Posted May 20, 2024. First Review on July 20, 2024.

The Data Science Institute (DSI) at Brown University seeks an Academic Director to oversee a new online master’s degree program in Data Science: Policy, Governance & Society. This position will carry the title of Professor of the Practice of Data Science (rank to be determined by experience). It is a 12-month appointment, with an initial contract of 3 years, renewable for longer. The Academic Director will provide overall academic and intellectual leadership for the program, working with other DSI faculty, especially with faculty of DSI’s related but distinct in-person master’s program. The incumbent will also serve as instructor for one or more courses in the program. 

The mission of Brown’s online ScM in Data Science: Policy, Governance & Society is to provide students with a strong foundation in the methods and algorithms of data science, through a study of relevant topics in mathematics, statistics and computer science, including machine learning, data mining, visualization, and data management, to meet the growing demands of this industry and become future leaders in the field. Through courses providing technical foundations for data science practice as well as  ethical, policy and governance considerations, the program will train students to address the growing concerns stemming from the lack of governance in a range of areas in which data, in particular “big data” and artificial intelligence, are affecting people’s lives worldwide. 

The program is designed for students from across the globe who work full or part time while completing their degree, and seeks to recruit, educate, and develop an impactful domestic and international group of data scientists trained with proficiency and expertise in essential technical, ethical, policy, and legal concepts relevant to evaluating data science practices.

The Academic Director will be a key partner, along with DSI faculty and administrative personnel in Brown’s School of Professional Studies, in establishing this program from its inception, including overseeing curricular design; determining delivery and evaluation methods for courses, applied learning experiences, and capstone experiences; and developing appropriate co-curricular student support. This position will work with university partners to ensure the rigor of the program and abide by national accreditation standards. They will assist with marketing efforts and design strategies for inclusive recruiting practices. 

The Academic Director will oversee faculty search committees and the student admissions committee for the program. Responsibilities extend to setting strategic direction for curriculum design and student support, collaborating with DSI leaders and Deans on scalability and growth, and teaching one or more courses as required. The Academic Director will also help to manage the program's budget and resources, and facilitate connections between online and in-person programs to enhance collaboration and opportunities for faculty and students.

The Academic Director’s role also includes cultivating relationships with industry, government, and nonprofit entities to ensure a strong pool of candidates for the program, enhance career opportunities for graduates, and stay informed about emerging trends relevant to the curriculum. This position will also be involved in leading discussions with key organizations to establish strategic partnerships for student recruitment and fostering diversity. 

About DSI: The mission of the Data Science Institute (DSI) at Brown is to stimulate innovation and support people aspiring to improve lives in our data-driven world. DSI engages people across campus and beyond, to educate all in data fluency and advanced area-specific applications of data science methods; stimulate large-scale multidisciplinary research developing and applying data science methods to multiple data modalities; and ensure that the power of data be leveraged toward a more equitable society. DSI includes two research centers (the Center for Computational Molecular Biology and the Center for Technological Responsibility), an existing in-person master’s program, and an undergraduate data fluency certificate. 

DSI is committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive environment for all members of our community and is particularly interested in candidates whose scholarship, teaching and service can further our efforts. Brown also aims to foster a diverse and inclusive environment; its detailed vision and action plan for realizing this commitment is articulated in Pathways to Diversity and Inclusion.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have teaching experience as well as some experience in program management. Industry experience is also desirable, along with the ability to manage relationships with public and private-sector entities. A graduate degree (PhD) is preferred. Experience with online education is a plus.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit the following documents:

• Names and contact information of 3 recommenders
• CV or resume
• Teaching statement (addressing online teaching)
• Diversity statement 

We will start reading applications on July 1, and continue accepting applications until the position is filled.

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About the Opportunity:

The Data Science Institute (DSI) is a high-visibility campus hub that partners with multiple departments and other units at Brown to support interdisciplinary data science education and research throughout campus. The institute also houses two research centers, the Center for Computational Molecular Biology and the Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign. 

Responsibilities:

The Assistant Director of Administration and Finance manages the financial, administrative, and human resources operations for DSI, ensuring that financial and administrative practices conform to University policies.  The ADAF develops and implements internal procedures and protocols and plays a critical leadership role in support of budget management and analysis, supervises administrative staff, student affairs, grants/gifts/endowments administration, and performs other miscellaneous activities related to the management of the institute. 

The ADAF works closely with the institute Director and the research center directors to facilitate short and long-range strategic planning and the allocation of financial and budgetary activities. The position supports the Director regarding the articulation of policies, protocols, and other communications to staff and faculty. 

The position reports to the Director, and manages administrative staff in the areas of financial management, communications, administration, and academic program management.

Qualifications:
 

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree required or an equivalent combination of education and experience, graduate degree desirable. 
• 5+ years of experience in higher education administration or similar related experience, such as project management and strategic communications.
• 2 years of previous supervisory experience is required, or a demonstrated aptitude for supervision. 

Job Competencies

• Strong staff management skills required, i.e. hiring, supervision, employee evaluation.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Excellent time management skills, ability to assess priorities and pivot in response to pressing needs. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent financial management skills. 
• Familiarity with Google and Microsoft platforms, as well as project management software; a strong aptitude for learning new systems.  
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.
• Familiarity with communications best practices

Additional Information: 

• Applicants are asked to include a cover letter and resume. 
• Brown University cannot provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
• This position is largely onsite, but remote work is possible on occasion.

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CNTR’s mission is to redefine computer science education, research, and technology to center the needs, problems, and aspirations of all those that technology has left behind.

The Center for Technological Responsibility, Reimagination and Redesign is a research center within Brown University’s Data Science Institute. Through its research and educational mission, the Center shows how to build technology that works—for all—by ensuring a focus not on what we build, but on the people we are building for. The Center engages students at all levels in transdisciplinary research to create new tools and technologies, influence technology policy, and rethink how we educate the technological workforce, with an eye to impact-driven work. We collaborate widely across Brown’s campus and with other institutions and organizations. 

Responsibilities include:

• Work with CNTR director to develop and implement strategic plans (short-term, and long-term) to establish the CNTR as a national presence. 

• Advise CNTR director on strategic priorities in furtherance of these plans.

• Track and document Center projects and activities

• Engage with CNTR students and faculty, providing support as necessary

• Work with other Data Science Institute staff to coordinate operations and activities

• Assist the Center Director and DSI financial team with budgeting projections and oversight, including tracking grants and existing and anticipated gift and endowment funds. 

• Consult with the Controller’s Office, Provost’s Office, Office of the Dean of the Faculty, Office of Sponsored Programs, and other central administrative offices to ensure Center adherence to Brown financial policies and protocol. 

• Supervise efforts to maintain the CNTR website content

• Communicate with collaborators and potential collaborators, both on-campus and at other institutions

• Work closely with the Communications Coordinator of the DSI on promotion and outreach, both within and beyond the Brown community

• Help organize events, including lectures, workshops, or more informal meetings 

• Other administrative support as needed.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree plus a minimum of 2 years of experience supporting an academic or research center or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge or familiarity with issues of technology and society and the current policy and research landscape strongly preferred.

 Job Competencies

• Proven ability to evaluate and make sound recommendations on complex issues.

• Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.

• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills.

• Well-developed interpersonal skills.

• Superior organizational and multitasking skills.

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Student worker helps the administrative coordinator with tasks on the floor including setting up and cleaning up after events, taking inventory of kitchen and storage closet items, stocking supplies on the floor, assisting the administrative coordinator with various projects, etc.

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