Senior Director of Analytics, Data Science & Learning Innovation

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

Grade: Management_Executive 613

Pay Range: $180,800.00 - $325,500.00

Job Description

Senior Director of Analytics, Data Science & Learning Innovation 

(Data-Driven Leader | AI & Analytics | Learning Experience Design) 

 

Are you a strategic analytics leader ready to transform education with AI and data science? 

 

Join WGU’s mission to drive student success and reimagine learning at scale. In this role, you’ll lead advanced analytics and machine learning initiatives that power personalized learning journeys, optimize faculty performance, and influence curriculum design for over 150,000 students. 

 

What You'll Do 

 

• Lead a high-impact team of data scientists, analysts, and researchers focused on faculty, curriculum, and student success analytics. 

• Design and implement AI and ML-powered insights that guide real-time interventions and optimize the learner journey. 

• Oversee the development of decision-support tools and dashboards for academic leadership and operational teams. 

• Translate engagement, assessment, and progression data into actionable strategies to improve instructional design and outcomes. 

• Partner with EdTech, Academic Delivery, and Product Engineering to ensure seamless data integration across 1,000+ distributed courses and platforms. 

• Champion scalable frameworks for measuring instructional effectiveness, mentor support, and equitable outcomes. 

• Influence university-wide innovation through advanced data science and research initiatives. 

 

What We’re Looking For 

 

We’d love to hear from you if you: 

• Have 12+ years in data science, analytics, or institutional research, including 7+ years leading large cross-functional teams. 

• Are fluent in BI tools (Tableau, Power BI), AI/ML frameworks, and data engineering concepts. 

• Can connect the dots between analytics, product development, and academic outcomes. 

• Thrive in fast-evolving environments and have experience outside traditional higher ed—tech industry exposure is a strong plus. 

• Communicate insights in ways that resonate from the C-suite to technical teams. 

• Hold a Master’s (or equivalent experience) in Data Science, Analytics, or a related field. 

 

Bonus points if you: 

• Bring experience managing analytics in curriculum development, digital learning tools, or faculty performance systems. 

• Understand how to drive transformation in complex, matrixed organizations. 

 

Why WGU? 

 

At WGU, you’ll be part of a mission-driven team leveraging technology to make education more accessible, flexible, and effective. We offer: 

• Collaborative, on-site environment with a modern tech stack focused on data, AI, and impact 

• Strong benefits and compensation package 

• Inclusive and values-driven culture where innovation thrives 

 

#LI-SC

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.