Executive Director, Data and Strategic Analytics

Executive Director, Data and Strategic Analytics

UNO is Nebraska's public metropolitan research university, a university with strong academic values, diverse programs and learning opportunities, and significant relationships with our community that facilitate engaged teaching and research.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its educational programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity.

The Executive Director, Data and Strategic Analytics (CDO) provides strategic direction to and oversight of the University’s data strategy and data analysis functions and is a key member of the Vice Chancellor’s Divisional Cabinet. Reporting directly to the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success, the CDO plays a critical role in enabling data-informed decision‑making across academic and administrative domains.

The CDO focuses primarily on the areas of data governance, innovation, analytics, and operations. The CDO achieves these goals through the management of University Data and Strategic Analytics (DSA). The office implements new and value-added approaches to data analysis, data architecture, data management, and institutional research. The CDO works closely with university leadership and campus constituencies to identify appropriate analytics to address institutional questions and communicate results to the President and other audiences.

This role involves leveraging data to drive innovation, enhance decision‑making, and support student recruitment, retention, and success. The CDO will also oversee the development of a data infrastructure that will support the integration of AI technologies.

The CDO oversees DSA staff, including 2 assistant CDOs, 1 director, 3 associate directors, an assistant director, and several analysts who design and conduct complex analyses of the University and other pertinent external data; regularly interact with and communicate analytical outcomes to University decision‑makers, including the Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, Deans, faculty, staff, and students; develop innovative methods for conveying information; and disseminate official results to appropriate agencies and audiences.

Strategic Leadership & Vision for DSA

• Lead and guide the University Data and Analytics (DSA) office. In consultation with the Vice Chancellor (IESS), establish a clear, forward‑looking vision for institutional data use.
• Develop and continuously refine a university‑wide data strategy aligned within institutional priorities and mission.
• Position the university to move from reactive reporting to proactive, strategic analytics that informs decision‑making.
• Champion a culture of data‑informed decision‑making across all levels of the institution.

Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to university leadership, facilitating the use of data in policy development and institutional planning.
• Direct the collection, analysis, and presentation of institutional and comparative data to support executive decision‑making.
• Increase the capacity of key stakeholders—such as enrollment management, budgeting, academic leadership—to effectively use data.
• Support high‑impact institutional efforts, including student success, operational efficiency, and return on investment analysis.

Data Governance, Stewardship & Compliance

• Establish and oversee comprehensive data governance structures, policies, and standards.
• Ensure the integrity, consistency, and appropriate use of institutional data across systems and stakeholders.
• Direct the reporting of all required institutional data to federal, state, accreditation, and governing bodies, including the Board of Regents.
• Promote shared definitions and responsible data stewardship across academic and…