Senior Director of Intelligence, Analytics & Data

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 131,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University is seeking a Senior Director of Intelligence, Analytics & Data in Boston to lead analytics, reporting, governance, innovation, and organizational learning across Advancement. You will shape priorities, governance structures, and strategies to enable data-informed fundraising decisions while guiding a team of directors and analysts.

The role requires extensive experience in analytics, data governance, and enterprise information management, with a track record of

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, business intelligence, data governance, advancement services, information management, or related field.
• Experience leading analytics, reporting, or data strategy functions.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and complex organizational initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Organizational Prioritization Establish the vision, priorities, and operating model for Intelligence, Analytics & Data. Align resources and initiatives with Advancement goals and provide strategic guidance to leadership regarding analytics, reporting, governance, innovation, and technology opportunities.
• Analytics, Reporting & Decision Support Strategy Oversee the development of reporting, business intelligence, and analytics capabilities that support fundraising performance, operational effectiveness, and leadership decision-making. Ensure stakeholders have access to trusted and actionable information.
• Data Governance & Enterprise Information Management Provide executive oversight of Advancement data governance, data quality, stewardship, and information management practices. Establish accountability structures and governance processes that improve confidence in institutional data assets.
• Innovation, AI & Organizational Learning Champion innovation across Advancement through the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, AI-enabled solutions, and organizational learning programs. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and data literacy.
• Leadership, Talent Development & Cross-Functional Partnership Lead and develop a high-performing team of directors and analysts. Partner with Advancement leadership, Technology, Finance, and university stakeholders to advance shared goals and drive organizational effectiveness.

Skills

Analytics leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Data governance

Data strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Tableau

Power BI

CRM systems

Job description

About the Opportunity Job Summary The Senior Director of Intelligence, Analytics & Data provides strategic leadership for Advancement’s reporting, analytics, data governance, innovation, and organizational learning functions. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement Resources, this role establishes priorities, governance structures, and analytical strategies that enable data-informed decision-making across the Advancement enterprise. The Senior Director oversees a portfolio that includes reporting and business intelligence, data governance, integrations and data architecture, innovation and emerging technologies, artificial intelligence enablement, and organizational learning. This role serves as a strategic advisor to Advancement leadership, ensuring data, technology, and analytics capabilities are aligned with fundraising priorities and institutional objectives. The Senior Director leads a team of directors and analysts responsible for building a modern, scalable, and trusted data environment that supports fundraising effectiveness and operational excellence.

Minimum & Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, business intelligence, data governance, advancement services, information management, or related field.
• Experience leading analytics, reporting, or data strategy functions.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and complex organizational initiatives.
• Strong understanding of data governance, business intelligence, and organizational performance measurement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience in higher education advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit environments.
• Experience implementing enterprise analytics, governance, or AI initiatives.
• Experience leading organizational change and innovation programs.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Tableau, Power BI, CRM systems, and data platforms.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Prioritization Establish the vision, priorities, and operating model for Intelligence, Analytics & Data. Align resources and initiatives with Advancement goals and provide strategic guidance to leadership regarding analytics, reporting, governance, innovation, and technology opportunities.
2. Analytics, Reporting & Decision Support Strategy Oversee the development of reporting, business intelligence, and analytics capabilities that support fundraising performance, operational effectiveness, and leadership decision-making. Ensure stakeholders have access to trusted and actionable information.
3. Data Governance & Enterprise Information Management Provide executive oversight of Advancement data governance, data quality, stewardship, and information management practices. Establish accountability structures and governance processes that improve confidence in institutional data assets.
4. Innovation, AI & Organizational Learning Champion innovation across Advancement through the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, AI-enabled solutions, and organizational learning programs. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and data literacy.
5. Leadership, Talent Development & Cross-Functional Partnership Lead and develop a high-performing team of directors and analysts. Partner with Advancement leadership, Technology, Finance, and university stakeholders to advance shared goals and drive organizational effectiveness.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leader with experience building and leading analytics, reporting, and data governance functions
• Ability to align data strategy with fundraising priorities and organizational goals
• Strong decision-making and prioritization skills in complex environments
• Proven ability to build high-performing, cross-functional teams
• Executive communication and stakeholder management
• Innovation leadership and change management
• Enterprise data governance and analytics expertise

Supervision

• Director of Intelligence & Innovation
• Director of Data Integrity & Governance
• Director of Reporting & Analytics

Position Type

Data Planning and Analysis

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 114S Expected Hiring Range: $130,945.00 - $189,868.75 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.