Associate Athletic Director for Data & Business Strategy

  • The Ohio State University
  • Columbus, Ohio
  • Full Time
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Job Title:Associate Athletic Director for Data & Business StrategyDepartment:Athletics | Administration

Mission Statement

The Ohio State University Department of Athletics and Business Advancement is a nationally recognized leader in collegiate athletics, driven by a higher purpose to serve student-athletes, staff, and the broader community through excellence, innovation, and tradition. With more than 1,000 student-athletes across 36 teams, the department is supported by over 600 full-time staff and operates on a budget exceeding $400 million, overseeing 28 state-of-the-art facilities Guided by its mission The People. The Tradition. Excellence. the department is committed to fostering competitive excellence, fiscal accountability, operational efficiency, and an exceptional experience for guests, staff, and student-athletes alike. The Associate Athletic Director (AD) for Data & Business Strategy will play a pivotal role in advancing these priorities by leveraging data analytics and strategic insights to optimize performance, drive innovation, and support decision-making that aligns with Ohio States values of integrity, respect, community, education, and lifelong learning.

Executive Summary

The Associate Athletic AD for Data & Business Strategy is a senior leadership role within the Department of Athletics and Business Advancement at The Ohio State University. This position is instrumental in shaping the departments strategic vision through the integration of advanced data analytics and business intelligence. The Associate AD leads initiatives that drive performance optimization, revenue generation, and strategic decision-making across the organization.

With a focus on leveraging data to solve complex business challenges, the Associate AD designs and implements analytical frameworks, synthesizes insights from diverse data sources, and communicates findings through compelling storytelling and strategic dialogue. This role collaborates closely with leadership to align data-driven strategies with departmental goals, using tools such as dashboards, statistical modeling, and simulation techniques.

Ideal candidates will bring a minimum of eight years of experience in analytics, with a preference for those with over twelve years in data science, business intelligence, or predictive analytics. A strong background in collegiate athletics is highly desirable. The role demands exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and innovation across teams.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership (40%)
    Lead the development and execution of the departments strategic vision by overseeing data analytics initiatives and managing data-driven projects that inform high-level decision-making.
  • Data Analysis & Business Intelligence (30%)
    Compile, analyze, and interpret complex data sets from Athletics and Business Advancement to support performance optimization, revenue generation, goal setting, and strategic planning. Utilize advanced reporting tools and statistical methods to deliver actionable insights.
  • Innovation & Strategy Development (20%)
    Apply advanced analytical techniques, including mathematical and simulation modeling, to identify innovative solutions that support departmental goals. Communicate long-term strategies effectively through storytelling, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Additional Duties (10%)
    Perform other responsibilities as assigned, contributing to the overall success and adaptability of the department.

Reporting Relationships

This position has a dual reporting relationship to the Senior Vice President and Wolfe FoundationEugene Smith Endowed Athletics Director and the Vice President for Business Advancement and Chief Operating Officer for Athletics. The role works in close partnership with both Athletics and Business Advancement leadership to align data-driven strategies with departmental goals.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelors degree or equivalent experience; an advanced degree in a relevant field may be required.
  • At least 8 years of relevant experience in analytics, data strategy, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 12+ years of experience in analytics, including data science, business intelligence, or predictive/statistical analysis.
  • Proven track record of using strategic analysis to guide high-performance organizations and drive meaningful change.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with staff, leadership, and stakeholders at all levels.
  • Experience working within a collegiate athletic program is highly desirable.

The Ohio State University

Founded in 1870 as a land-grant university, The Ohio State University is one of the nations top-20 public institutions and a leader in higher education, with annual research expenditures exceeding $1 billion. Located in Columbus, Ohiothe nations 14th most populous and fastest-growing cityOhio State serves over 67,700 students across its main campus and regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, and Newark, as well as the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus, which houses Ohio State ATI.

Ohio State's impact is felt not only regionally but also nationally and globally. The university boasts 600,000 living alumni worldwide and an endowment of over $7.0 billion. Committed to being the model 21st-century land-grant university, Ohio State enables individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve extraordinary success.

The institution's vast intellectual range is supported by 15 academic colleges, all located on the Columbus campus, fostering opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Ohio States Wexner Medical Center is one of Americas leading academic health centers, recently ranked No. 4 on Forbes list of best U.S. employers for diversity. The university offers eligible employees comprehensive benefits packages, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, tuition assistance for themselves and their dependents, and competitive retirement options. The institution is also dedicated to enhancing work-life balance through a suite of institutionalized policies.

Ohio States Shared Values shape a dynamic community where opportunity thrives. The university welcomes differences, encourages open-minded exploration and courageous thinking, and upholds freedom of expression. View more information on the Dual Career Office by clicking here.

Ohio States Columbus campus is near the heart of a vibrant and diverse metropolitan area with a population of over 1.5 million. The city offers affordable housing, numerous cultural and recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a robust economy driven by government, service, transportation, and technology industries. This rapidly growing city is not only a hub for high-tech companies but also a center for education, healthcare, and the arts.

Despite its size, Ohio State excels in scaling innovation in teaching and learning, driven by strategic planning efforts focused on achieving institutional success through multidisciplinary and cross-university collaboration. The universitys ambition is matched by its commitment to inclusive excellence, exposing students to a vast array of ideas, experiences, and cultures. At Ohio State, individuals are empowered to transform themselves and their world, contributing to a legacy that shapes a better tomorrow.

University Vision and Mission

Our Vision

The Ohio State University is the model 21st-century public, land grant, research, urban, community engaged institution.

Our Mission

The University is dedicated to:

  • Creating and discovering knowledge to improve the well-being of our state, regional, national and global communities.
  • Educating students through a comprehensive array of distinguished academic programs.
  • Preparing a diverse student body to be leaders and engaged citizens.
  • Fostering a culture of engagement and service.

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the country, with a vibrant blend of arts and culture; inspired culinary, fashion, music, and entertainment scenes; exciting collegiate and professional sports; and an open, entrepreneurial spirit. Its diverse population 109 languages are represented makes Columbus a microcosm of America.

Ohios state capital is the 14th largest city in the U.S. and second largest in the Midwest behind Chicago, larger than Charlotte, Seattle, Denver, Boston, Nashville, and Baltimore. The population of the greater Columbus metropolitan area is more than two million. At the same time, the cost of living in Columbus is 10 percent below the national average.

The Intelligent Community Forum named Columbus is one of the seven most intelligent communities in the world. The city has more PhDs than the national average and the largest concentration in the Midwest. There are 56 college and university campuses within the Columbus region.

Columbus is within 550 miles of nearly half the nations population. John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 10 minutes from downtown, offers more than 150 daily nonstop departures to 35 airports. During the work week, the average Columbus commute is just 23.3 minutes and can be significantly less. Learn more about Columbus .

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following:

1. An up-to-date and detailed curriculum vitae (CV)

2. A letter of interest that includes:

  • Your interest in the Associate Athletic Director for Data & Business Strategy position.
  • How your experience makes you a strong candidate for the role.
  • Why is this the right time for you to pursue this opportunity.

All inquiries and nominations should be submitted to Shannon Rice ... and Allison Thomas at ... .

Please submit all application materials by June 16, 2025 to receive priority consideration.

Additional Information:Location:Fawcett Center for Tomorrow (0284)Position Type:RegularScheduled Hours:40 Shift: Varying Shifts Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process. Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.
Job ID: 478756476
Originally Posted on: 5/28/2025

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