Director, Program Data Analytics & Insights (Chicago)

OVERVIEW:

The Director of Program Data Analytics & Insights is a key embedded leadership role within the Year Up United (YUU) Program team, responsible for enabling Program leaders to make data-informed decisions that improve student outcomes and operational effectiveness. This position surfaces critical performance questions, translates data into actionable insights, and fosters a culture of evidence-based practice. Aligned with YUU’s mission to close the Opportunity Divide, the Director drives student success by analyzing trends across key program metrics, including Learning & Development retention, internship attrition, and Full-Time Year Up (FTYU) job outcomes.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Program Strategy and Operations, the Director collaborates closely with the centralized Research & Evaluation (R&E) team to align on metrics, share analytical best practices, and contribute to organization-wide learning. This leader must bring strong business acumen, statistical fluency, and data storytelling skills, and must be able to translate complex data into insights that inform both daily and strategic decisions across the Program function.

This is a hybrid and location flexible role that will require occasional in-person activities for coaching and support of our students. You must live within a commutable distance to one of our locations where we serve students ( ).

Location preference: Candidates based in Eastern or Central time zones.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Exploration and Analysis

• Lead analysis of core program performance metrics, including Learning & Development retention, internship attrition, and Full-Time Year Up job outcomes.
• Surface trends, disparities, or outcomes that require programmatic attention or intervention.
• Apply statistical methods to test hypotheses and evaluate the significance of observed changes.

Insight Generation and Storytelling

• Deliver compelling, insight-driven narratives to Program leaders and frontline teams.
• Collaborate on the creation of visualizations, presentations, and reports for internal stakeholders.
• Provide guidance to BI developers to improve dashboard functionality and data accessibility.

Embedded Partnership and Decision Support

• Serve as a strategic partner to Program leadership, applying data to improve planning and execution.
• Attend regular Program function meetings to bring data-informed perspectives into team conversations.
• Collaborate with the R&E team to maintain shared metrics, alignment on enterprise priorities, and analytical best practices.

Data Governance

• Accountability for all program-related data, including data sourced from third parties.
• Ensure effective communication and adherence to data standards (security, access) and policies among program staff.
• Address and resolve any concerns related to data quality escalations.
• Lead program staff to actively participate in cross-functional data projects.

Capacity Building and Data Fluency

• Coach Program staff on interpreting key performance metrics and leveraging data.
• Strengthen data literacy and promote a culture of inquiry and learning across the Program team.

Year Up United Citizen:

• Live the values of YUU.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives that support YUU's effectiveness, growth, and impact.
• Actively participate in YUU’s Learning Community, supporting students as a coach, facilitator, and/or mentor.

Qualifications:

• 6–8 years of experience in data analytics, applied research, or program evaluation—ideally within education, workforce development, or nonprofit settings.
• Proficiency in SQL and data analysis tools; familiarity with BI platforms such as Tableau or Power BI is a plus.
• Strong understanding of statistical analysis, trend evaluation, and hypothesis testing.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and communicate them to non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence decisions without direct authority.
• Deep commitment to advancing equity and economic mobility through data-informed strategy.

Travel:

• Minimal travel required. Occasional travel may be needed to attend program planning or learning sessions.
• Location preference: Candidates based in Eastern or Central time zones, in markets where YUU serves students.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $135,000

#LI-Hybrid COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• Year Up United has established salary ranges for each of our sites, which allows us to pay employees competitively, equitably and consistently in different geographic markets. For roles in which the location is listed as flexible, the range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Salary offers take into account a candidate’s skills, experience, and location. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your location during the hiring process.

• Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare options and dental coverage; 401(k) match for eligible participants.

• Vacation: Earn three weeks paid vacation in first year of employment; four weeks after initial year.

• Professional Development: Funds available to support staff in achieving career objectives ($2,500 per year)

** This is an exempt role (paid on a salaried basis). **

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:

Year Up United is a national 501(c)3 workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults—no matter their background, income, or zip code. Employers face a growing need for talent while millions of talented young adults lack access to meaningful careers. These inequities only further perpetuate the opportunity gap that exists in our country—a gap that Year Up United is determined and positioned to close through three interconnected strategies: providing targeted skills training and connections to livable-wage employment for students and alumni; empowering others to serve and support young adults, and changing systems that perpetuate the opportunity gap. Year Up United’s intensive training program utilizes a high expectations, high support model where students learn in-demand technical and professional skills and apply them during a corporate internship. Year Up United has directly served more than 40,000 young adults since its founding in 2000. Year Up United's nationwide presence includes Arizona, Austin, Bay Area, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Greater Atlanta, Greater Boston, Greater Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Los Angeles, the National Capital Region, New York City/Jersey City, Pittsburgh, Puget Sound, Rhode Island, South Florida, Tampa Bay, and Wilmington.

Voted one of the Best Nonprofits to Work For in the country by The NonProfit Times, Year Up United is a rewarding and impactful place to work. Our staff is passionate, supportive, mission-driven, and committed to positive change and continuous learning. We set high standards for both ourselves and our students and live by a set of core values that reflect an unshakable belief in the talent and potential of our young people. The work we do is life-changing, and we know that our team is the greatest asset in achieving our mission.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY:

Year Up United embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discharge, or discipline, are based on meritocracy. We do not permit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws. Learn more about our commitment to diversity:
Year Up United is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Your recruiter can provide details regarding the expected work environment and any physical requirements. Please let our hiring team know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume through our website.

Note that applications without a cover letter will not be considered. We respectfully request no phone calls.

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