Executive Director – Institutional Research

Nevada System of Higher Education

Executive Director leading Nevada System of Higher Education institutional research and data strategy. Directing analytics, privacy, reporting, dashboards, and statewide longitudinal data initiatives.

Posted 8/7/2026full-timeLas Vegas • Nevada • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in data lifecycle management, including design, collection, analysis, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with FERPA and state regulations. Proficient in SQL, Tableau, and institutional research practices, with a strong ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

Highest-signal resume keywords

SQL ProficiencyData Governance KnowledgeTableau Dashboard DevelopmentInstitutional Research ExperienceSupervisory Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisData CollectionData ReportingETL MethodologiesRelational Database ManagementStatistical TechniquesData Quality ProcessesData Validation RulesData ArchitectureData Privacy Compliance

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailIndependent WorkCommunication SkillsProblem-SolvingTime Management

Tools & Technologies

TableauSQLPeopleSoftMS AccessExcelPowerPointHTML/CSSPHPJavaScriptNational Student Clearinghouse

Industry Keywords

FERPA ComplianceHigher EducationInstitutional ResearchStatewide Longitudinal Data SystemsNevada Legislative ProcessesData Governance FrameworksPostsecondary EducationData PrivacyWorkforce DataLabor Market Projections

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

ETLJavaScriptMySQLOraclePHPSQLTableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead implementation of 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-informed 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 departmental staff and coordinate cross-training, workload, succession, and continuity planning
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 consensus around reporting content and available data
Support systemwide tools, visualizations, dashboards, and Board reporting
Oversee analysis and reporting for enrollment, remedial programs, diversity, faculty workload, and other institutional research requests
Oversee Statewide Longitudinal Data System data exchange and longitudinal reporting
Support Academic and Student Affairs and Budget and Finance data requests
Ensure mandated Board-policy and regulatory reporting
Negotiate and maintain data-sharing agreements and memoranda of understanding
Ensure FERPA and applicable state-law compliance for student data privacy
Establish data validation rules, definitions, collection standards, and data quality processes
Administer the NSHE student data warehouse and institution file submission portal
Develop and manage ETL lifecycles for IPEDS and other data sources
Generate data extracts and conduct taxonomy audits
Maintain the Institutional Research website, applications, databases, CCN, and APIS systems
Develop and maintain Tableau dashboards and interactive applications
Research, document, modify, and report data from NSHE warehouses, PeopleSoft, IPEDS, National Student Clearinghouse, Census, workforce, demographer, and P-12 sources

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
Experience with higher education system offices, statewide longitudinal data systems, Oracle, Tableau, PHP, HTML/CSS, and JavaScript preferred
Knowledge of institutional research practice in postsecondary settings
Knowledge of data governance, student data privacy, FERPA, applicable state statutes, and small-cell suppression
Knowledge of NSHE structure, Board of Regents policy, and Nevada legislative and budget processes
Knowledge of research methodology, statistical techniques, data architecture, reporting technologies, and data governance frameworks
Knowledge of Nevada workforce data, labor market projections, K-12 data systems, and higher education integration
Knowledge of PeopleSoft, IPEDS, National Student Clearinghouse, and statewide longitudinal data systems
Knowledge of relational and dimensional database modeling, data warehouse design, ETL methodologies, and pipeline architecture
Advanced Oracle SQL and MySQL, including multi-source joins, window functions, and query optimization
Proficiency with SQL, Tableau, MS Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
Experience with large datasets, SQL/MySQL queries, HTML/CSS, PHP, and SQL-driven web applications
Ability to produce accessible public-facing web content and dashboards
Ability to translate complex technical analyses into clear guidance and decision-ready insights
Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, diagnose data errors, and design resilient data processes
Ability to work independently with accuracy and attention to detail
Required current resume, detailed cover letter, and contact information for four professional references
United States citizenship or lawful authorization to work in the U.S. required
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 with 19.25% employee contributions matched 100% by the employer
Immediate vesting in the retirement plan
Potential eligibility to continue in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) of Nevada
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