Sector Data And Insights Strategist

Technology is reinventing higher education and at OCAS we play a vital role in helping shape this evolving landscape. We deliver dependable technology systems and business services to support our industry partners and create new pathways for learners exploring and applying to Ontario’s public colleges .Recently named a Waterloo Area Top Employer for the eleventh consecutive year, we’re looking for innovators who can bring their expertise and passion to our growing team.As
Sector Data and Insights Strategist, you’ll work collaboratively with OCAS, Colleges Ontario, and Ontario’s public colleges and polytechnics to identify, advance, and champion strategic data initiatives that strengthen planning, decision-making, policy development, and student outcomes across the post-secondary sector.In this shared role, you’ll divide your time equally between OCAS’s Application Services, Data and Technology portfolio and Colleges Ontario’s Policy and Innovation team, helping both organizations use data and insights to support Ontario’s college system and shape its future direction.You’ll provide thought leadership on emerging trends, enrolment, learner pathways, workforce needs, and data-informed policy development. Drawing on your deep knowledge of the Ontario college system, OCAS data assets, and other post-secondary datasets, you’ll help shape sector strategy, develop actionable insights, and identify opportunities to maximize the value of data for colleges and sector partners.In this role, you will:
Provide strategic leadership on sector-wide data opportunities, emerging trends, and priorities that support Ontario’s colleges and polytechnicsIdentify opportunities to enhance the use of data across the college system and contribute to planning and advocacy related to enrolment, learner pathways, workforce needs, student outcomes, and system planningMonitor post-secondary, labour market, demographic, and policy trends to identify opportunities and risks for Ontario colleges and polytechnicsLead the development of analyses, models, briefing materials, reports, and presentations that translate complex data into actionable insightsIdentify meaningful patterns and trends within OCAS and sector data to support evidence-based decision-making by colleges, OCAS, Colleges Ontario, and relevant interest holdersBuild strong relationships with institutional research, strategic planning, enrolment management, student services, and other sector leadersFacilitate discussions to understand sector needs, gather requirements, and identify opportunities for new data products, analytics, and research initiativesWork with OCAS, Colleges Ontario, and sector partners to enhance data accessibility, quality, governance, and value while maintaining strong privacy and compliance practicesShape the development of new data products, services, reporting capabilities, data repositories, and thought leadership deliverables that address sector prioritiesExplore and connect diverse data sources, transforming information into actionable insights that support decision-making and innovationLead and support sector-level research initiatives that inform strategic planning, public policy discussions, enrolment management strategies, learner mobility initiatives, or workforce development prioritiesProvide analytical expertise and evidence-based recommendations to senior leaders across Colleges Ontario, OCAS, colleges, and governmentRepresent OCAS and Colleges Ontario on sector committees, working groups, and collaborative initiatives, and act as a data liaison with government ministriesPromote data-informed decision-making through presentations, workshops, publications, conference participation, and interest holder engagement activitiesYou should have:
A master’s degree in business, public policy, higher education, data analytics, statistics, economics, social sciences, or another related discipline;
PhD preferred8 to 10+ years of progressive experience in institutional research, strategic planning, enrolment management, analytics, higher education administration, or a related fieldSignificant experience within the Ontario college sector, with the ability to establish credibility and influence senior interest holders across colleges, sector organizations, and governmentStrong analytical and research capabilities, with experience interpreting large and complex datasetsAdvanced knowledge of data visualization, reporting, and analytical tools such as Power BI, SQL, Excel, Python, R, or similar technologiesExperience translating technical findings into clear, compelling insights for executive, sector, and non-technical audiencesExceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skillsDemonstrated ability to influence without direct authority, manage complex relationships, and navigate competing prioritiesA strategic, collaborative approach to problem-solving, with a commitment to integrity and evidence-based decision‑makingEnjoy a flexible hybrid work model that balances in‑office collaboration with remote work, with the option to designate either Colleges Ontario's Toronto office or OCAS's Guelph office as your primary work location.Join a collaborative team that is passionate about the Ontario college sectorPlan for the future with a defined benefit corporate pension planAccess comprehensive benefits, including vision, dental, extended health care, life insurance, and moreThe pay range for this position is $110,000-$130,000, depending on skills and previous experience.Position reports to: Vice-President, Application Services, Data and Technology at OCAS, and Vice President, Policy and Innovation at Colleges Ontario.This position is being offered to fulfill an existing vacancy.OCAS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
#J-18808-Ljbffr