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Director for Decision Support
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Position Number: 4166093
Location: Seattle, WA
Position Type: Business and Financial Management

Director for Decision Support

FLSA Status: Exempt

Months Per Year: 12

Employment Status: Full-Time

Work Model: Hybrid Available

Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.

Position Description

Director for Decision Support

Decision Support is a high-performing team responsible for all central (enterprise) reporting, analytical tools, dashboards, scorecards, institutional research, and ad-hoc analyses. Formed by merging the Institutional Research and IT Services Business Intelligence teams, Decision Support is now a "one-stop shop" to support data-informed decision making. Seattle University seeks a results-oriented, service-focused, and multi-skilled leader who will guide the Decision Support team to deliver the capabilities necessary to achieve our institutional aspirations.

Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, the Director for Decision Support will be responsible to lead the development and implementation of a "single source of truth" approach to institutional reporting and analytical tools, and to build up the team, fostering a rich culture of inclusion, partnership, growth, and productivity. This position is eligible for a flexible work schedule (e.g., shifted hours, partial remote). Seattle University offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid leave (holidays, vacation, sick, community service), retirement, tuition benefits, and more.

The Director for Decision Support will oversee:

Centralized operational reporting, providing timely and accurate information on key performance indicators and metrics related to day-to-day activities within the university, such as student enrollment, course scheduling, financial aid distribution, and faculty workload.
Predictive analytics, using statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze historical data and make predictions about future outcomes.
Data visualizations, such as charts, graphs, and maps to help users better understand and analyze information. Visualizations will include dashboards that provide real-time updates on key performance indicators and metrics.
Business intelligence to support strategic decision-making, including tools and techniques such as data mining, data warehousing, and online analytical processing (OLAP).
Scenario modeling to evaluate the potential outcomes of different decisions.
Data governance, managing the availability, usability, integrity, and security of data used within the institution in alignment with Seattle University's strategic goals and objectives.
Survey Management of students, faculty, and staff to gather feedback on the university's operations and programs. Includes survey design, administration, data collection and analysis, and reporting and dissemination.
Training and Education of university stakeholders regarding the use of data and analytical tools to support decision-making. Includes developing training programs, workshops and seminars, online resources, communities of practice, and one-on-one coaching.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities:

Guide the collaborative development and implementation of data-informed decision-making processes, foundational technology platforms, centralized reports, and analytical tools.
Maintain a robust decision support enhancement roadmap with a prioritized portfolio of projects based on the needs of institutional stakeholders.
Oversee the development and implementation of central (enterprise) reporting, analytical tools, dashboards, scorecards, institutional research, and ad-hoc analyses.
Acquire, inspire, retain, and develop the talented professionals within the Decision Support team.
Provide operational leadership to data analysts, report writers, technologists, support staff, and external partners and vendors, including goal-setting, project/task assignment, coaching, and performance assessment.
Cultivate a culture of teamwork, innovation, creativity, empowerment, goal-orientation, professional development, and continuous improvement.
Lead inclusive excellence efforts and act as a vocal spokesperson for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Develop and oversee data governance policies, procedures, and roles.
Oversee the delivery of data and analysis for accreditation processes, program review, and regulatory compliance.
Create structures for training and support for stakeholders across the university on the use of data and analytical tools.
Stay current with best practices and emerging trends in data management and decision support. Maintain a forward-looking, innovation-oriented view of relevant technologies.
Continuously improve the design and function of the Decision Support team.
Oversee vendor management, ensuring alignment, effectiveness, and well-designed contracts.
Manage the Decision Support budget.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Self-motivated and determined to create success for the institution, the team, and oneself.
A high-ethics leader with a demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity, and the ability to live out the university's mission, vision, and values.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as data science, statistics, or business administration, or equivalent experience (advanced degree preferred).
At least 7-10 years of progressive experience in data management, business intelligence, or decision support within a complex organization (higher education preferred).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of developing and implementing effective data-driven solutions to complex business problems.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Able to bridge the gap between technical practitioners and institutional leaders for everything from real-time data analysis to technology and capability roadmaps and strategic plans. An active listener who remains calm, maintains perspective, and responds in a professional manner when faced with tough situations.
Experience managing a team of analysts and technologists, and the ability to motivate and inspire team members to achieve high levels of performance.
Demonstrated ability manage and maximize the value from vendor partnerships.
Demonstrated ability to create an effective roadmap to deliver a complex portfolio of technology, data, process, and role enhancement projects. Adept with project management tools (e.g., Liquid Planner) and methodologies (e.g., Agile).
Knowledge of data governance principles and practices, including data standards, data quality management, and data security and privacy.
Proficient in data visualization tools and techniques, and experience developing dashboards and reports to support decision-making.
Knowledge of relevant business intelligence platforms, architectures, technologies, and vendors such as Tableau, Power BI, QlikView, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in complex situations.

Application Instructions

Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.

Compensation at a Glance:

Salary Range: $135,000 - $155,000

Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate's gender or any other protected status.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.

Benefits at a Glance:

Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Choose from three different medical plans, a dental, and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short & long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution for retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions up to a maximum of 5%. You may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for the employee and dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an onsite fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid Holiday break closure in December, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave. For more information explore the Benefits website at: https://www.seattleu.edu/hr/benefits/

To apply: https://seattleu.csod.com/ats/careersite/JobDetails.aspx?id=2221&site=2