Associate Director, Data and Analytics

Description

This position will lead efforts in executing an association-wide research and analytics strategy. This strategy includes identifying and reporting business insights to various stakeholders through a cross-functional team.

The position will manage the day-to-day tasks of the Return on Athletics® (ROA) initiative, while leading research projects related to members, intercollegiate athletics, and student-athlete initiatives. This includes directing the analysis of NAIA and national data, disseminating results, and informing decisions on relevant industry topics.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis, synthesizing diverse data points into coherent, compelling narratives.
• Design and deliver highly impactful, concise, and visually engaging presentations for leadership, translating complex findings into clear insights, actionable recommendations, and key takeaways.
• Lead the ongoing development and execution of ROA for NAIA membership stakeholders, including but not limited to ROA Winning Decisions executive training program enhancement, peer-based best practice creation, and custom member interaction.
• Support membership acquisition and retention process, including conducting analysis and presenting ROA results to membership prospects.
• Lead and execute the ongoing ROA NAIA member feedback process, with the support of the ROA Membership Advisory Committee.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of NAIA research topics (e.g., characteristics of member schools, trends in institutional revenues and expenses, student-athlete experiences and well-being) that can inform additional research or policy discussions.
• Serve as the primary research liaison and presenter of research findings to NAIA governance bodies, leadership, and membership, as applicable.
• Develop guidelines to facilitate informed requests from governance committees and other areas within the national office.
• Partner with member communications and marketing teams to effectively share research findings and promote ROA initiatives to key stakeholders.
  
  

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, statistics, analytics, or a related field, or equivalent research experience.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in social science, educational, or policy research.
• Knowledge/experience in higher education and athletic-type programs, and current higher education and athletics policy issues that can be informed through research.
• Familiarity with the NAIA and its membership structure.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences with varying interests and technical backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in Microsoft Power BI and Tableau preferred.