Director, Data Insights and Operations

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators students and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs a history of widespread influence a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world. Through learning scholarship and practice students gain the experience knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

The University of Denver has the distinction of being the oldest independent university in the Rocky Mountain region giving it a tradition of 150 years of academic excellence. The University of Denvers College of Professional Studies PSC is a leader in adult education providing fully accredited and affordable educational experiences specifically designed for busy adults.

Position Summary

The Director of Data Insights and Operations leads strategic data initiatives that drive institutional excellence through AI-powered analytics predictive modeling and operational optimization. This role transforms traditional data management into a forward-thinking intelligence hub that provides actionable insights for enrollment growth student success and academic quality enhancement. Working at the intersection of advanced analytics artificial intelligence and operational excellence this position ensures data-driven decision making across all College of Professional Studies (PSC) functions while maintaining rigorous quality standards and fostering innovation in educational delivery. This position reports to the Senior Director of AI Technologies and Strategic Operation and works collaboratively with senior leadership across all PSC functions. The role includes direct supervision of the Data Insights and Operations team while serving as a strategic partner in institutional planning and data-driven decision making.

Essential Functions

Strategic Data Leadership & AI Integration (30%)

• Institutional Analytics Strategy: Lead development and implementation of comprehensive data strategy incorporating AI-powered predictive modeling machine learning algorithms and advanced analytics to inform strategic decision-making across enrollment retention and academic operations
• AI-Powered Quality Assurance: Deploy artificial intelligence tools for automated course quality monitoring instructor performance analytics and real-time academic standard compliance to enhance educational excellence and operational efficiency
• Predictive Modeling Development: Create and maintain sophisticated models that predict student success patterns enrollment trends instructor effectiveness and program performance to enable proactive interventions and strategic planning
• Cross-Institutional Data Integration: Collaborate with university leadership and external partners to establish data sharing protocols benchmark performance against industry standards and identify opportunities for institutional advancement

Advanced Analytics & Operational Intelligence (25%)

• Data Automation & Workflow Optimization: Implement AI-driven automation solutions that streamline reporting processes eliminate manual data entry and create real-time dashboards for continuous monitoring of key performance indicators
• Learning Analytics Innovation: Develop advanced learning analytics platforms that track student engagement patterns learning outcome achievement and course effectiveness using machine learning techniques and behavioral analysis
• Operational Process Enhancement: Utilize data insights and process mining techniques to identify bottlenecks optimize workflows and implement evidence-based improvements across academic operations enrollment management and student services
• Quality Metrics & Performance Optimization: Establish comprehensive quality measurement frameworks that incorporate both quantitative analytics and qualitative assessments to drive continuous improvement in all college functions

Team Leadership & Technology Management (20%)

• Strategic Team Development: Supervise and develop the Data insights and Operations team establishing professional development pathways in data insights AI applications and advanced analytics while fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning
• Technology Infrastructure Leadership: Oversee implementation and maintenance of advanced data platforms AI tools business intelligence systems and integration solutions that support institutional goals and enhance operational capabilities
• Change Management & Training: Lead organizational transformation initiatives related to data literacy AI adoption and analytics-driven decision making across all PSC departments and teams
• Budget & Resource Optimization: Manage comprehensive budget for data initiatives technology investments and team development while maximizing return on investment through strategic technology selections and process improvements

Academic Support & Quality Enhancement (15%)

• Director Partnership: Provide advanced analytics support for credit and noncredit programming in terms of program evaluation curriculum effectiveness assessment and student outcome optimization using AI-powered insights and predictive modeling techniques
• Instructor Performance Analytics: Develop and implement comprehensive systems for tracking teaching effectiveness professional development impact and student satisfaction using advanced statistical analysis and machine learning approaches
• Course Quality Intelligence: Create automated systems for monitoring course quality content alignment and learning outcome achievement while providing real-time feedback for continuous improvement initiatives
• Program Assessment Innovation: Design and implement next-generation program assessment methodologies that incorporate AI-powered analysis comparative benchmarking and predictive success modeling

Stakeholder Collaboration & Strategic Reporting (10%)

• Executive Intelligence Delivery: Provide sophisticated data visualizations predictive reports and strategic insights to senior leadership that inform enrollment strategy academic planning and resource allocation decisions
• Cross-Functional Data Solutions: Collaborate with enrollment management student services and academic departments to develop integrated data solutions that enhance the complete student lifecycle experience
• External Partnership Development: Establish relationships with technology vendors research institutions and industry partners to access cutting-edge analytics tools and maintain competitive advantage in data capabilities
• Innovation Research & Development: Stay current with emerging trends in educational data science AI applications in higher education and advanced analytics methodologies while piloting new technologies and approaches

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Technical & Analytical Competencies

• Advanced proficiency with AI/ML platforms predictive modeling software and data science tools including Python R SQL and machine learning libraries
• Extensive experience with business intelligence platforms (Tableau Power BI) learning management systems (Canvas) and educational data repositories
• Strong background in statistical analysis data visualization process automation and quality assurance methodologies
• Background in learning analytics and educational data mining
• Experience implementing AI solutions in educational environments
• Experience with Canvas LMS Banner ERP and API integrations

Leadership & Strategic Skills

• Proven ability to lead data-driven transformation initiatives and manage complex technology implementations in higher education environments
• Experience developing and executing strategic data plans that align with institutional goals and drive measurable outcomes
• Strong project management capabilities with experience overseeing multiple concurrent initiatives and cross-functional collaborations
• Experience with process improvement methodologies and change management

Communication & Collaboration

• Exceptional ability to translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholders including faculty administrators and senior leadership
• Demonstrated experience building consensus around data-driven decisions and facilitating organizational change through analytics adoption
• Background in adult education and non-traditional student populations
• Strong background in higher education operations and understanding of academic quality standards
• Personal Attributes
• Strategic mindset with ability to anticipate future data needs and technology trends in higher education
• Commitment to ethical data use privacy protection and inclusive analytics practices
• Strong problem-solving orientation with focus on innovation and continuous improvement

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis educational technology or higher education operations with demonstrated expertise in AI applications and advanced analytics
• 5 years of experience with AI/ML tools predictive modeling and advanced analytics platforms
• Masters degree in data science education or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 years experience supervising teams and managing complex data projects

Preferred Qualifications

• 8 years of progressively responsible experience in data analysis educational technology or higher education operations with demonstrated expertise in AI applications and advanced analytics
• Doctoral degree in data science education or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 5 years experience supervising teams and managing complex data projects
• Professional certifications in project management operations or related areas
• Professional certifications in data science AI/ML or business intelligence

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline

For consideration please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) October 29 2025

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is 13.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $95000-$105000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate departmental budget availability internal salary equity considerations and available market information but not based on a candidates sex or any other protected status.

Benefits

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits including medical dental retirement paid time off tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family or parental status pregnancy or related conditions national origin disability or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color national origin ancestry age religion creed disability sex (including sex stereotypes sex characteristics sexual orientation gender identity and gender expression) marital family and parental status pregnancy genetic information military enlistment or veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal state or local law regulation or ordinance in any of the Universitys educational programs and activities and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers Rights (POWR) Act; and any other federal state and local laws regulations or ordinances that prohibit discrimination harassment and/or retaliation. For more information please see the University of Denvers NonDiscriminationStatement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.