Senior Director, AP Product Strategy, Analytics & Intelligence

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Director, AP Product Strategy, Analytics & Intelligence

Company: College Board

Location: Remote - New York, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Revenue Operations, Analytics, Strategy & Intelligence

Date Posted: 2026-08-10

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office optional for NY-based employees, otherwise fully remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic product direction for the Advanced Placement (AP) program through rigorous analytics and intelligence.

• Own and advance sophisticated volume projection models, integrating AI/ML techniques for enhanced accuracy and long-term strategic planning.

• Analyze critical supply and demand dynamics within the AP program to inform organizational strategy and product development.

• Develop and maintain analytic infrastructure, proactively identifying and addressing data gaps to support data-driven decision-making.

• Lead and mentor a team of analysts, fostering a culture of statistical rigor, critical thinking, and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Director, implying significant leadership responsibilities and a strategic impact on the AP program's future. The emphasis on AI/ML and long-term projection modeling suggests a forward-thinking approach to product strategy and operations within a large educational non-profit. The hybrid work option for those near New York offices indicates a structured approach to in-person collaboration, while fully remote is also viable.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead Current-Year AP Volume Forecasting (25%):

  • Exercise independent judgment to assess registration data shifts, determining forecast adjustments based on risk and impact.
  • Diagnose underlying drivers of forecast fluctuations by analyzing historical data and collaborating with internal stakeholders.
  • Clearly communicate findings, prescribed responses, and forecast changes to all relevant stakeholder groups, including Strategic Finance and State and District Partnerships.
  • Meticulously document all assumptions, data inputs, and forecast modifications for each cycle.

• Advance Long-Term, AI/ML-Driven Volume Projection Modeling (40%):

  • Develop, refine, and validate the future-year AP volume projection model, incorporating granular school-level data.
  • Apply and test advanced AI/ML forecasting techniques to enhance model accuracy and extend the predictive horizon.
  • Proactively manage forecast risk across diverse constituent groups, applying sound judgment to revise projections when necessary.
  • Establish the foundational framework for connecting long-term volume projections to the AP's ambitious 2040 participation and success goals.

• Analyze Supply and Demand Issues to Inform Long-Term Strategy (20%):

  • Scope, execute, and interpret complex statistical analyses across the team's five key focus areas.
  • Translate analytical findings into actionable recommendations that directly influence division leadership's strategic decisions regarding AP participation and success gaps.
  • Proactively identify emerging trends and strategic questions related to AP program access and impact.

• Own Analytic Infrastructure and Address Data Gaps (15%):

  • Identify and prioritize analytic infrastructure gaps that impede the team's or colleagues' ability to answer strategic questions with data.

  • Prioritize gap-closing initiatives based on their potential organizational impact and strategic alignment.

  • Close prioritized gaps by optimizing the use of existing data, sourcing supplementary data, or forging cross-functional partnerships.

  • Exercise discretion in time allocation to balance proactive gap-closing efforts with emergent, ad hoc analytic requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a split between immediate operational needs (current-year forecasting) and long-term strategic development (AI/ML modeling, 2040 goals). The emphasis on "independent judgment," "sound judgment," and "risk management" highlights the critical nature of this role in financial and strategic planning for the AP program. The analytical focus extends beyond pure forecasting to understanding market dynamics (supply and demand) and infrastructure development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required.

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Economics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related discipline is preferred. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in forecasting, statistical modeling, predictive analytics, or a closely related analytically-grounded role.

• Proven track record of successfully applying statistical and forecasting methodologies to solve complex real-world business or policy problems.

• Demonstrated experience in leading strategic initiatives and influencing senior leadership through data-driven insights. Required Skills:

• Expertise in Statistical Modeling & Forecasting: Deep understanding and practical application of various statistical and forecasting techniques, including time-series analysis, regression, and advanced predictive modeling.

• AI/ML Proficiency: Hands-on experience with AI/ML techniques as applied to forecasting or predictive modeling; a strong desire to explore and implement new approaches.

• Data Interpretation & Visualization: Fluency in interpreting complex datasets, identifying key trends, and translating findings into clear, compelling narratives using data visualization tools.

• Critical Thinking & Analytical Rigor: A sharp, critical mindset capable of dissecting complex problems, evaluating assumptions, and drawing sound, data-informed conclusions.

• Strategic Planning & Product Strategy: Ability to connect analytical insights to broader product strategy, identify new opportunities, and inform long-term organizational goals.

• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to communicate complex analytical concepts and findings clearly, persuasively, and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.

• Risk Management & Judgment: Sound judgment in managing forecast risk, ambiguity, and reconciling projections across multiple stakeholder groups with potentially conflicting priorities.

• Mentorship & Thought Partnership: Capacity to serve as a thought partner to senior colleagues and to mentor junior staff in developing advanced forecasting and statistical thinking skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with large-scale educational data or non-profit sector analytics.

• Familiarity with data governance principles and data quality management.

• Experience in project management for analytical initiatives.

• Proficiency in statistical programming languages such as R or Python.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+ years of experience" combined with the "Senior Director" title clearly indicates a need for seasoned professionals with a proven ability to lead and strategize. The emphasis on AI/ML and the "hunger for testing new approaches" suggests the company is looking for innovators. The requirement for an advanced degree, while preferred, underscores the technical depth expected in statistical and analytical capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Impact through Analysis: Showcase case studies where your statistical modeling and forecasting expertise directly led to measurable improvements in business outcomes or strategic decision-making.

• Forecasting Model Development & Validation: Include examples of forecasting models you have developed, highlighting the methodologies used, data sources, assumptions, and validation processes.

• AI/ML Application in Practice: Present projects where you have applied AI/ML techniques for predictive modeling or forecasting, detailing the problem statement, chosen algorithms, implementation challenges, and results.

• Data-Driven Strategy Formulation: Provide instances where your analytical insights informed strategic planning, product development, or resource allocation decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Document processes for developing, refining, and deploying forecasting models, including data ingestion, feature engineering, model selection, training, and validation.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Protocols: Illustrate how you have established and managed communication workflows with stakeholders (e.g., Finance, Partnerships, Product) to gather context, validate assumptions, and communicate forecast changes.

• Performance Monitoring & Iteration: Detail processes for continuously monitoring model performance, identifying drift, and implementing iterative improvements based on new data and feedback.

• Gap Analysis & Infrastructure Development: Showcase your approach to identifying analytic gaps, prioritizing solutions, and building or enhancing data infrastructure to support advanced analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list skills but demonstrate their application and impact. Candidates should be prepared to walk through specific examples of their forecasting models, AI/ML projects, and how their analysis translated into strategic action. Documenting processes for collaboration and model lifecycle management will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The hiring range for this role is $116,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is competitive for a Senior Director-level position in the US, particularly for a remote role with significant analytical and strategic responsibilities. College Board aims to make its best offer upfront, considering location, experience, and market data. Salaries are adjusted by location to ensure fairness.

Benefits:

• Meaningful Career & Mission-Driven Work: Opportunity to contribute to expanding educational and career opportunities.

• Comprehensive Compensation Package: Fair and competitive salary, grounded in qualifications, experience, impact, and market data.

• Health and Wellness: Details on health insurance, dental, vision, and potentially wellness programs.

• Retirement Savings: Likely a 401(k) plan with potential employer match.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and potentially support for certifications or further education.

• Collaborative Team Environment: Supportive team and a culture of shared success.

• Flexibility: While hybrid is an option for NY-based employees, the role is primarily remote.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour workweek is expected, the role involves managing critical forecasting cycles and responding to emergent analytic requests, which may occasionally require flexibility outside of standard hours. The remote and hybrid options offer some flexibility in terms of daily work location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education (Non-profit) - The College Board is a mission-driven organization focused on educational access and equity. Its work directly impacts millions of students, educators, and institutions globally.

Company Size: Large (Likely 1,000-5,000+ employees based on typical non-profit educational organizations of this scale). This size implies structured processes, potential for cross-functional collaboration, and established operational frameworks.

Founded: 1900. This long history signifies stability, established methodologies, and a deep understanding of the educational landscape.

Team Structure:

• AP & Instruction (AP&I) Division: This role sits within the AP&I division, a core part of the College Board.

• AP Product Strategy Department: The immediate team focuses on identifying and evaluating new program opportunities and shaping the future of AP.

• Reporting Structure: The Senior Director will likely report to an Executive Director or VP within the AP&I division, overseeing a team of analysts and potentially project managers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with Strategic Finance, State and District Partnerships, the Office of the President, the Office of the CEO, and other AP colleagues.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on using data, statistical rigor, and analytics to inform strategic initiatives and product development.

• Strategic Incubation: A process for identifying, evaluating, and developing high-impact ideas that expand AP's value proposition.

• Collaborative Problem Solving: Working closely with leaders across the organization to address complex challenges and inform strategic direction.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that embraces learning, feedback, and iterative improvement, including leveraging emerging technologies like AI/ML.

Company Website: https://www.collegeboard.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The College Board's mission-driven nature is a significant cultural aspect. Operations professionals here are likely motivated by impact rather than just profit. The scale and history suggest a need for individuals who can navigate established structures while driving innovation, particularly in analytics and product strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Director - This is a leadership role, indicating significant strategic influence, responsibility for key organizational processes (forecasting, modeling), and management of analytical resources. It signifies a move beyond individual contribution to strategic oversight and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Director will report to a higher-level executive within the AP&I division and will lead a team of analysts. This structure provides exposure to executive leadership and opportunities to shape departmental strategy.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the AP program's financial planning, strategic direction, and long-term growth. Accurate forecasting and insightful analysis are critical for resource allocation, goal setting (e.g., the 2040 participation goal), and identifying new market opportunities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunity to deepen expertise in product strategy, educational policy, and executive-level decision-making within a major non-profit.

• AI/ML Specialization: Advanced training and hands-on experience in applying cutting-edge AI/ML techniques to large-scale educational data, positioning the individual as a leader in this niche.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Building a strong network and influencing strategic initiatives across multiple departments, potentially leading to broader roles within the College Board or the education sector.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Developing leadership skills by guiding and mentoring a team of analytical professionals, fostering their growth and impact.

• Contribution to Major Educational Goals: Directly contributing to significant organizational goals like increasing student participation and success in AP programs, offering profound career satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth into more senior executive positions within educational organizations or analytics leadership roles. The focus on AI/ML and strategic forecasting provides a highly marketable specialization. The impact on educational outcomes is a significant differentiator for career satisfaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Remote. For employees located near College Board offices (New York implied), there's an option for hybrid work (2 days in-office). Fully remote is also a viable option. This offers flexibility in how and where work is performed.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the mention of "near CB offices" and "hybrid (Tuesday and Wednesday in office)" suggests that New York is a primary hub. Occasional travel to College Board offices or for business purposes is required.

Workspace Context:

• Remote/Hybrid Flexibility: Empowers employees to choose a work arrangement that best suits their productivity and work-life balance.

• Collaborative Tools: Expectation of utilizing digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, video conferencing) for seamless communication and teamwork, especially in a remote/hybrid setting.

• Analytic Infrastructure: Access to necessary data, software, and potentially cloud-based platforms for advanced analytics, modeling, and visualization.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for team engagement through virtual meetings, planned in-person gatherings (for those opting for hybrid or during travel), and cross-functional project work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week).

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The remote and hybrid options provide significant flexibility. However, the nature of forecasting and strategic analysis may require dedicated focus and potentially extended hours during critical periods. The requirement for occasional travel (3-5 times/year) is also a factor in the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Resume and Application Submission: Initial screening based on qualifications and experience.

• Recruiter Phone/Video Screen: Assessment of basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about experience, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.

• Performance Exercise: Likely a case study, data analysis challenge, or live coding session focused on forecasting, statistical modeling, or AI/ML application relevant to AP volume projections.

• Panel Interview: Meeting with a group of stakeholders from different departments (e.g., Finance, Partnerships, Product) to assess cross-functional collaboration and strategic alignment.

• Conversation with Leadership: Final discussion with senior executives to confirm strategic fit and vision.

• Reference Checks: Verification of past performance and professional conduct.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your analytical approach, the tools/models used, and most importantly, the quantifiable impact (e.g., improved forecast accuracy by X%, identified Y new growth opportunities, influenced Z strategic decision).

• Showcase AI/ML Application: Detail your process for selecting and applying AI/ML models. Explain the rationale behind your choices and demonstrate how you interpreted and leveraged the model outputs.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Go beyond just presenting data; explain how your analysis informed strategy, identified risks, or created opportunities for the AP program.

• Highlight Communication Skills: Prepare to walk through your portfolio items clearly and concisely, tailoring your explanation to the audience. Be ready to answer questions about your methodology and findings.

• Focus on Process: For forecasting models, explain your process for data collection, assumption setting, model refinement, and communicating changes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Forecasting Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach forecasting AP program volumes under various economic or educational policy scenarios.

• Data Analysis Problems: Expect a challenge that requires you to analyze a dataset (potentially provided) to identify key drivers of AP participation or success, or to diagnose a forecasting discrepancy.

• Strategic Recommendation Formulation: You may be asked to develop strategic recommendations based on analytical findings, similar to the "Analyze Supply and Demand Issues" responsibility.

• AI/ML Model Selection: Be ready to discuss the trade-offs between different AI/ML models for a given forecasting task.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex analytical concepts and recommendations to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is robust, indicating a high bar for this leadership role. The performance exercise and portfolio review are critical. Candidates should prepare specific examples and be ready to demonstrate both technical prowess and strategic acumen.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Statistical Software: R, Python (with libraries like Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch for AI/ML).

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or similar platforms for creating dashboards and reports.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced Excel for data manipulation, analysis, and smaller-scale modeling.

• Databases & SQL: Proficiency in querying relational databases (e.g., SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL) to extract and manipulate data.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence Platforms: Tools for creating interactive dashboards to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and track forecast accuracy.

• Data Warehousing Concepts: Understanding of data warehousing principles and familiarity with cloud data platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) may be beneficial.

• Reporting Frameworks: Experience in designing and delivering regular analytical reports to various stakeholder groups.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary focus, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms could be beneficial for understanding student and school data if integrated.

• Integration Tools: Understanding of how data is integrated across different systems to ensure data integrity for analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role heavily relies on advanced analytical tools. Proficiency in R or Python for statistical modeling and AI/ML is essential. Experience with data visualization and SQL is also critical for data extraction and communication. Familiarity with cloud data platforms would be a strong plus for managing large datasets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A core value is contributing to expanding educational and career opportunities for students. Operations professionals are expected to align their work with this mission.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Decisions are based on rigorous data analysis and statistical evidence. A commitment to accuracy, integrity, and continuous improvement through data is paramount.

• Collaboration & Empathy: Working effectively across diverse teams, fostering trust, and valuing different perspectives are key to achieving shared success.

• Learner's Mindset: Embracing curiosity, welcoming feedback, and proactively seeking to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies, especially AI.

• Drive for Impact & Efficiency: A focus on solving complex problems, making impactful decisions, and continuously optimizing processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with departments like Strategic Finance, Partnerships, and Product to ensure alignment and leverage collective insights.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and respectful dialogue, sharing findings, and actively seeking input from stakeholders.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that values timely, respectful feedback to drive continuous improvement in both individual performance and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to sharing expertise, best practices, and learnings within the team and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The College Board's culture emphasizes purpose, collaboration, and continuous learning. Operations professionals are expected to be not just technical experts but also strategic partners who can translate data into actionable insights that advance the organization's educational mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Forecasting Complexity: Predicting student participation in AP programs involves numerous variables (economic conditions, policy changes, school resources, student demographics) making accurate forecasting a significant challenge.

• Data Integration & Quality: Consolidating and ensuring the quality of data from diverse sources (schools, districts, students) can be complex, impacting the reliability of analyses.

• Adoption of New Technologies: Successfully integrating and leveraging new AI/ML techniques requires careful validation, stakeholder buy-in, and upskilling of the team.

• Balancing Proactive vs. Reactive Work: Managing the demands of long-term strategic modeling against urgent, ad hoc analytic requests requires strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Influencing Strategic Decisions: Effectively communicating complex analytical findings to diverse stakeholders and influencing senior leadership decisions requires strong persuasive and strategic skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI/ML Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in cutting-edge AI and machine learning techniques for forecasting and predictive analytics.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Exposure to executive decision-making processes and the chance to shape organizational strategy.

• Industry Conferences & Benchmarking: Participation in relevant conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends in analytics, education technology, and forecasting methodologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders and to mentor junior analysts, fostering leadership growth.

• Cross-Functional Project Leadership: Leading complex, cross-departmental projects that broaden understanding of College Board operations and strategic priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a senior role in a large, data-intensive organization focused on strategic impact. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to become a leader in educational analytics and strategic forecasting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to forecast for a complex system with high uncertainty. What methodology did you use, what were the key challenges, and how did you manage stakeholder expectations around the forecast's accuracy?"

• "How would you approach building a long-term projection model for AP program growth, considering the goal of increasing participation by X% by 2040? What data sources would you prioritize, and what AI/ML techniques might be relevant?"

• "Imagine a significant drop in AP exam registrations in a key demographic. How would you investigate the root cause, and what immediate actions or strategic adjustments would you recommend to the AP program leadership?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the College Board's mission, and how do you see your role in advancing educational opportunities through analytics?"

• "How do you approach collaborating with teams that may not have a strong analytical background, such as State and District Partnerships or Strategic Finance?"

• "Describe a situation where you had to influence senior leadership with data. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio item, follow a clear story arc: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Analytical Approach (Methodology, Tools) -> Key Findings/Insights -> Actionable Recommendations -> Quantifiable Impact.

• Focus on "Why" and "So What": Explain not just what you did, but why you chose that approach and what the business or strategic implications of your findings were.

• Demonstrate Technical Depth (Appropriately): Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your models, but tailor the level of detail to your audience. For senior roles, focus on strategic application and outcomes.

• Highlight Risk Management: For forecasting projects, specifically address how you managed uncertainty, identified risks, and communicated potential deviations from the forecast.

• Showcase AI/ML Innovation: If you have AI/ML projects, emphasize the novelty, the challenges overcome, and the tangible benefits achieved.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking, leadership potential, and ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. The interview will likely assess not only technical skills but also alignment with the College Board's mission and collaborative culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the College Board's careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in forecasting, statistical modeling, AI/ML, strategic planning, and leadership, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your expertise in forecasting, advanced analytics, and strategic impact. Be ready to present these concisely and highlight your role and the outcomes.

• Research College Board & AP Program: Understand the mission, strategic goals (like the 2040 participation target), and current challenges facing the AP program and College Board.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to strategy, leadership, and behavioral questions, focusing on STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral examples and case study approaches for analytical challenges.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.