Applications are currently being accepted and will continue to be accepted until the position
is filled. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references
to David Heithcock, Human Resources Director, at thec.hr@tn.gov.

The Director of Research & Strategy will support the Research and Strategy division in
carrying out the Commission’s policy and research agenda in alignment with the higher
education master plan to empower the use of data for policy and programmatic change.

Detailed Job Responsibilities
Under the direction of the Senior Director of Research and Strategy, the Director of
Research and Strategy will oversee a team of Research and Strategy analysts who conduct
data analyses, transform data into digestible outputs, and complete annual reporting as
part of the Research and Strategy team’s responsibilities.
• Organize, implement, and oversee day-to-day operations of the Research and
Strategy analysts, including but not limited to supervising and developing the
Research and Strategy analysts, setting accountability measures, and monitoring
progress.
• Facilitate completion and review of THEC’s statutory and other annual reports,
including financial aid, transfer, college-going, fact book, and county profile reports,
and other reports as assigned.
• Support analysts to transform data analyses into effective presentations of data,
research, and knowledge, verbally and in writing for policymakers, systems and
institutions, and THEC divisions (including other external partners).
Innovate Research and Strategy team reach through research collaboration and improved
outputs, like reports, downloads, and visualizations, to enhance data availability, cultivate
awareness, and effectuate change.
• Synthesize research needs into salient, specific data requests and build awareness
of our data systems.
• Strengthen database querying capabilities and data analysis techniques to complete
routine data requests (e.g., SQL, R, Tableau, etc.) and automate reporting and
analyses for regular requests.
• Develop and foster partnerships across THEC divisions, state agencies, and
institution and system peers to build familiarity and strengthen collaboration for
enhanced workflow.
Assist the Commission with additional day-to-day activities to improve college attainment
in Tennessee.

• Master’s degree required.
• Experience as a data/research analyst required, specific to higher education; four
years of experience, preferred.
• Experience managing others.
• Familiarity with data management, including advanced proficiency with SQL Server,
and familiarity with data analytic principles and education policy perspectives.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel; statistical software packages, preferably
R; and visualization packages, preferably Tableau.
• Ability to learn quickly, prioritize tasks, and efficiently manage time. 

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential. We pursue this goal by innovating for student access and success, creating a policy environment conducive to increased degree attainment, and protecting students and consumers. The Research and Strategy division analyzes data, conducts research, and generates knowledge to increase postsecondary access, affordability, and completion. We synthesize, evaluate, and disseminate to set context, promote use, inform policy, and influence action through collaboration with our programmatic, institutional, and governmental partners. The Research and Strategy division is within the Policy, Planning, and Research bureau, which includes the Fiscal Policy and Data Services divisions. Additional information about THEC may be found at www.tn.gov/thec.

Salary is $85,000-$95,000 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. This
position offers a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, life insurance,
and paid vacation and holidays.