Director 1 - Data Science & Business Analytics

JOB SUMMARY

The Director 1, Data Science & Business Analytics leads the development of advanced financial analytics, predictive modeling, and data-driven insights to strengthen decision-making and operational efficiency. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance Operations Support team, this role transforms complex financial and operational data into actionable intelligence to support budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and long-range planning. This position collaborates extensively across Finance & Operations.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Develop and implement data analytics and solutions including reports, visualizations, models, and process automations. Manage and implement continuous monitoring and data analytics scenarios, including identifying and analyzing risks
2.    Utilize advanced analytics techniques to analyze large datasets, identify trends, correlations, anomalies, and generate business and compliance insights. Leverage data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to present data in an accessible and impactful manner
3.    Developing queries and testing strategies for continuous compliance monitoring testing. Support investigations providing data/forensic analytics including evidence gathering and financial data analysis. 
4.    Build predictive and prescriptive models for revenue, enrollment, expenditures, fund balance, and capital project forecasting.
5.    Translate complex analytics into concise, actionable insights for executives, division leaders, and school-based stakeholders.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

6.    Create dashboards and self-service analytics in Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools to support CFO leadership, board reporting, and public transparency.
7.    Design and implement a finance data and analytics strategy to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with GAAP, state, and federal regulations.
8.    Work directly with the CFO on key financial projects, special analyses, and presentations.
9.    Partner with Finance Operations Support and other teams to advance a culture of data-informed decision-making.
10.    Other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Business, Accounting, Data Analytics, Public Administration, Management or related field preferred. 
License/Certification: CPA or CMA preferred

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Financial or Accounting Data Analyst/Scientist, preferably within a large organization within the public education or corporate sector.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
Demonstrated experience leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools and data analytics to enhance financial forecasting, automate workflows, and improve project management efficiency.
Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation.
Technical & Analytical: Statistical modeling, forecasting, and BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, Oracle Analytics); familiar with ERP/finance systems and data governance. Advanced user of Excel, Power BI, SAP, Visio, Office Suite, and project management software.
Professional certifications or memberships relevant to the industry or leadership role are desirable.
License/Certification: CPA or CMA preferred

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.  May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and top management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision-making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.