The Office of the Provost oversees the University’s 12 schools, which enroll over 26,000 students and span from science and engineering to the arts, education, and professional schools, as well as more than fifty other units that serve multiple aspects of the University’s mission. UVA has recently invested in new enterprise systems, including major implementations of Workday HCM and Finance, as well as Adaptive/Workday Planning. ITS is building out the infrastructure necessary to support the institution’s ambitions for reporting and analytics.
IRA leads and coordinates data governance for the University, helping units in the Academic Division find, understand, and apply trusted information to make decisions, measure progress against goals, and identify efficiencies. In this role, IRA is responsible for delivering enterprise and ad hoc reporting via University Business Intelligence (UBI), which in turn relies on a variety of tools and apps to extract, process, analyze, and display data. IRA also produces annually a variety of standardized reports for general use; provides survey development, administration, and interpretation services; and furnishes the data necessary for academic compliance and accreditation.
With the University’s investments in new enterprise systems and the corresponding increase in available data – and with leadership across the University strongly aligned on the desire for a more robust culture of data – UVA seeks an AVP-DS&A who can work collaboratively across the organization to create and implement a data strategy and associated culture that advance our mission and aspirations.
The AVP-DS&A will focus on the following major responsibilities:
In partnership with other Provost’s Office leaders, ITS, and schools and units, develops and implements a data strategy that charts a long-term vision for using data in service of the University’s goals.
Coordinates the work of a new, pan-University steering committee on data strategy to create alignment and drive implementation.
Creates a deeply data-fluent, data-informed culture to drive the mission of the University. Promotes analytics and business intelligence to enhance decision-making. Advocates for data as a shared, strategic resource and develops services and promotes practices that reduce barriers to data access and use.
Maintains a high-performing Office of IRA that is aligned with the Provost’s Office mission, values, and priorities. Ensures that IRA provides outstanding service across the areas of institutional research and reporting — including reporting of institutional data required by the U.S. Department of Education, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), and accrediting agencies — as well as data and analytics, survey development, administration, and interpretation. Maintains a supportive and collaborative work environment and facilitates the professional development of IRA staff.
Serves as a member of the Provost’s Office leadership team. Collaborates effectively with other Provost’s Office staff to implement the Provost's strategic vision. Promotes the use of data across teaching, research, and administration to advance institutional priorities.
Serves as the Provost’s lead on data governance, working closely with Data Trustees, ITS, and other key partners to promote responsible and compliant use of data. Provides leadership in efforts to ensure that data is kept current and accurate.
Through the reporting and analytics function of IRA, supports the needs of the Office of Academic Compliance.
Assists schools and units in identifying and defining data needs and opportunities. Strengthens the community of data and analytics professionals within the schools and other units, ensuring they are well supported in their own work, sharing effective practices, and benefiting from the expertise and resources in the AVP-DS&A and IRA.
The successful candidate will ideally possess the following professional qualifications, skills, experience, and characteristics:
Graduate degree in information technology, data science, computer science, business administration, or an allied field.
Minimum of 8 years of demonstrated successful experience in data management, data governance, analytics, or IT leadership, with at least 4 years in a substantial management role. Experience in higher education or research environments strongly preferred.
Expertise in data governance, data architecture, business intelligence, data security, and data analytics. Familiarity with machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based data solutions.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams and manage large-scale data projects.
Strong track record of deep collaboration with diverse stakeholders; ability to function effectively in a matrixed environment, earn trust, and build consensus.
In-depth knowledge of higher education and research environments, including familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to convey complex data concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
TO APPLY OR NOMINATE
UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal search firm in the Office of the President, has been retained for the Associate Vice Provost for Data Strategy and & Analysis search. To apply, please submit a letter of interest and a resume/CV via this Workday announcement. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality. Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to Adam Seid, Senior Consultant, at seid@virginia.edu.
The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.