Vice President - Data & Analytics, Edelman Intelligence

Edelman is a voice synonymous with trust, reimagining a future where the currency of communication is action. Our culture thrives on three promises: boldness is possibility, empathy is progress, and curiosity is momentum.

At Edelman, we understand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) transform our colleagues, our company, our clients, and our communities. We are in relentless pursuit of an equitable and inspiring workplace that is respectful of all, reflects and represents the world in which we live, and fosters trust, collaboration and belonging.

Role Overview

We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Head of Data & Analytics to lead the analytical engine behind Edelman Intelligence. This role will oversee analytics strategy, predictive intelligence initiatives, AI-enabled insights, and measurement capabilities that help deliver smarter, more impactful, and client-centric solutions.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical expertise with commercial thinking, innovation, and leadership. They should understand the communications and media industry well enough to challenge briefs, shape analytical approaches, and translate technical output into language that clients and strategists can act on. They should be passionate about how data, predictive analytics, and emerging AI technologies can enhance decision-making, uncover opportunities, and create measurable business value for clients.

This role will partner closely with the Intelligence leadership, senior consultants, and technology teams to build an advanced data solutions team with the goal of building innovative solutions that transform data into actionable insights, compelling narratives, and measurable business outcomes for industry-leading clients.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & People Management

Recruit, lead, mentor, and grow a team of Data Scientists, Research and Data Engineers.

Set clear expectations for technical quality, delivery rigor, and professional development across the team.

Manage resourcing and capacity across concurrent engagements.

Ensure the team leverages AI to accelerate their work across the analytical workflow.

Modelling, Analytics & Insight

Own the end-to-end analytical workflow: scoping, data exploration, modeling, validation, and delivery of client-ready outputs.

Oversee predictive modeling, media mix modeling, segmentation, forecasting, and attribution methodologies.

Ensure analytical outputs tell a story that resonates with business stakeholders, drives decision-making, and calls to action — not just report numbers.

Ensure the business fit and quality of report generation across the Data Science team.

Analytical Data Layer & Quality

Direct the team's Data Engineers in building and maintaining the analytical data layer: profiling, staging, exploratory pipelines, and data preparation for modeling and business intelligence.

Establish standards for data quality, documentation, and reproducibility across the team's work.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with the rest of the Intelligence teams to translate business questions into analytical requirements and findings into client-ready narratives.

Work with the Solution team to ensure smooth transitions from analytical outputs to production-grade deliverables.

Present methodology, findings, and recommendations to senior internal stakeholders and when required clients.

Technical Standards & Team Development

Define and enforce best practices for modeling, code quality, version control, and peer review within the Data team.

Stay current with developments in AI, data science, and analytics tooling; evaluate and introduce new methods where appropriate.

Qualifications Required

10 or more years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, predictive analytics, or data science.

5 or more years of experience within media, marketing, or communications environments.

Strong understanding of AI, predictive intelligence, and modern analytics methodologies.

Experience translating analytics into strategic business or client outcomes.

Proficiency in Python and SQL.

Strong communication and storytelling skills with the ability to simplify complex information for senior internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated experience building and leading teams and driving cross-functional initiatives.

Preferred Experience at an advisory or consulting firm focused on the intersection of communications, advanced analytics, and AI is highly preferred.

Experience working in a global agency network

Having worked in a matrix organization

Expertise with generative AI solutions.

Experience in Tableau/Power BI, or similar BI platforms.

Familiarity with cloud data environments and modern data architecture.

Advanced degree in Analytics, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or related field

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.