Executive Director – Institutional Research

Nevada System of Higher Education

. Lead data initiatives tied to NSHE's Success by Design strategic plan .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeLas Vegas • Nevada • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in data lifecycle management, including design, analysis, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with FERPA and data governance standards. Proven ability to lead data initiatives, manage budgets for externally funded projects, and communicate complex data insights to diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master's Degree In Relevant FieldFive Years Of Experience In Institutional ResearchHands-On Experience With SQL And Relational DatabasesKnowledge Of Data Governance And FERPA ComplianceSupervisory Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisData MiningStatistical TechniquesData ArchitectureSQLRelational DatabasesBudget ManagementData GovernanceResearch MethodologyData Visualization

Soft Skills

Consensus BuildingStakeholder AlignmentAdvanced CommunicationMentorshipJudgment

Tools & Technologies

TableauHTMLCSSPHPBusiness Intelligence Tools

Industry Keywords

Higher Education Data SystemsIPEDSNational Student ClearinghouseStatewide Longitudinal Data SystemsNevada Revised StatutesStudent Data PrivacyPerformance-Based FundingInstitutional Accountability

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PHPSQLTableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead data initiatives tied to NSHE's Success by Design strategic plan
Direct the full data lifecycle, including design, collection, analysis, reporting, and distribution
Advise NSHE leadership, the Board of Regents, and state legislators on data use for policy and decision-making
Provide testimony, briefings, and policy analysis during legislative sessions and Board of Regents meetings
Identify external funding opportunities and support institutional grant applications
Represent NSHE in regional and national data and research networks
Supervise the Senior Data Engineer and externally funded departmental position
Coordinate cross-training and shared production duties for data warehouse support, reporting, and website maintenance
Develop succession and continuity plans
Manage budgets for externally funded data projects, including expenditures, invoices, and supporting documentation
Direct training, onboarding, and technical support for institutional research staff across NSHE
Update reports and build institutional consensus around content and available data
Support integration of systemwide tools and visualizations
Lead modernization and automation, including appropriate AI integration
Oversee analysis and reporting for enrollment, remedial programs, diversity initiatives, faculty workload, and other research requests
Interpret complex data using descriptive statistics through advanced data mining
Oversee SLDS data exchange with the Nevada Department of Education and DETR
Serve as designated committee representative under Nevada Revised Statutes 400
Support Academic and Student Affairs and Budget and Finance departments with data requests
Ensure production of Board- and regulatory-mandated reporting
Negotiate and maintain data-sharing agreements and memoranda of understanding
Serve as accountable authority for student data privacy and FERPA compliance
Ensure data integrity through security protocols and audits
Establish data validation rules, definitions, and collection standards
Oversee data quality and resolution of systemic reporting issues
Represent the department to external data partners and governance bodies
Share accountability for data warehouse operations, submissions, audits, loads, and portal processing
Produce scheduled and ad hoc reports, including writing and reviewing SQL queries
Maintain the Institutional Research website, dashboards, CCN, and APIS content management systems
Maintain cross-trained backup knowledge for critical departmental functions

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree from an institution accredited by a federally recognized accrediting body in a relevant field, such as data science, statistics, education, public policy, or information systems
Five years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research, data analytics, or a closely related field
Supervisory experience
Hands-on experience with SQL and relational databases
Extensive understanding of data associated with secondary education
Knowledge of institutional research practice and higher education data systems, including IPEDS, the National Student Clearinghouse, and statewide longitudinal data systems
Knowledge of data governance, student data privacy, FERPA, and applicable state statutes
Knowledge of NSHE structure, Board of Regents policy, and the state legislative and budget process
Research methodology and statistical techniques, from descriptive analysis to advanced data mining
Data architecture and reporting technologies sufficient to bridge technical staff and cabinet-level leadership
Knowledge of Nevada's workforce data landscape and K-12 education data systems
Data governance frameworks supporting performance-based funding and institutional accountability
Strategic planning and prioritization across competing stakeholder demands
Consensus building and stakeholder alignment
Supervision, mentorship, and staff development
Budget development and management, including externally funded projects
Advanced written and oral communication, including data storytelling for executive, Board, and legislative audiences
Working proficiency with SQL, relational databases, and business intelligence tools such as Tableau
Working familiarity with HTML/CSS and PHP
Ability to translate complex technical analyses into clear guidance for non-technical decision-makers
Ability to distill complex information into decision-ready insights
Ability to exercise sound judgment on significant matters
Ability to negotiate data-sharing agreements protecting student privacy
Ability to manage competing priorities and stringent deadlines
Current resume, detailed cover letter, and four professional references
United States citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the United States
Successful completion of a background check may be required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Employer-paid long-term disability plan
401(a) Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA) with 19.25% employee contributions matched 100% by the employer
Immediate vesting in the retirement plan
Possible continued participation in the Nevada PERS plan for eligible employees
Annual leave accruing at 2 days per month
Sick leave: 30 days granted at time of hire
12 paid holidays
Paid family leave
Tuition savings benefit for employees and qualified dependents
Reduced-rate tuition for faculty of up to six credits per semester
Unlimited credits for qualified dependents meeting specific criteria
Employee assistance programs
Professional development opportunities