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-orient