Strategy Analyst

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 138 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

The Strategy Analyst supports the Executive Associate AD, Strategy in building and executing the strategic roadmap for Stanford Athletics. This position plays a critical role in turning data into actionable insights, supporting decision-making across administration, varsity, recreation, and physical education programs. The Analyst will blend quantitative analysis, business modeling, and creative problem-solving to inform priorities across financial sustainability, competitive excellence, and student-athlete experience

Responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Planning & Research (30%)

   1. Conduct financial, operational, and competitive analyses to inform the department’s multi-year strategic plan.
      
   2. Support scenario planning related to NCAA/ACC evolution, NIL, and revenue-sharing models.
      
   3. Benchmark against peer institutions, professional leagues, and Olympic systems to identify opportunities for innovation.
      

2. Data & Analytics (30%)

Welcome to Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (“DAPER”), the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. With an unparalleled record of 138 NCAA team championships, we are the proud Home of Champions. Our success isn’t just measured in trophies; it’s reflected in the passion of our nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 intercollegiate varsity teams. It resonates in our unwavering support for the university’s physical education, recreation, and wellness initiatives. At Stanford, we don’t just embrace excellence; we define it. We don’t just nurture champions; we create them. Our actions are guided by the core tenets of DAPER culture, “The DAPER Way,” which are: Embrace Scholar Athleticism, Pursue and Revere Excellence, Lead with Courage, and Work Cohesively.

Are you ready to inspire champions? If yes, then this may be the right opportunity for you!

The Strategy Analyst supports the Executive Associate AD, Strategy in building and executing the strategic roadmap for Stanford Athletics. This position plays a critical role in turning data into actionable insights, supporting decision-making across administration, varsity, recreation, and physical education programs. The Analyst will blend quantitative analysis, business modeling, and creative problem-solving to inform priorities across financial sustainability, competitive excellence, and student-athlete experience

Responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Planning & Research (30%)

   1. Conduct financial, operational, and competitive analyses to inform the department’s multi-year strategic plan.
      
   2. Support scenario planning related to NCAA/ACC evolution, NIL, and revenue-sharing models.
      
   3. Benchmark against peer institutions, professional leagues, and Olympic systems to identify opportunities for innovation.
      

2. Data & Analytics (30%)

   1. Develop and maintain dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) for executive decision-making.
      
   2. Build models for forecasting, performance measurement, and ROI across core business lines (ticketing, fundraising, partnerships, sport performance, and talent).
      
   3. Partner with the Strategy and Finance teams to ensure a single source of truth for data.
      

3. Operational Support (20%)

   1. Prepare presentations and materials for the Athletic Director and Executive Team, summarizing insights into clear, actionable recommendations.
      
   2. Translate complex analytics into narratives for coaches, administrators, and University partners.
      
   3. Support the design and monitoring of strategic initiatives and business transformations.
      

4. Organizational Effectiveness (10%)

   1. Conduct internal assessments to evaluate structure, culture, and workflow efficiencies.
      
   2. Provide analytic and project support for cross-departmental initiatives led by the Strategy function.
      

5. Strategic Engagement & Communication (10%)

   1. Draft reports and talking points that communicate strategy outcomes and progress to stakeholders.
      
   2. Support department-wide engagement in strategic goals through dashboards, newsletters, and presentations.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Statistics, or related field.

• 4–6 years of professional experience in data analytics, management consulting, corporate strategy, or sports business operations.

• Strong quantitative skills with proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, Tableau/Power BI, and other data/financial modeling tools.

• Experience conducting research, synthesizing insights, and presenting findings to senior executives.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate data into compelling stories.

• Familiarity with collegiate athletics, NCAA governance, or professional sports strategy preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MBA, MPP, or MS in Analytics, Economics, or Data Science).

• Prior experience at a top consulting firm (McKinsey, Bain, Deloitte, or equivalent) or in a strategy/insights function.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with diverse teams.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Mastery in data modeling, predictive analytics, and visualization.

• Strong strategic and financial acumen.

• High EQ and sensitivity within a complex, decentralized institution with multiple stakeholders.

• Commitment to Stanford’s mission of academic and athletic excellence

DAPER’s Integrity:
This position, along with all DAPER coaches and staff, is responsible for the integrity of Stanford’s intercollegiate athletics program and for the reputation of Stanford University. This position is responsible for ensuring that his/her/their involvement with Athletics Department activities maintains the integrity of the University’s reputation and does not negatively impact the relationship between the University and its faculty, staff, students and alumni. Additionally, this position must comply with University policies and procedures, NCAA and ACC rules and regulations.

Why Stanford is for you:
Stanford University has revolutionized the way we live and enrich the world. Supporting this mission is our diverse and dedicated 17,000 staff. We seek talent driven to impact the future of our legacy. Our culture and unique perks empower you with:

• Freedom to grow. We offer career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or global leader speak.

• A caring culture. We provide superb retirement plans, generous time-off, and family care resources.

• A healthier you. Climb our rock wall or choose from hundreds of health or fitness classes at our world-class exercise facilities. We also provide excellent health care benefits.

• Discovery and fun. Stroll through historic sculptures, trails, and museums.

• Enviable resources. Enjoy free commuter programs, ridesharing incentives, discounts and more!

The expected pay range for this position is $123,000 – $163,000 per annum.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/b...) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 4738
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: J
• Requisition ID: 107594
• Work Arrangement : On Site

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