Executive Director (UAIR)

The University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) invites you to apply to the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director leads the strategic direction, integration, and delivery of data, analytics, and institutional research for the University. Reporting directly to the Provost and Chief Academic Officer and serving as a member of the University Provost's Integrated Leadership Team and the Academic Leadership Council, the Executive Director oversees the unified functions of University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) to support institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, and data-informed decision-making.

This position plays a critical leadership role in driving a culture of data-informed decision making across the University by ensuring timely, accurate, and meaningful data and insights are accessible to academic and administrative leaders. The Executive Director provides direction on strategic analytics initiatives, regulatory reporting, and business intelligence capabilities that inform institutional policy, planning, and performance.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the
employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Strategic
Leadership & Planning

• Lead the strategic integration of institutional research, data governance, and business intelligence to ensure a coherent vision for University data and analytics.
• Design internal surveys, develop metrics, and analyze benchmarks.
• Serve as a key advisor to University leadership on analytics strategy, institutional trends, and emerging data needs.
• Develop and implement a multi-year analytics roadmap aligned with institutional goals and priorities.
• Champion a campus-wide data culture that promotes data literacy, integrity, and use in decision-making.

Operations & Service Delivery

• Oversee the University's data warehouse, dashboards, and analytics systems.
• Direct the design, implementation, and ongoing management of business intelligence tools and reporting solutions to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance in external and internal data reporting, including federal and state-mandated submissions (e.g., IPEDS, ABOR, peer institutions, etc.).
• Develop service-level standards and operational benchmarks for the UAIR team.

Institutional Research & Compliance

• Oversee the development and dissemination of institutional reports, key performance indicators, and accountability metrics for senior leadership and external agencies.
• Ensure data integration for university analytical reports for accuracy on common data utilized throughout campus.
• Provide leadership for institutional research methodologies, data quality assurance, survey administration, and benchmarking studies.
• Ensure data practices are in compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and privacy standards, including FERPA and applicable data security policies.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Facilitate strong partnerships with University executives, Provosts, Deans, faculty, governance bodies, and administrative units to align data services with campus priorities.
• Serve as a member of ongoing and ad hoc leaderships groups, taskforces, and other University committees.
• Act as a liaison between IT and institutional leaders to interpret data needs, recommend solutions, and ensure data products deliver actionable insights.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership in a clear, compelling, and actionable format.
• Represent UAIR externally with other universities and with affiliate organizations (e.g., AAUFE, AUR, HEDW, etc.)

Team Management & Development

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of professionals across Institutional Research and Business Intelligence units.
• Promote professional growth, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous improvement within the division.
• Encourage a positive working environment that stimulates growth, opportunity, and collaboration with campus partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strategic and systems-level thinking.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills.
• Leadership in cross-functional, collaborative environments.
• Commitment to data ethics, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Skilled in project and change management.
• Demonstrated experience with data warehousing, business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI), and statistical analysis tools.
• Proven ability to engage with senior executives and provide actionable, high-impact data insights.
• Knowledge of higher education data reporting requirements (e.g., IPEDS, accreditation bodies).

• Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, information systems, public administration, or related field.
• Minimum of 11 years of progressively responsible experience in analytics, institutional research, or data management, including 7+ years in a leadership role.

• Master's or doctoral degree in a related field.
• Experience in a large, complex public university setting.
• Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Workday), ERP systems, and data governance frameworks.
• Deep understanding of higher education policy, accreditation, and academic affairs.