Data Analyst

Job Description

It is an exciting time at Vanderbilt as the University officially welcomed C. Cybele Raver as its new Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs on July 1, 2021. Under the leadership of Provost Raver, the Office of the Deputy Provost (ODP) is leading bold new initiatives and strengthening existing programs.

The Data Analyst is a specialized research and analytics role embedded within ODP's program development and growth ecosystem. Reporting to the Senior Data Analyst, this position delivers market assessments and strategic intelligence that inform whether and how the university pursues new academic programs, professional education offerings, and growth initiatives. Working in close partnership with colleagues in the Office of Professional Education (OPE) and the Office of Learning Innovation (OLI), the Data Analyst conducts market research and synthesize data to inform the development of new academic programs and guide strategic university investments.

This role will participate in the Provost's Data Analytics Community of Practice and coordinate with the Office of Data and Strategic Analytics (DSA) to ensure alignment with university data standards and practices. This is a highly collaborative, analytical role that requires the ability to manage ambiguity and translate market complexity into clear, actionable recommendations that inform ODP's program development decisions.

The Office of the Deputy Provost (ODP) was established by Provost C. Cybele Raver in 2025 to strengthen Vanderbilt''s ability to implement strategic academic initiatives and foster cross-institutional alignment. Led by Deputy Provost Tracey George, the office is charged with advancing enterprise-wide priorities across schools and colleges, leading important special initiatives, and supporting the Provost in executing Vanderbilt''s academic vision.

This role will work particularly closely with the Office of Learning Innovation (OLI), the Office of Professional Education (OPE), and the Office of Academic Program Review, Assessment & Accreditation (OAPRAA) in ODP. The Office of Learning Innovation leads the development and launch of new online and professional programs in partnership with Vanderbilt's schools and colleges. OLI brings together expertise in learning technology, instructional design, and digital learning strategy to bring new programs from idea to market, and to continuously strengthen the university's existing portfolio of academic innovation initiatives. The Office of Professional Education (OPE) serves as Vanderbilt's center for market intelligence and strategic advisory in support of professional and online program growth. Together, OLI and OPE ensure that new program development is grounded in both strong market evidence and operational excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Insights & Market Research

• Conduct market assessments supporting new program development and growth initiatives, including analysis of labor market demand, learner audience sizing, competitive landscape, pricing benchmarks, and program viability for proposed new programs across the university.
• Support the creation of presentations and briefing materials that communicate market assessment findings and data-informed recommendations, providing analytical support to the Senior Data Analyst, OPE, and OLI leadership for executive-level audiences.

Data Analysis & Visualization

• Analyze complex data, including financial, HR, platform and academic program data, to address key organizational needs and shape strategic priorities.
• Develop dynamic data reporting dashboards to track key performance indicators for executive level audiences. Vanderbilt's preferred reporting system is Tableau.
• Conduct analyses to support deans and provide leadership with greater insights into academic unit level initiatives, including decanal reviews and searches.

Data Reporting Strategy & Business Processes

• Increase data literacy in Office of the Deputy Provost to encourage a culture of data-driven decision making.
• Document processes for data collection and reporting, seeking efficiencies where possible but also developing documentation to protect data integrity and transparency.
• Partner with cross-functional colleagues, deans' offices, and DSA to improve data quality, ensure data integrity and enhance usability.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• At least nine hours (three undergraduate or graduate-level courses) in data analytics, data science or another quantitative area of study is required.
• An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience in data analysis or strategic research.
• An advanced degree in one of those subjects can count toward years of experience.
• Experience working in higher education is highly preferred.
• Experience working with data collection, reporting, and visualization systems such as Tableau, Qualtrics, and R is required.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to articulate and present information to various and diverse audiences is necessary.
• Evidence of exceptional judgment and decision-making skills is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information is necessary.
• Ability to think strategically to manage multiple projects/initiatives with changing priorities and strict deadlines in a rapidly changing environment is necessary.
• Ability to draw inferences from data, see patterns and inform decision-making.
• Evidence of working with multiple diverse constituencies in a confident and supportive manner is necessary.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current issues and challenges in higher education is necessary.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.