Data Scientist
Application Procedure:
See the complete posting here: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/thec/agency-information/jobs/Data%20Scientist.05.22.2025.pdf
Please email a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations for consideration to the following: David Heithcock, HR Director Tennessee Higher Education Commission 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 9th Floor Nashville, Tennessee 37243 thec.hr@tn.gov
Please email a cover letter, resume, and salary expectations for consideration to the following: David Heithcock, HR Director Tennessee Higher Education Commission 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 9th Floor Nashville, Tennessee 37243 thec.hr@tn.gov
Job Duties
The Data Scientist is a cross-functional, collaborative role that leverages THEC/TSAC’s information assets to develop deep insights for policy and practice and support strategic decision-making across the organization. This role with lead on priority analytical projects identified by THEC’s Policy, Planning & Research Bureau and will develop predictive models, conduct advanced statistical analyses, and apply machine learning techniques to large datasets. The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills, experience working with complex data systems, and the ability to translate technical findings into actionable recommendations for leadership and stakeholders.
Responsibilities include:
Responsibilities include:
• Data Analysis, Mining, & Modeling
o Lead 2–3 high-priority analytic projects at a time, identified in collaboration with the Data Strategist and updated on a rolling basis.
o Coordinate with the Senior Director of Research & Strategy on analytical priorities of the Research & Strategy Division and THEC’s broader research agenda.
o Develop predictive and prescriptive models to inform decision-making within the agency relative to the goals outlined in the Tennessee Higher Education Master Plan.
o Conduct statistical and econometric analyses within from THEC’s local data systems, trusted external sources, and the TN DATA system, the state’s longitudinal data system, to evaluate THEC-administered programs, policies, and institutional performance.
o Coordinate with the Senior Director of Research & Strategy on analytical priorities of the Research & Strategy Division and THEC’s broader research agenda.
o Develop predictive and prescriptive models to inform decision-making within the agency relative to the goals outlined in the Tennessee Higher Education Master Plan.
o Conduct statistical and econometric analyses within from THEC’s local data systems, trusted external sources, and the TN DATA system, the state’s longitudinal data system, to evaluate THEC-administered programs, policies, and institutional performance.
• Data Prototyping & Governance
o Collaborate with the Senior Director of Data Management & Solutions to support the design, prototyping, and validation of experimental data products and analytic solutions prior to production deployment.
o Collaborate with the Data Governance Coordinator and THEC’s broader data governance program on technical or procedural solutions to support effective data use, privacy and security compliance, and data literacy across the agency.
o Collaborate with the Data Governance Coordinator and THEC’s broader data governance program on technical or procedural solutions to support effective data use, privacy and security compliance, and data literacy across the agency.
• Visualization & Communication
o Collaborate with the Data Strategist on the most impactful deliverables for each of the high-profile analytic projects, which may include outputs such as interactive dashboards, white papers, and professional presentations.
o Effectively convey complex data findings and recommendations to non-technical audiences and THEC’s business end users.
• Data Strategy Advancement
o Effectively convey complex data findings and recommendations to non-technical audiences and THEC’s business end users.
o Demonstrate to teams across THEC the value of data-informed decision-making and the depth of insights possible through THEC’s data repositories.
o Contribute to THEC/TSAC’s broader data strategy by recommending and demonstrating best practices in both data science and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
o Contribute to THEC/TSAC’s broader data strategy by recommending and demonstrating best practices in both data science and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
Job Qualifications
• Required:
o Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
o 3+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics.
o Proficiency in Python, R, or SQL.
o Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis (e.g., regression, hurdle models), machine learning techniques (e.g., clustering, deep learning, random forests, etc.), and/or data mining.
o Experience working with large datasets (structured and unstructured).
o Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
o 3+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics.
o Proficiency in Python, R, or SQL.
o Knowledge of advanced statistical analysis (e.g., regression, hurdle models), machine learning techniques (e.g., clustering, deep learning, random forests, etc.), and/or data mining.
o Experience working with large datasets (structured and unstructured).
o Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Preferred:
o Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
o Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
o Experience in higher education, public policy, or government.
o Familiarity with integrated data systems, data privacy regulations, and governance frameworks.
o Strong project-management skills with the ability to lead data science initiatives.
o Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
o Experience in higher education, public policy, or government.
o Familiarity with integrated data systems, data privacy regulations, and governance frameworks.
o Strong project-management skills with the ability to lead data science initiatives.
Institution Description
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC) is the coordinating board for postsecondary education in Tennessee. THEC/TSAC aims to cultivate a cohesive higher education enterprise which fosters innovative solutions to ensure student success, build strong communities, and improve the lives of Tennesseans. The Data Strategy division is part of THEC/TSAC’s Policy, Planning, and Research Bureau. Additional information, please visit www.tn.gov/thec/about-thec-tsac.html.
Benefits
The salary range for this position is $100,000-$110,000 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.
Application Due Date: 2025-06-13
Job Start Date: 2025-07-01
Salary: $100000 - $110000
City: Nashville
State/Province/Region: TN
Institution: Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Remote Work: Tennessee residency required.
Reports To: Data Strategist
Staff # Reporting to Position: 0
Reports In Office: Data Strategy
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