Associate Vice President for Data, Analytics, and Institutional Research (DAIR)

University of North Texas System•Denton, TX

51d

About The Position

The Associate Vice President for Data, Analytics, and Institutional Research is a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, driving the university's data strategy and shaping decisions that will define its success for years to come. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment, the AVP leads a system-wide effort to transform data into actionable insights that directly inform strategic planning, enrollment growth, student success, and institutional effectiveness. This entrepreneurial leader builds and oversees integrated analytics platforms, data governance frameworks, and reporting systems that foster transparency, accountability, and innovation. The AVP collaborates across the university system, engaging with executive leadership, academic units, and administrative teams to ensure data-driven decisions are aligned with institutional goals. This position is relied upon by senior leadership as essential to shaping the university's future. As the official liaison for external reporting, compliance, and benchmarking, the AVP also represents the university in national conversations on data ethics, analytics, and higher education innovation.

Requirements

Master's degree in quantitative disciplines (e.g., Business Adm., Public Policy, Statistics, Educational Measurement, Higher Ed.) and a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible related experience.
Demonstrated expertise in statistical analysis, predictive modeling, machine learning, and data visualization using modern analytics and data science tools.
Proven ability to lead complex, enterprise-level analytics and data infrastructure initiatives, with strong project management and organizational change skills.
Comprehensive understanding of enrollment management, student success strategies, academic operations, and financial modeling in a higher education context.
Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, with the capacity to translate complex data into actionable insights for executive leaders, faculty, and staff.
Commitment to advancing data ethics, promoting equity in analytics, and ensuring inclusive and responsible use of institutional data.
Strong ability to build collaborative partnerships across academic and administrative divisions, fostering a culture of inquiry, transparency, and continuous improvement.
Strategic mindset with the capacity to align institutional goals with data-driven strategies that enhance decision-making, accountability, and institutional effectiveness.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in quantitative disciplines (e.g., Business Adm., Public Policy, Statistics, Educational Measurement, Higher Ed.)
Fifteen or more years of progressively responsible experience in data analytics, institutional research, or related areas, including at least seven years in a senior or executive leadership role within a research university or similarly complex organization.
Advanced credentials or certifications in data science, analytics, or data management.
Demonstrated success in leading data governance initiatives and implementing sustainable frameworks for data quality, stewardship, and compliance.
Experience with state and federal reporting requirements, accreditation processes, academic program review, and strategic planning.
Demonstrated leadership in advancing enterprise data platforms, cloud-based analytics, and responsible artificial intelligence practices in higher education.
Proven ability to design and deliver stakeholder-facing dashboards, reports, and decision-support tools for non-technical audiences.
Prior experience serving as a Chief Data Officer, Associate Vice President, or equivalent executive responsible for institutional analytics and data strategy.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and vision for the university's data and analytics ecosystem, aligning institutional research and decision-support activities with the university's mission, strategic plan, and enrollment goals.
Oversee the enterprise analytics platform and data infrastructure, ensuring integrated, accessible, and reliable information that supports planning, accountability, and performance management across all divisions.
Serve as a senior advisor to university leadership, delivering actionable insights that inform institutional strategy, policy development, budget planning, and resource allocation.
Lead the development of predictive and trend-based analytics models to support enrollment forecasting, student success initiatives, financial modeling, and long-range institutional growth.
Advance institutional data governance by establishing clear data standards, accountability frameworks, and campus-wide data literacy programs that strengthen analytic capability and transparency.
Represent the university in systemwide, state, and national settings, contributing to research collaborations, benchmarking initiatives, and thought leadership in higher education analytics.
Direct the design, implementation, and analysis of institutional and national surveys (e.g., NSSE, COACHE, GRAD SERU) to assess performance, inform strategy, and measure progress toward institutional goals.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing analytics and research team, fostering innovation, professional growth, and a culture of excellence in service to the institution's mission.