Digital Learning at UT, is a unit charged with advancing UT’s commitment to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement, specifically for online learners. Using advanced and innovative technologies, Digital Learning at UT will provide scalable solutions that enhance the online learning experience and reduce barriers to student access and success, providing a tremendous impact to online learners across the state and the nation. At Digital Learning, we want to be bold and impactful, transforming the future of online education through innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Join our dynamic and inclusive Digital Learning team where we take pride in teamwork, excellence, and a shared commitment to shaping the future through education and innovation.

The Executive Director of Data Analytics & Research will lead the data strategy, insights, and analytics program within Digital Learning at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This position plays a critical role in supporting enrollment growth, program development, and student success by providing actionable data and fostering cross-functional collaboration. The role involves overseeing data systems, leading a team of analysts, engineers, architects, and researchers, and collaborating closely with teams across marketing, enrollment, student success, and academic engagement to ensure data and research efforts align with institutional goals and priorities.

The ideal candidate will drive the development of data systems and reporting frameworks, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions that enhance the learner experience and drive organizational success.

Strategic Leadership & Team Management:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive data analytics and research strategy aligned with Digital Learning goals, focusing on growth and student-centric outcomes.
• Serve as a strategic partner to marketing, enrollment, student success, and academic engagement teams, integrating data insights into shared initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of data analysts and researchers, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
• Promote professional development and innovation within the team to meet evolving organizational needs.

Data Analytics & Research Initiatives:

• Oversee the design, development, and maintenance of data systems and dashboards.
• Analyze data to provide actionable insights into enrollment trends, program performance, and student outcomes.
• Ensure data quality, accuracy, and compliance with university and legal standards.
• Conduct or oversee research to understand market trends, online learning dynamics, and student needs.
• Develop predictive models and insights to inform program design and marketing strategies.
• Leverage AI/ML where appropriate to aid in advanced insight / analysis
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on research projects that advance the Digital Learning mission.

Infrastructure, Stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration

• Support and Enhance the data warehouse infrastructure and integrations with core campus systems
• Facilitate data-driven discussions with stakeholders to guide decision-making and align resources effectively.
• Work closely with marketing and enrollment teams to analyze campaign performance and optimize lead generation and conversion strategies.
• Partner with student success teams to monitor retention, progression, and engagement metrics, ensuring timely interventions for at-risk students.
• Collaborate with course development teams to assess course performance and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Create and present reports and visualizations that communicate insights to leadership and key partners in a clear and actionable manner.
• Establish and maintain data governance policies.
• Champion ethical standards in the collection, storage, and use of data.

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Sciences, Business Administration, Business Analytics or other relevant field.
• 5 years of relevant management and data program governance experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience with building a robust data program across multiple units to support a variety of insights and analytics programs
• Experience with common data platforms such as MSSQL, SSIS, SSRS, PowerBI
• Strong analytical mindset that enables research across multiple data points

Preferred Experience:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Sciences, Business Administration, Business Analytics or other relevant field.
• MSSQL, PowerBI experience
• Marketing / consumer research experience
• Experience in higher education environment
• Experience with performing market research for discovering market growth opportunities

For full consideration, applicants must attach a letter of interest, resume, and the name, address, email, and phone number of three professional references, in addition to completing the applicant file to the Human Resources online application system, Taleo. This position does have the potential for a hybrid working capacity.

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled. DL_UT