Senior Manager: Institutional Analytics

**UP Professional and Support**:

- DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING, MONITORING, AND EVALUATION
- SENIOR MANAGER: INSTITUTIONAL ANALYTICS
- PEROMNES POST LEVEL 5- _- _
The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development._- KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- The primary purpose is to regularly provide management information to the Executive, Deans and Heads of Departments for strategic planning purposes, self and external evaluation. Proactively identify and initiate information projects from which the results can be used for policy formulation and strategic planning. The information required includes interpretive and qualitative analyses supported by predictive modelling and data. S/he directs and manages data collection, data analysis, and research activities relative to institutional research.
- The incumbent responsibilities include but are not limited to:

- Leading advanced scenario and impact modelling using AI-assisted simulation tools, econometric forecasting, and system dynamics modelling to anticipate future developments in higher education and science systems.
- Conducting horizon scanning and trend analysis (including AI, policy, and socio-economic trends) to identify strategic opportunities and threats for UP.
- Developing adaptive enrolment and growth forecasts integrating machine learning models and real-time data from internal and external sources.
- Translating insights into strategic narratives for executive and council-level decision-making
- Providing advanced data-driven support for institutional strategic planning, including multi-scenario resource modelling and sustainability forecasting
- Leading the development of strategic dashboards integrating operational, academic, and financial KPIs using modern BI and AI platforms.
- Directing the design, deployment, and governance of AI and machine learning models that enhance institutional intelligence (e.g., enrolment prediction, retention risk modelling, and research performance analytics).
- Overseeing the use of cloud-based data pipelines and platforms (e.g., Google Cloud, Power BI, Python, R, SQL) for data integration and analysis.
- Building and refining dynamic decision-support systems using advanced BI tools, generative AI, and interactive simulation environments.
- Developing transparent allocation models for budgets, subsidies, and tuition structures, underpinned by predictive analytics and optimisation algorithms.
- Implementing responsible AI governance, ensuring compliance with data ethics, security, and privacy regulations (POPIA, GDPR, and UP Information Governance Framework).
- Initiating and managing applied institutional research projects leveraging AI-assisted data mining, sentiment analysis, and qualitative analytics to inform academic and operational excellence.
- Publishing or presenting findings in professional and academic forums (e.g., SAAIR, AIR, and international analytics consortia).
- Creating institutional performance scorecards integrating efficiency, quality, equity, and impact indicators for strategic reporting.
- Driving continuous innovation through partnerships with ICT, Education Innovation, and Research Offices on data-centric transformation projects.-
- MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

- A Masters degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, and relevant fields;
- 5 years of progressive experience (of which 2 years in a managerial or leadership capacity);
- Experience in the following:

- Demonstrated experience in SQL Server, ETL processes, data modelling, and dashboard development;
- Proven ability to design data visualisations and prescriptive reports for executive and operational audiences;
- Demonstrated ability to manage data systems, integrations, and reporting automation within complex organisations.- REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

- Knowledge of analytics, machine learning, and predictive modelling techniques to support strategic decision-making and institutional performance;
- In-depth understanding of the South African higher education environment, including DHET frameworks and funding;
- Proficiency in BI platforms (Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent) and data storytelling for executive and operational insight;
- Advanced Data Analytics and Modelling;
- Business Intelligence and Visualisation Tools;
- Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and experience in automating analytical workflows, data extraction, and reporting using scripts and APIs;
- Knowledge of project tracking and agile management systems (e.g., Jira, MS Project, Trello);
- Expertise in horizon scanning, environmental analysis, and scenario modelling to inform institutional strategy and long-term planning;
- Demonstrates the ability to view the institution holistically, connecting data insights to strate