Strategic Initiatives Analyst - Stanford University

Another Source • Palo Alto, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of data, storytelling, and cross-functional work - roughly a 60% analytics / 40% project-focused role supporting high-impact initiatives across the university. Stanford University is one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions, known for its innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global impact. Supporting a community of world-class faculty, researchers, and students, Stanford plays a critical role in advancing knowledge across fields—from technology and medicine to public policy and the humanities. Within Stanford, Institutional Research & Decision Support (IR&DS) serves as a central hub for data-informed decision-making. This team partners closely with university leadership to deliver high-impact analysis, reporting, and insights that shape strategy and improve outcomes across the institution. From evaluating student success initiatives to strengthening data governance and accessibility, IR&DS sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and institutional effectiveness—making it an ideal environment for analytically driven professionals who want their work to influence real decisions. This is a hybrid position and a 3-year fixed-term role with no plans to convert to a permanent position. This is a unique opportunity for a data-driven professional who enjoys both deep analysis and cross-functional collaboration. Designed intentionally as a 60% analyst / 40% project-focused role, this position blends quantitative research with strategic initiative support—without being a traditional project manager role. You’ll work on high-visibility initiatives that span topics like student financial aid, institutional outcomes, and university-wide reporting. Success in this role requires not just strong analytical skills, but the ability to translate complex data into compelling narratives and guide stakeholders through insights and change. Reporting to senior leadership, you’ll play a key role in advancing IR&DS priorities while building your own expertise in strategic communications, research, and project execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least four years of experience applying quantitative and analytical methods (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Strong foundation in data analysis, including experience working with large datasets and statistical tools such as R, STATA, SPSS, or similar
• Proven ability to communicate complex information clearly through written reports and presentations to non-technical and leadership audiences
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, R, or similar) and the ability to tell a compelling story with data
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive initiatives forward
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across teams and influence stakeholders
• Familiarity with research design, data collection, and analytical problem-solving approaches
• Flexible, thoughtful analytical mindset with the ability to balance precision and practicality
• Interest in or experience with strategic planning concepts

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with AI tools to enhance analysis, reporting, or workflow efficiency is a plus
• Advanced degree in social sciences, education, statistics, or a related field is preferred

Responsibilities

• Designing research approaches, gathering data, and applying appropriate analytical and statistical methods to answer complex institutional questions
• Translating data into clear, compelling insights through reports, presentations, and visualizations that influence decision-making
• Partnering with stakeholders across the university to understand needs, gather data, and deliver actionable recommendations
• Leading and supporting IR&DS initiatives through the full project lifecycle, including planning, execution, monitoring, and communication
• Creating and maintaining documentation on data sources, definitions, methodologies, and best practices to improve transparency and usability
• Communicating findings and recommendations to faculty, staff, and senior leaders with clarity and impact
• Facilitating cross-functional collaboration, helping teams align on priorities, timelines, and outcomes
• Supporting change management efforts by developing communication strategies and materials for key initiatives
• Identifying and incorporating external benchmarks or comparative data to enhance analyses

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.
• Eligible for Stanford benefits with some exceptions (e.g., tuition reimbursement may not be included).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level