Executive Director, Data Management and Governance with Department of Technology Solutions (UT System Administration)/Office of Innovative Technologies (UT Knoxville)

The Executive Director, Data Management and Governance is the strategic leader responsible for establishing, evolving, and overseeing an enterprise-wide data strategy. This role ensures that data is managed as a critical asset across the organization by building robust governance frameworks, enforcing data quality standards, and integrating business intelligence initiatives. The leader will work across the UT system and within departments to drive a culture of accountability, innovation, and compliance, ultimately using data as a driver for growth and competitive advantage.

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Strategic Leadership:

• Define and execute the vision for enterprise data management, aligning data strategy with overall business objectives.
• Act as the principal advisor to senior leadership on emerging data trends, regulatory requirements, and technological innovations.
• Forecast industry trends and proactively shape the organization’s data agenda.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Recruit, mentor, and manage high-performing teams encompassing data governance, quality, analytics, and business intelligence professionals.
• Foster a collaborative culture that values continuous improvement, data literacy, and cross-functional teamwork.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:

• Lead cross-departmental initiatives to ensure data management priorities are well understood and integrated into enterprise projects. 
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of data strategy with business needs.
• Communicate complex data concepts and governance policies in a clear and actionable manner to non-technical audiences.

Enterprise Data Architecture & Integration:

• Oversee the design and maintenance of a scalable, secure, and integrated data architecture that supports analytic initiatives and business intelligence efforts.
• Integrate diverse data sources from cloud platforms (such as Azure and AWS) and on-premise systems into a cohesive enterprise framework.

Innovation and Digital Transformation:

• Champion the use of emerging technologies, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence to unlock new insights and drive value from data assets.
• Identify opportunities for digital transformation that enhance data integration and decision-making across the organization.

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess the effectiveness of data    management and governance initiatives.
• Leverage feedback and data analytics to continuously refine policies, strategic direction, and operational priorities.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Forecast resource needs and manage investments in data technology and human capital.
• Monitor financial performance relative to initiatives and adjust strategy as required to ensure fiscal efficiency and effectiveness.

Bachelors degree and a minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in data management, data governance, and analytics, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.

Additional skills, experiences, and qualifications include:

Leadership & Communication Skills:

• Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and drive cultural change throughout an organization.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability, maturity and credibility to interact directly and frequently with senior executives, and with peers and teams across multiple functions/organizations/departments.
• Demonstrated effectiveness working cross functionally in large organizations.
• Able to use proper judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
• Demonstrated success in interacting with and presenting to Executive-level leadership.
• Manage centralized project related activities (and staff) spanning operations and other support organizations. 
   

Technical Expertise:

• In-depth knowledge of data architecture, data quality management, and cloud-based solutions (e.g., Azure SQL, AWS data services).
• Familiarity with data governance frameworks and regulatory landscapes (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).

Analytical & Strategic Thinking:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex data challenges into clear strategies.
• Adept at balancing short-term needs with long-term strategic planning and continuous improvement.

Collaboration: 

• The role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where strategic decisions are made daily in collaboration with multiple executive leaders and operational teams.

Travel: 

• Occasional travel for industry events, stakeholder meetings, and internal strategy sessions may be required.

Culture: 

• Our organization is committed to fostering a culture of openness, continuous learning, and innovation where every team member’s contribution is valued. 

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree /  advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Business Analytics, Information Systems, or a related field.
 

Application Process 

For full consideration, applications should be accompanied by a letter of interest, a resume, and three professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately.      

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation for the position is budgeted for $180,000 to $195,000.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits and much more. Additionally, Tennessee residents do not pay a state income tax. For more information on the University of Tennessee’s benefits, visit https://hr.tennessee.edu/benefits/ 

 

The University of Tennessee System is the state’s oldest higher education institution and preeminent public university. The UT System is comprised of campuses at Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. With a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties and through the combined force of education, research and outreach, the University serves students, business and industry, schools, governments, organizations and residents statewide.