Assistant Director of Data Strategy - Hybrid

Exec VP & VP Academic Affairs

• Hybrid

Posting Category: Sponsorship for Work authorization is not available for this position.

The Assistant Director of Data Strategy serves as a key leader in implementing the University of Illinois System's (system) data strategy. Working directly with the Chief Data and Analytics Officer, this role is responsible for operationalizing strategic data initiatives, coordinating federated data governance activities, managing cross-campus collaboration, and driving the successful adoption of data literacy, governance, and analytics capabilities across the system. This position requires a strategic thinker who can translate goals into action, a collaborative partner who can work effectively across stakeholders, and a skilled manager who can coordinate multiple initiatives simultaneously. The Assistant Director will play a central role in building the system's data culture, helping establish governance frameworks, and ensuring that data strategy initiatives deliver tangible value to students, faculty, and staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operationalize the system data strategy roadmap by assisting with the translation of the data strategy goals into actionable work plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the federated data governance program, including serving as support to the System Data Governance Council, coordinating committees, facilitating policy and guidelines development (data classification, retention standards, etc.), and identifying avenues to integrate data governance within business processes.
• Coordinate and support data strategy programs and initiatives. Current initiatives include: core data model development, data literacy program delivery, and evaluation and implementation of data platforms for capabilities such as metadata, data quality, and business glossaries; developing detailed project plans with timelines and success criteria, including coordinating cross-functional project teams.
• Assist with the delivery of a regular systemwide data summit, including planning, execution, post summit follow-up, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Monitor progress and outcomes across all data strategy initiatives by tracking key performance indicators, milestones, and success metrics; develop dashboards and reports to demonstrate program impact; provide regular status reports to the Chief Data and Analytics Officer and system leadership.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners such as vendors and peer universities.
• Facilitate collaboration and consensus-building by convening working groups, task forces, and committees to solve problems and develop shared solutions.
• Develop and execute communications to inform stakeholders about data strategy initiatives, including newsletters, presentations, website content, and other materials; represent the data strategy team at system meetings.
• Assist with the design and implementation of change management activities to build support for data initiatives; assess and address barriers to adoption; gather feedback through listening sessions, surveys, and consultations to understand stakeholder needs.
• Support development of governance frameworks, data policies, standards, and procedures in collaboration with university stakeholders; assess governance maturity and develop roadmaps for continuous improvement.
• Support budget planning and resource allocation for data strategy initiatives; manage vendor relationships and ensure effective partnerships.
• Stay current on higher education data trends, best practices, and innovations; participate in professional development; contribute to system data strategy refinement based on changing priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Travel to all universities to meet with stakeholders and collaborate with them to implement the data strategy.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of progressive experience in data governance, data management, analytics, or related roles.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in higher education or complex, multi-stakeholder organizational environments.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects and initiatives.
• Experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks, policies, or standards.
• Understanding of data privacy regulations (FERPA, HIPAA, state privacy laws) and their application in Higher Education.
• Experience coordinating activities across multiple organizational units or locations.
• Experience with federated governance models in higher education or similarly complex organizations.
• Experience implementing data literacy or training programs.
• Knowledge of student information systems, institutional research, or enrollment management.
• Experience with AI governance or emerging technology governance.
• Track record of successful change management in academic environments.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining strong connections to the broader team.
• Experience presenting at conferences or contributing to professional communities.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $100,000.00 - 110,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES & DEADLINE INFORMATION

For full consideration, please click APPLY NOW on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 3/29/2026. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bree Smith at cbsmith@uillinois.edu.

System Human Resource Services

(217) 333-2600

erhr@uillinois.edu

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the System Human Resource Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at 217-333-2600, or by emailing ADAaccessibility@uillinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 9000931

Job Category: Academic Professional

Campus Location: Urbana

LI-BS1