Learning to Manage: Running a Collaborative or Consulting Program in Academia

The demand for expertise in statistical, data science, and AI techniques is growing, and collaborative academic statisticians are working hard to meet that need. These statisticians often find themselves building the airplane while flying– directing programs that provide statistical consulting and collaboration support to their universities. These positions require skills in multiple functions (e.g., financial management, personnel management, marketing, relationship building, and program development) without providing requisite training. This panel features statisticians who have developed expertise in organizing and managing collaborative and consulting programs. Panelists will share resources, tools, tips, and tricks for successfully implementing processes, managing staff and students in an inclusive and effective way, tracking projects and outcomes, and even building new programs from the ground up. This discussion will be directly relevant to any collaborative academic statistician interested in a leadership role.