Program Director for Student Success Data Science and Assessment

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

The Division of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement (DAOCE) seeks a Program Director for Student Success Data Science and Assessment to lead complex and innovative data analyses. 

DAOCE works to create more accessible, engaged, and transformative university, community, and world. It supports the University of Mississippi's mission by fostering partnerships, access, and engagement that cultivate a sense of community, enrich learning and development, enhance research, and ensure opportunities for all. DAOCE is dedicated to creating pathways and providing support so that everyone can contribute to and thrive in the UM community. We offer a variety of programs and services that strengthen the University of Mississippi as a welcoming environment. These initiatives ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and community members have the opportunity to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors, improve their future prospects, and realize their full potential to contribute to the betterment of organizations, communities, and institutions.

Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Access and Community Engagement, the Program Director will collaborate with other thought leaders within the Institute for Data Science, the Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation; the Center for Student Success; the Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Planning; the Center for Student Success and First Year Experience; and the Department of Economics. The ideal candidate will bring a strong blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for fostering successful outcomes for all students, particularly those who may benefit the most from a college education but may be at the greatest risk of not completing their degree. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping data-driven solutions that advance the University of Mississippi's mission to empower all students to thrive.

The Program Director will use data science and advanced statistical techniques to uncover trends and patterns that enhance resource efficiency, anticipate student needs, and connect them with support services to improve timely graduation. The incumbent will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of university leaders, leveraging data science and institutional innovation to drive student success. Key responsibilities include acquiring, integrating, and analyzing diverse data sources to provide insights into student recruitment, enrollment, and graduation pathways. Special attention will focus on supporting students facing additional risks due to economic, academic, social, or geographic challenges.

Key priorities for the Division of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement include:

Serve Mississippi: Ensuring the university better serves the citizens and communities of Mississippi, especially those from first-generation and lower socioeconomic strata.
Increase Access: Ensuring broad and inclusive access to higher education and the resources needed to pursue a degree or career at the university.
Lead Accessibility - Designing and implementing accommodations, services, activities, and experiences and removing barriers that allow people with disabilities to use, understand, and benefit from and participate in all aspects of society.
Foster Belonging: Cultivating a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Advance Engagement: Fostering active collaboration between students, employees, and community members in pursuit of excellence in learning, research, and service. 
Ensure Compliance: Conducting investigations or reviews to determine if practices, programs, and conduct adhere to state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the fair treatment of faculty, staff, and students. 
Promote Opportunities: Providing avenues for students, employees, and community members to enhance their lives and communities through learning, development, and work.
Encourage Dialogue: Facilitating respectful dialogue on challenging issues to enrich learning and development.
Cultivate Skills: Equipping individuals with valuable skills necessary for their future success.
Strengthen Communities: Partnering with and strengthen communities through economic and community development and service to Mississippi.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family - Information Technology

Sub-Family - Data Analytics 

Career Track / Level - P3

Grade - 10

Role Summary

Provides moderate to complex analysis of data using statistical techniques to discover trends/patterns that can be leveraged to meet business needs.

The Division of Access, Opportunity, and Community Engagement seeks a Program Director for Student Success Data Science and Assessment to lead complex and innovative data analyses. This role employs data science and advanced statistical techniques to uncover trends and patterns that enhance resource efficiency, anticipate student needs, and connect them with support services to improve timely graduation.

The Program Director will collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of thought leaders, leveraging data science and institutional innovation to drive student success. Key responsibilities include acquiring, integrating, and analyzing diverse data sources to provide insights into student recruitment, enrollment, and graduation pathways. Special attention will focus on supporting students facing additional risks due to economic, academic, social, or geographic challenges.

The ideal candidate will be in a developmental stage of their career and possess a strong blend of internalized curiosity, desire to collaborate on interdependent teams, technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for fostering successful outcomes for all students. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping data-driven solutions that advance the University of Mississippi's mission to empower all students to thrive.

Examples of Work Performed

• Practicing exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to communicate within interdisciplinary teams and with external partners to accomplish shared goals.
• Managing multiple activities in a deadline-oriented environment; highly organized, flexible and rigorous attention to detail.
• Using strong analytical skills, including experience with research approaches and quantitative modeling.
• Demonstrating fluency in Python, or fluency in other analytical programming languages and experience in debugging them.
• Experience with data extraction tools (SQL/NoSQL/Python) queries to answer research and analysis questions.
• Managing analytical projects involving large teams is a plus 
• Practicing data visualization concepts and creating dashboards
• Using statistical concepts in experiment design
• Practicing research methods and data security protocols
• Developing skills and responsibilities in the practice of program assessment focused on effectiveness and efficiency
• Effectively working—both independently and as part of a team—on multiple concurrent projects. Must be able to identify priorities and maintain awareness of multiple deadlines.
• Working proactively with curiosity while leading with initiative. 

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Collects, prepares, and integrates various large and complex data sets to be utilized in various assessment scenarios.
2. Analyzes and models data to identify trends, test hypotheses, formulate recommendations, and answer questions.
3. Composes and assembles reports based on the analysis of various large and complex data sets to clearly articulate results and findings to multiple and diverse audiences.

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: (6) Six Years Experience

If the candidate holds a bachelor’s degree but it is not clearly related to the disciplines mentioned, they are encouraged to apply and should explain their qualifications and expertise as it relates to this position in their cover letter.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• Substantial experience using and applying analytical software, database management system software, and analytical programming language(s).

Application Process

This position requires three separate components to the application:
1. Cover letter
2. Resume / CV
3. Required Statement of Innovation and Leadership Philosophy and Practice

Required Statement of Innovation and Leadership Philosophy and Practice:

Purpose - Candidates are required to submit a Statement of Leadership and Innovation Philosophy and Practice. This statement should provide insight into the candidate’s personal and professional vision, values, and philosophies, while also highlighting specific ways their leadership and innovative practices have driven—or will drive—institutional transformation.

Key Components - Candidates should address the following in their statement:
1. Vision: Share a forward-thinking perspective on how data science can drive institutional transformation and contribute to broader societal progress in higher education access, opportunity, and community engagement.
2. Core Values: Discuss the values that guide your approach to leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
3. Philosophy of Leadership and Innovation: Articulate your beliefs about how leadership and innovation foster growth in individuals and institutions, with reflections on your personal journey and professional experiences.
4. Evidence of Practice: Provide examples of how you have co-led multidisciplinary teams, fostered collaboration, and embraced curiosity and adaptability to achieve shared goals.

Evaluation Criteria - Statements will be assessed on:
• Depth of Reflection: The extent to which the candidate demonstrates a thoughtful and personal connection to their leadership and innovation philosophies.
• Visionary Thinking: The ability to articulate a clear and inspiring vision for institutional transformation through data science.
• Practical Evidence: The inclusion of concrete examples that showcase leadership and innovation in action.
• Alignment with the Role: The degree to which the statement aligns with the position’s emphasis on curiosity, collaboration, and forward-thinking practices.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.