Director of Data and Analytics

Grand Valley State University is seeking a full time Director of Data and Analytics in the Information Technology division.

This position is a pivotal leader responsible for driving the organization's data strategy initiatives. This role encompasses developing a skilled team, implementing advanced analytics techniques, and aligning data initiatives with strategic business objectives. This position ensures data governance and quality, integrates innovative technologies, and promotes a culture of data-informed decision-making. Effective communication with non-technical stakeholders, identification and development of key performance indicators, and a commitment to continuous improvement are crucial aspects. Additionally, this role cultivates talent and delivers projects on time while staying abreast of technology trends and upholding ethical data practices. 

PRIMARY DUTIES 

1. Data Ownership & Stewardship: Oversee data ownership, ensuring accountability, collaboration, risk mitigation, and awareness through comprehensive training programs. 

2. Cross-functional collaboration: Organize and lead a Data Governance/Advisory Committee for decision-making, and continuous process improvement. 

3. Compliance and Auditing: Develop audit programs, compliance reporting, and data governance policies aligned with regulatory standards. 

4. Data Architecture Strategy: Actively participate in data architecture design, review and select technologies, and manage vendors to maximize data asset value and drive transformation. 

5. Strategic Oversight: Develop and lead the organization’s data strategy, ensuring that all data initiatives align with enterprise-level objectives. Set overarching policies, frameworks, and guidelines for data governance and quality. 

6. Portfolio Management: Oversee a portfolio of complex, enterprise-level projects, ensuring strategic alignment with organizational goals. Optimize resource allocation, manage project interdependencies, and drive transformative outcomes through data initiatives. 

7. Train and mentor team members and stakeholders to enhance their skills with data tools and technologies. Introduce new hardware and software to support continuous improvement and organizational goals. 

8. Data Governance: Enforce security measures, data integrity, lineage, and privacy policies, maintaining a unified data dictionary. 

9. Data Classification & Analytics: Implement retention policies and classification frameworks and support ethical ML model development for enriched analytics. 

10. Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information systems, Data Science, Business Administration  

• Five (5) years of supervisory experience  

• Eight to ten (8-10) years progressively increasing responsibilities in one or more of the following related fields below.  

   

Data Governance through Data Democratization     

• Possesses ability to create, modify, and maintain sustainable and adaptable data governance processes that leverage the latest technologies while maximizing resources.  

• Proficient in data profiling, classification, and implementing security measures to safeguard sensitive data.  

• Demonstrates expertise in creating and managing metadata, maintaining a centralized data catalog, and ensuring comprehensive data context.  

• Applies data governance frameworks, knowledge of compliance regulations, and proficiency in enforcing data policies and standards.  

• Proficient in data technologies including: structured data, unstructured data, data connectivity, data repositories, data query languages, and cloud optimization technologies focused on data.      

Leadership, Management, and Administration     

• Exhibits proficiency in project management, including budgeting, cost estimation, task prioritization, advanced project tracking, configuration management, and decision-making.  

• Displays robust analytical skills and debugging, leverages vendor service agreements, and demonstrates technical proficiency in software engineering, solutions design, and enterprise-wide administration.  

• Exhibits advanced leadership skills, specializing in conflict resolution, delegation, people management, and creating a supportive work environment.  

• Showcases sophisticated organizational prowess, encompassing high-level multitasking, operational proficiency, and strategic planning. Proven ability to meet deadlines is coupled with an unwavering commitment to quality and a results-oriented focus.  

• Possesses excellent oral and written communication skills, excelling in building trust and relationships and displaying tact and diplomacy in stakeholder collaboration.  

• Exhibits expertise in tools and technology, possessing a deep understanding of the tools used, and effectively contributes to aligning technology with the University's strategic objectives.  

• Possesses advanced user training skills, emphasizing user collaboration, and supports team members through effective mentoring and guidance.  

• Exhibits advanced problem-solving abilities, centered on providing practical solutions, along with proficiency in program deliverables and moderate to advanced programming skills.  

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• Master’s degree in one of the following areas Management Information Systems, Computer Science, Information systems, Data Science, Business Administration.  

• Experience in Higher Education administrative functions, including:  

• Experience in delivering value from data by enabling and advancing administrative and academic objectives, ensuring student data privacy and effective institutional reporting, while adhering to higher education standards and FERPA compliance  

• Strong technical background in higher education enterprise solutions and technologies. A commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in integrating innovative data solutions to enhance student engagement, curriculum development, and academic performance analysis.  

• Azure Synapse or similar cloud technologies, including Synapse Studio, SQL, Serverless, and Apache Spark Pools, Notebooks, Data Factory, Data Lake Gen 2, Key Vault, Linked Services, Integration Pipelines, and Purview  

Department/Division: Data and Analytics/Information Technology

Salary & Benefits: Minimum starting salary of $125,000, commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources, and tuition waiver, effective on the date of hire.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

How to Apply: Apply online at  GVSU Careers.  Attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. Applicants selected for interviews may be required to submit official transcripts and the names and contact information of three professional references.  If you have questions or need technical assistance, please call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.

Application Deadline:  Review of applications will begin on March 10, 2025, and the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.