Manager, Data Analytics

The Council of Ontario Universities (COU) invites applications for the position of Manager, Data Analytics. COU is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and will work actively to ensure equal opportunity to all applicants.

The Council of Ontario Universities is the forum for Ontario’s universities to collaborate and advocate in support of their shared mission to the benefit and prosperity of students, communities, and the province of Ontario.

Our work advances postsecondary education through collective advocacy, sector collaboration, and a range of shared services for our members, Ontario’s 21 universities. The COU Secretariat is a collaborative team of professionals where each employee contributes directly to the success of the organization.

As a key member of the Policy and Strategy team the Manager, Data Analytics provides research and analytical leadership/support on key policy issues impacting Ontario impacting the university sector including operating grants, tuition fee revenue and enrolment trends. The Manager, Data Analytics leads data development projects, develops models to assess financial and other impacts of policy options, conducts quantitative and statistical analysis, and develops and maintains databases supporting COU advocacy efforts. Working with the Director of Policy and Analysis and the Vice-President Policy and Strategy, the Manager, Data Analytics provides strategic advice to COU members, to advisory committees – primarily the Council on University Planning and Analysis (CUPA) – and their affiliated working groups. Finally, the Manager, Data Analytics develops external relationships and engages with counterparts in government, member institutions, professional organizations and other stakeholders.

COU invites applications from experienced professionals with backgrounds in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. We offer a competitive total compensation package and a close-knit and collaborative work environment in the heart of downtown Toronto’s Discovery District. The hiring salary range for this position is $99,056/year to $132,074/year (remuneration commensurate to relevant skills and experience) plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage research and analysis projects and develop presentations for COU, affiliates and other groups to support their issues, particularly as relates to operating grants, tuition fee revenue and enrolment trends.
• Working with the Director, Policy and Planning, manage COUs support to CUPA and their affiliated working groups. This includes providing direction, policy and analytical support.
• Provide expert analysis, provide strategic advice to the Vice President, President and COU committees and working groups.
• Take a strategic approach to determining the policy and analysis needs of COU, and its committees/groups. Seek out policies, programs and issues that impact on issues in the domains of the Policy and Strategy team.
• Manage and develop key data sources and analytical tools related to provincial operating grants and enrolment, including on public-facing websites.
• Manage and maintain the Common University Data Ontario (CUDO) portal.
• Working with the Director, Policy and Planning, manage the Policy and Strategy’s contribution to the analysis of the provincial budget and fall economic statement.
• Develop and nurture critical relationships with counterparts in government, member institutions, professional organizations and other stakeholders. Act as expert resource for external stakeholders with respect to the positions and activities of the COU committees and working groups. Represent COU on and provide support to external committees and task forces.
• Serve as a delegate for the Director and/or Vice President, Policy and Strategy for internal and external meetings as needed.
• Manage the monitoring and review of statements, positions and submissions from government, and other stakeholders such as regulatory bodies in order to determine their priorities; use the information to inform the policy positions prepared for COU and its committees/working groups.
• Provide policy, analysis and research support to the Vice President on a wide range of ad hoc assignments and topics and manage or prepare briefing notes, policy presentations and correspondence as required.
• Ensure that preparation and distribution of agendas, action lists, minutes and all meeting materials is managed appropriately, with support as appropriate by the Administrative Assistant. Follow up on meeting activities to ensure continuity of policy, procedures and projects.

Education and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in disciplines using quantitative analytical approaches (such as economics, statistics, finance, business, or public administration) preferred or equivalent experience.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years working experience in quantitative analysis to support policy development and/or research.
• Experience with data analytical tools (Excel, PowerBI / Tableau, R, Python, etc.)
• Superior skills in quantitative analysis, communication of quantitative information, and research required.
• Familiarity with the use of quantitative analysis in a policy context an asset.
• Familiarity with the university environment and/or operating grants an asset.

Other:

• Must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must have high-level interpersonal skills, including ability to deal with tact and diplomacy with personnel in the postsecondary sector and government.
• Ability to assume responsibility and to work independently, prioritizing and exercising sound judgement on sensitive matters.
• Must be able to work with several projects whose goals, schedules and deadlines converge and conflict. In this environment, must meet self-imposed deadlines and demonstrate flexibility, openness to change, ability and willingness to learn continuously.
• Existing Vacancy: Yes, a newly created position.

Those qualified are asked to submit a cover letter with resume, outlining your experience and suitability for the position, to PSrecruit@cou.ca by 5 p.m. on 11 May 2026.

Information regarding COU is available at www.cou.ca.

COU is an Equity-Focused and Equal Opportunity employer, committed to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as part of its core values. EDI is a vital component of COU’s strategic priority to achieve organizational excellence. COU will foster a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion by enhancing and developing programs, policies, and training that supports and educates our employees. We recognize and appreciate the transformative power of diversity in the workplace. We encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of equity-deserving communities.

COU is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require an accommodation during this process, please inform COU of your requirements.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Land Acknowledgement

The land on which the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) operates in the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishnabek Nation and Haudenosaunee, and the treaty land of the Mississaugas of the Credit.

The territory is the subject of the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Anishinabek and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work on this land.

COU recognizes the historical and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples to our society, the historical and continuing injustices that Indigenous peoples endure, and the need for truth and reconciliation. COU is committed to forging a sustainable relationship with Indigenous partners based on principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity, and inclusion, towards making historic and significant progress in advancing the process of reconciliation in our communities, in our province