DataKind is looking for a Head of Education Initiatives!

DataKind is seeking a strategic education leader with executive-level experience to drive the expansion of our award-winning Student Success platform across higher education institutions nationwide. This senior leadership role combines education expertise with data science innovation to significantly improve student graduation outcomes at scale.

If you're passionate about educational equity, have a proven track record of scaling education technology solutions, and excel at building institutional partnerships within higher education, this opportunity to lead DataKind's education division might be a fit for you!

Location

Remote position available anywhere in the U.S.

Salary Range
The salary range is $130,000 - $170,000

Actual salary within this range will be based on the candidate’s experience and internal salary equity scan of active employee(s) with similar role and experience.

About the Opportunity

DataKind has developed an innovative predictive analytics platform (Student Success Tool) that empowers academic advisors to identify at-risk students and dramatically improve graduation rates through targeted interventions. Our groundbreaking work has been featured in the New York Times, and we're now entering a critical growth phase.

As Head of Education Initiatives, you will lead DataKind's expanding education portfolio with primary focus on transforming post-secondary outcomes through data science. Reporting to the Vice President, Product and Programs, you will spearhead our ambitious expansion to 115 higher education institutions by December 2026, while ensuring sustained engagement and measurable impact through 2028 and beyond.

This role combines strategic leadership, partnership development, product scaling, and education expertise to create lasting change in how colleges and universities leverage predictive analytics to support student success.

Core Responsibilities

The Head of Education Initiatives will be responsible for the following in addition to any other project assigned by the Vice President, Product and Programs:

Strategic Leadership

• Architect and drive the comprehensive, multi-year education strategy that positions DataKind as a transformative leader in education technology
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives that generate $5-10M in new fundraising
• Serve as the primary executive advisor to leadership around higher education, providing sophisticated insights on global education technology trends, disruptive innovations, and strategic opportunities
• Lead organization-wide digital transformation efforts in education technology
• Develop and maintain board-level presentations and strategic narratives that communicate complex educational innovation ecosystems

Product & Program Development

• Spearhead the creation of breakthrough education solutions that have potential for systemic impact across multiple educational sectors
• Direct comprehensive product roadmaps with clear ROI and scalability metrics
• Establish enterprise-wide evaluation frameworks that demonstrate tangible social and economic impact
• Lead AI and emerging technology integration strategy, positioning the organization at the forefront of educational innovation
• Oversee multi-million dollar product development budgets and resource allocation

Fundraising and Partnership Management

• Lead fundraising efforts to support our education work. Cultivate relationships with donors, corporate partners, and foundations. Work with the finance and business development teams to set revenue targets and create compelling funding proposals.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships with educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate entities
• Negotiate and structure complex partnership agreements that advance organizational objectives
• Build collaborative relationships with education stakeholders, including school districts, universities, and education agencies
• Lead cross-sector initiatives that address systemic education challenges
• Represent DataKind at highest-level international conferences, policy forums, and strategic summits

Team Leadership

• Recruit, manage, and retain high-performing education team members
• Cultivate a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented team culture
• Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for team members
• Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability frameworks
• Drive a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development

Market & Impact Growth

• Develop strategies to scale educational programs and for market expansion
• Identify opportunities for program expansion into new markets or segments
• Create and implement impact measurement frameworks and dashboards
• Translate complex program successes into compelling, strategic narratives for diverse stakeholders including investors, policymakers, and academic leaders
• Design comprehensive impact measurement frameworks that go beyond traditional metrics to capture transformative educational outcomes

Qualifications

Required

• Alignment and enthusiasm for DataKind’s mission and values
• 15+ years of experience in education technology, higher education, or related fields, with comprehensive knowledge of community colleges and four-year institutions
• 5+ years of experience successfully managing collaborative, high-performing teams
• Familiarity with data science and AI products and how machine learning models work at the user level
• Deep knowledge of education-related products and services, including ability to navigate sales/adoption cycles for academic institutions
• Extensive experience building and managing strategic partnerships with educational institutions
• Self-motivated, results driven and persistent in the face of roadblocks and shifts
• Substantial network of contacts in the higher education space, particularly with public education institutions and systems
• Preference for candidates with knowledge and experience working with community colleges and four-year institutions
• Demonstrated expertise in translating complex educational challenges into actionable, technology-driven solutions
• Strong track record of publishing and disseminating research findings across academic, policy, and practitioner audiences
• Experience in designing privacy-protected data integration strategies
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
• Advanced degree in Education, Business, or related field preferred

About DataKind

At DataKind, we believe in the transformative power of data science and AI to create a more promising future. Since our founding in 2012, we’ve been at the forefront of designing scalable, data-driven tools that address some of the world’s toughest challenges—ranging from frontline health, humanitarian action, climate and environment, economic opportunity, education, and more. As both a product innovator and a movement catalyst, we set new standards in the social sector, empowering organizations to harness the full potential of data science and AI while putting communities first.

Why Work with DataKind

At DataKind, we believe that people are the most important asset to delivering on our mission. As a people-first remote organization, we offer the following for all our employees:

• Flexibility and time off. Enjoy genuine flexibility that goes beyond adjustable hours. We build in shared time off, company-wide recharge days, bi-weekly meeting-free days, and flexible PTO (with a minimum of 20 vacation days encouraged annually).
• Comprehensive Wellness Support. We care for your total wellbeing with 100% employer-paid medical, vision, and dental benefits for employees (72% for dependents), a wellness reimbursement program for the activities and purchases that matter to you, and 12 weeks paid parental leave when you need it most.
• A Culture of Growth. Every team member receives professional development funding each year, alongside mentorship and advancement opportunities. We invest in your future with a 401(k) plan with 5% employer matching.
• Meaningful Connection. Despite being distributed across time zones, we value being able to come together in person for conferences, strategic planning, and at our annual staff retreat.
• Living our Values. DataKind is committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment in our day-to-day work and via special initiatives driven by our DEI Steering Committee.

Encouraging Applicants of All Backgrounds

We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, especially people of color, people with disabilities, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

DataKind is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other category/characteristics protected by law. No matter one’s background, all role must value and advocate for inclusion and equity.

Applicants must have a U.S.-based permanent address and be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis indefinitely without employer visa sponsorship.