Associate AD, Data & Business Strategy

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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 State’s 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 department’s 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 department’s 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 Foundation–Eugene 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:

Bachelor’s 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.