Data Scientist, Advancement

Bucknell University-posted 3 months ago

$77,180 - $90,800/Yr

Full-time • Mid Level

1,001-5,000 employees

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The Data Scientist, Advancement plays a key role in supporting the strategic goals of University Advancement by transforming data into actionable insights that guide decision-making across strategic insight that drives alumni engagement and philanthropic growth. By applying statistical analysis, machine learning, and data science techniques, this position uncovers trends, predicts behavior, and helps Advancement teams focus their efforts where they will have the greatest impact. This role partners with Advancement leadership, information services, and frontline teams to proactively deliver analytical projects, dashboards, predictive models, and data visualizations that optimize fundraising, alumni and parent engagement strategies, measure campaign performance, and identify new opportunities for philanthropic growth. This full-time, 12-month benefits-eligible position is based in Lewisburg, PA and will have the option for a hybrid work location; this is not a fully remote role.

Analyze constituent and revenue data to surface trends, gaps, and opportunities that inform planning, prospect pipeline development, and fundraising performance.
Manage both reactive and proactive projects.
Translate complex analytic findings into clear, compelling insights and communicate findings through visualizations and narratives that make complex results understandable for non-technical stakeholders.
Deliver strategic insights that help prioritize resources and maximize philanthropic impact across campaign phases.
Establish feedback loops to evaluate the downstream impact of insights and analytical projects.
Design and implement statistical models (e.g., regression, clustering, survival analysis, ARIMA) to understand donor behavior and forecast giving potential.
Conduct cohort analyses, A/B testing, and segmentation to evaluate campaign effectiveness and recommend improvements.
Develop and refine models that assess donor capacity, likelihood to give, engagement scoring, and pipeline readiness.
Source and prepare structured and unstructured data from various systems (CRM, digital engagement platforms, survey tools) for analysis.
Automate recurring analytics processes to enable scalable, real-time decision-making.
Serve as a strategic thought partner with Strategic Philanthropy and Marketing, Strategy and Outreach teams to apply predictive models and performance analyses that guide donor outreach, portfolio management, and solicitation timing.
Proactively analyze behavioral, demographic, and historical data to identify high-potential alumni audiences and uncover untapped engagement opportunities or gaps in current strategy.
Collaborate with colleagues across advancement to integrate data insights into goal setting, progress tracking, and program design.

Bachelor’s degree and four years of professional experience in data science or a related data-focused field.
OR Master’s degree in analytics, data science, statistics, computer science, information systems, or a related field and two years of professional experience in data science or a related data-focused field.
Demonstrated experience applying data science and AI techniques to translate complex business questions into actionable insights—including data wrangling, visualization, modeling, and interpretation of results.
Demonstrated experience building statistical and machine learning models such as generalized linear regression, hierarchical models, nonparametric models, regression trees, and random forests.
Demonstrated experience applying best practices in data visualization, with the ability to design, implement, and communicate effective approaches for exploring and presenting complex multivariate relationships.
Proficiency in R or Python for statistical analysis and machine learning.
Strong SQL skills and experience working with relational databases and data warehouses.
Experience with at least one data visualization tool (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, ggplot2).
Deep understanding of statistical modeling techniques and machine learning algorithms.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts in clear, accessible ways that builds understanding and inspires action among diverse audiences.
Curiosity and creativity in exploring new approaches to donor engagement and philanthropic behavior.

Experience in a nonprofit, higher education, or fundraising environment.
Familiarity with advancement CRMs (e.g., Ellucian, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce).

Flexible scheduling options determined by role.
Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options.
An outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions).
Generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!).
Tuition remission for employees and their spouses/spousal equivalents, and various tuition programs for their children.
A comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives.
Parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership.

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