for organizational leaders or working professionals.
• Experience working with cloud‑based data environments, analytics platforms, reporting tools, or organizational data systems.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, cross‑functional teams, or external stakeholders within higher education, government, nonprofit, or public sector environments.
• Experience managing or supporting externally funded projects, contracts, or technical assistance initiatives is preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of enterprise data strategy, data governance, organizational data management, data quality, privacy, lifecycle management, and data‑informed decision‑making practices.
• Ability to assess organizational needs, identify opportunities for strategic and operational improvement, and translate those needs into strategic and technical recommendations using data and analytics.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to evaluate complex issues, assess risks and dependencies, develop practical solutions, and support performance measurement and continuous improvement efforts.
• Knowledge of analytics, reporting, data visualization, data systems, cloud‑based technologies, analytics platforms, and emerging technologies that support organizational effectiveness and decision‑making.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with technical professionals, organizational leadership, and cross‑functional stakeholders; manage multiple projects and priorities; exercise independent judgment; and develop and deliver training, facilitation, and technical assistance programs.

Physical Demands

Office work, prolonged sitting, computer work, lifting up to 25 lbs. Day trips with overnight stays may be required. Travel estimated to be about 20%.

Location

Athens, Georgia.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).