Sr Decision Scientist at InsideHigherEd

Excelsior University is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and meeting the evolving needs of the workforce. As a leader in higher education, we are committed to innovation, strategic growth, and fostering meaningful partnerships in a rapidly changing landscape.

Collaborating seamlessly with Academic Affairs, The Strategic Partnership and Alliances Team, and Fiscal Services, the Strategic and Business Analytics group is dedicated to optimizing efficiencies and delivering impactful results. Additionally, the team takes charge of addressing strategic inquiries aligned with the university's mission and goals.

The Senior Data Analyst will support Excelsior University’s Academic Affairs division by conducting analyses that inform academic planning, program evaluation, and student learning outcomes. This role will move beyond descriptive reporting to deliver diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive insights that help academic leaders strengthen programs, optimize faculty and course resources, and ensure student success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze program performance, course outcomes, and student progression.
• Provide diagnostic insights into academic performance drivers (course sequencing, modality, faculty factors).
• Build predictive models to forecast student success and program viability.
• Deliver prescriptive recommendations to improve teaching, curriculum, and resource allocation.
• Support accreditation, assessment, and program review with robust analytics.
• Conduct scenario modeling for faculty workload, course capacity, and scheduling.
• Present findings to Academic Affairs leadership in clear, actionable formats.

Qualification Requirements:

• Master’s degree in analytics, statistics, economics, operations research, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in applied data analysis, preferably in higher education.
• Strong skills in SQL and Python.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret student success and academic program data.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills for academic and faculty audiences.

Preferred:

• Experience with program review, accreditation reporting, or assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Background in academic resource planning or faculty workload analytics.
• Familiarity with higher-ed data systems (LMS, SIS, faculty evaluation systems).
• Familiarity with Lightcast data tools.

If you are passionate about leveraging data to drive academic excellence and meet the qualifications outlined above, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Join us in shaping the future of online education through advanced analytics and data-driven decision-making.The hiring salary range for this position is $80,000.00 - $93,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting. Application Information

If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238.

Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

AA/EOE/ADA

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.