Head of Education Data Strategy

U.S. News & World Report is a multifaceted digital media company dedicated to helping citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials make important decisions in their lives. We publish independent reporting, rankings, data journalism and advice that has earned the trust of our readers and users for 90 years. Our platforms on usnews.com include Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News, Real Estate, Careers and 360 Reviews.

We reach millions of people monthly during moments when they are most in need of expert advice and motivated to act on that advice directly on our platforms. Our signature franchises include our “Best” series of consumer guides on colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, diets, cars, financial services and more. These guides provide an easy-to-digest list for consumers to better understand and compare when making their decisions. We continue to publish annual guides of the authoritative Best Colleges and Best Hospitals rankings on our website and in print. And our U.S. News Live flagship conferences highlight important national conversations such as Healthcare of Tomorrow.

We believe in having a broad range of talent and backgrounds at U.S. News. We strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive workplace where everyone is given an opportunity to succeed and contribute to their fullest.

Your role in helping us shape the future:

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Head of Education Data Strategy to lead our Education Data Team. In this role, you will ensure clarity, accuracy, and analytic rigor in all of our education rankings. You will lead the team in Education Analysis and Strategy, ensuring the accurate and timely launch of all Education rankings, including Best Colleges, Best Grad Schools, Best Online Colleges, Best High Schools, and Best Global Universities. And you will play a leading role in building and launching new categories and rankings.

Are you up to the challenge?

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.
• Acts 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.
  
  
  

You should definitely have:

• 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. Experiences with Python or AI-assisted analytics in particular are 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:

Talent is our best asset!

We invest in people with passion and potential who understand U.S. News’ dedication to our consumers.

• 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 co-workers
  
  
  

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.