Head of Education Data Strategy

US News & World Report ,L.P.•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

U.S. News & World Report is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Head of Education Data Strategy to lead its Education Data Team. This role is crucial for ensuring clarity, accuracy, and analytic rigor in all education rankings. The Head of Education Data Strategy will lead the Education Analysis and Strategy team, ensuring the accurate and timely launch of all Education rankings, including Best Colleges, Best Grad Schools, Best Online Colleges, Best High Schools, and Best Global Universities. This position will also play a leading role in building and launching new categories and rankings.

Requirements

Minimum of fifteen (15) years of progressive data analytic and/or editorial experience, preferably in a digital media company
Inclusive of 5+ years of experience managing a team of in-house analysts and/or editors.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
Detail-oriented and organized with a strong ability to prioritize, multitask, and perform under deadlines.
Understanding of the changing media landscape and ability to adapt strategies that address continually changing market and consumer needs and desires.
High energy, enthusiasm, and a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

Nice To Haves

Experience Programming in Stata.
Familiarity with additional analytical tools or data visualization platforms is helpful.
Experiences with Python or AI-assisted analytics in particular are a plus.
Professional or academic experience in K-12 and Higher Education data is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Lead the Education Data Team to support the department's overarching goals.
Oversee the editorial data process, including survey instrument preparation, data collection and acquisition, methodology development and enhancements, production of ranking and rating data sets, media relations, and stakeholder communications.
Ensure the accurate and timely launch of all Education rankings, support external communication, and engage with stakeholders ranging from industry experts to leaders within educational institutions.
Collaborate with the General Manager of Education to align operational targets and business goals, while strictly maintaining the critical boundary between editorial integrity and business interests.
Provide strategic direction on education data and ranking initiatives for both the immediate team and the broader organization.
Lead the editorial consideration of new ranking initiatives, by determining data availability, survey development, usefulness to readers and needs for cross-functional collaboration with key internal stakeholders.
Keep abreast of Education industry trends across all types of education.
Work with internal teams on inquiries from a wide range of stakeholders.
Attend meetings with outside Subject Matter Experts, including deans, presidents, government officials, associations, and accrediting bodies.
Work with the team to identify additional Subject Matter Experts as needed for each project.
Be prepared to review panel presentations and act as a spokesperson for rankings when needed, including attending industry events and making appearances in a wide range of media.
Mentor and develop team members, cultivating their growth as Subject Matter Experts in the education space.
Acts as the internal subject matter expert on all things related to education rankings and data.
Educate and appropriately and timely inform executive leadership on education-related matters.