
Director, Sports Analytics and Innovation(5173U), Intercollegiate Athletics - 83
Inside Higher Ed, Berkeley, CA, United States
About Berkeley
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Departmental Overview
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consists of more than 275 staff members and coaches and sponsors 30 varsity sports programs. These 30 programs include more than 850 student‑athletes who participate in the various sports programs annually within the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA). The Director, Sports Analytics and Innovation reports to the Athletic Director. This position exists to develop, promote, and support the operational and strategic aspects of UC Berkeley's intercollegiate programs.
Position Summary
Involves advising on and developing the strategic and operational aspects of data analytics and innovation in the intercollegiate athletics program.
Application Review Date
First Review Date: 02/06/2026.
Responsibilities
- Advise on, develop, and execute the comprehensive data and analytics strategy for the Athletics Department, aligning with overall university and department goals.
- Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of innovative technologies, strategies, and processes across select operational areas.
- Serve as the primary internal consultant, guiding senior leaders within the Athletics Department and Berkeley Campus on data‑informed strategy for areas such as performance, health, wellbeing, student outcomes, traditional revenue generation, new business revenue generation, fan engagement, and recruiting.
- Oversee the development, maintenance, and integration of the department's data infrastructure and warehousing.
- Utilize advanced analytical techniques (e.g., predictive modeling, machine learning) to create actionable insights for improving team performance, maximizing operational efficiency, and predicting market trends.
- Create and manage dashboards and reporting systems that track key performance indicators (KPIs) for all major functional areas, providing timely information to stakeholders.
- Collaborate with coaches and sports performance teams to integrate student‑athlete data analytics (performance metrics, load management, wellness data) into daily practice and competition, and in a holistic approach.
- Collaborate with Health/Medical and Student Engagement Staff, including the Cameron Institute and Athletic Study Center, among others, to leverage student data and maximize student outcomes in a data‑driven approach.
- Partner with Development, Business Operations, Revenue Data Team, Marketing, and other external‑facing teams to identify opportunities for new revenue generation and cost savings through data‑driven operational consultation.
- Partner with the Cal Athletics External Relations leaders in revenue and fundraising to financially support various programs and initiatives using data analytics and innovation.
- Build, lead, and/or mentor a high‑performing team/partnership(s) of data scientists, analysts, and innovators via internal (IA and UCB campus), sport and industry experts.
- Champion a data‑driven culture across the entire department, providing training and tools to empower all staff to utilize data effectively.
- Ensure data governance, security, privacy, and compliance with all university, conference, and NCAA regulations.
- Make recommendations on budget spends in areas related to data analytics and innovation and use data analytics to provide department budget spend recommendations.
- Work with others in the intercollegiate athletics industry (ACC, NCAA, others) on a variety of initiatives in data analytics and innovation unique to this space (performance, recruiting, student academics, wellness, etc.).
- Other duties as assigned, including professional development.
Required Qualifications
- Thorough knowledge of program activity and best practices.
- Problem‑solving skills; multi‑task, work with frequent interruptions, and effective listening.
- Highly effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Proficiency in the use of basic computer applications relevant to job duties.
- Strong interpersonal skills to engage with and understand individuals and groups from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Ability to multi‑task effectively, demonstrate sound judgment and decision‑making, be an effective problem solver, and communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Functional knowledge of intercollegiate athletics or equivalent knowledge.
- Intermediate computer application skills, as necessary to support this role.
- Current knowledge of applicable rules and standards of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and related agencies, with adherence to avoid violations.
- Experience in analytics, sports analytics, business intelligence, competitive athletics setting, or related field.
- Technical skills: Experience with data analysis tools and software, or as necessary to support this role.
- Domain knowledge: demonstrated understanding of performance or business operations of college or professional sports organizations, including sports science/performance, wellness, health, ticketing, fundraising, marketing, and media, or equivalent experience/training.
- Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
Salary & Benefits
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted. This range considers factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensing, certifications, internal equity, and business needs. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted annual salary range is $125,000.00 – $175,000.00.
- This is an exempt monthly‑paid position.
How To Apply
- Submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information
- This is not a visa opportunity. The position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H‑1B visa petition, which would require payment of a $100,000 supplemental fee.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to its responsibilities. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and reviews information in the context of job responsibilities. The university reserves the right to make employment contingent on successful completion of the background check.
Mandated Reporter
This position is identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. Employment can be contingent upon signed statements acknowledging these responsibilities.
SB 791 and AB 810 Misconduct Disclosure Requirement
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer must disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed misconduct, received notice of allegations, are currently under investigation, left a position after allegations, or filed an appeal. “Misconduct” includes violations of policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including but not limited to sexual harassment, sexual assault, other harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, UC has policies on sexual violence and harassment, anti‑discrimination, and abusive conduct in the workplace.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
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