Executive Director of Institutional Research and Data Governance jobs in United States
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Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · 1 week ago

Executive Director of Institutional Research and Data Governance

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a global leader in aviation and aerospace education. They are seeking an Executive Director of Institutional Research and Data Governance to provide strategic leadership for the university’s data and analytics ecosystem, ensuring data integrity, quality, and accessibility while fostering a data-informed culture across the institution.

Higher Education

Responsibilities

Lead the Office of Institutional Research in curating and maintaining official institutional data for internal and external reporting
Develop and implement a university-wide data governance framework, including data standards, definitions, policies, and escalation paths
Establish and lead governance teams composed of subject matter experts, IT and IR specialists, and data stewards in a matrixed model
Promote open communication and collaboration among data stakeholders to ensure consistency and shared understanding
Build and maintain productive relationships across the university to assess data needs and support informed decision-making
Coach and train stakeholders on data usage, analysis, and visualization tools
Provide oversight and direction to survey, data, and focused research teams
Oversee the design and execution of university-wide and department-specific surveys, focus groups, and qualitative research
Employ applied research methods and predictive analytics to support strategic initiatives such as enrollment management and student success
Evaluate and optimize existing dashboards and visualizations and ensure university resources are used to support those with the best strategic alignment
Define ownership and processes for developing new visualizations, ensuring consistency and usability across platforms
Manage timely and accurate submission of federal, state, and accreditation-related reports (e.g., IPEDS, Common Data Set)
Prioritize and coordinate responses to external data requests and ensure compliance with institutional definitions and policies
Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to support assessment, program review, and accreditation efforts through data collection and analysis
Ensure alignment of institutional research and governance activities with accreditation standards and institutional effectiveness goals
Champion a centralized, user-friendly platform for accessing vetted university data and analytics
Develop a framework that ensures data is accurate and properly maintained (e.g., good data entry and upkeep that doesn’t rely on a user noticing something doesn’t look right)
Promote a culture of data stewardship that ensures data governance guidelines are implemented and adhered to across the university so that data is reliable, accessible, and secure
Encourage the responsible, ethical, and informed use of university data to achieve strategic and operational goals

Qualification

Data governance frameworksData analysisData visualization toolsLeadership skillsQuantitative data managementQualitative data managementData quality initiativesStudent Information SystemsStatistical softwareFostering data cultureOrganizational change initiativesDoctoral degreeRelevant certificationsCommunicationTeam management

Required

Master's degree in Higher Education, Information Systems, Data Science, Public Policy/Administration, or a related field
7+ years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research, data governance, or related roles
Experience managing and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data for compliance and strategic decision-making
Experience operationalizing data governance frameworks and managing data quality initiatives
Familiarity with Student Information Systems (PeopleSoft preferred), learning management systems, and CRM platforms
Familiarity or experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS)
Knowledge of data governance platforms (e.g., Data Cookbook), data warehousing, and ETL processes
Strong leadership and team management skills
Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences

Preferred

Doctoral degree in a relevant field
Experience with multi-campus or multi-modal institutions
Relevant certifications such as CDMP or CDGP
Experience fostering a data-informed culture and leading organizational change initiatives

Benefits

Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you!
Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26.
Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes an annual 6% gift of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution, with no vesting period.
Generous Time Off: Relax with 18 days of personal leave in your first year. Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day.

Company

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

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Embry‑Riddle has been at the forefront of ground-breaking aeronautical milestones since the early days of flight as the world's largest and most respected university specializing in aviation and aerospace.

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage

Leadership Team

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Rodney Cruise
Sr. VP & COO
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Brandon Young, DBA, PHR, SHRM-CP
Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
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