Exec Director -BI, Data Platforms, and Applied AI at InsideHigherEd

The Executive Director of Business Intelligence, Data Platforms, and Applied AI is a senior IT leader responsible for defining, developing, and executing Excelsior University’s enterprise data strategy. This encompasses data architecture, integration frameworks, business intelligence platforms, and applied AI capabilities, ensuring alignment with institutional goals, regulatory requirements, and the University’s evolving needs.

In partnership with senior leadership and key institutional stakeholders and through close collaboration with the Analytics & Data Science (ADS) team, this role contributes to the broader enterprise data strategy from both technical and business perspectives. The Executive Director oversees the Business Intelligence (BI) team to deliver comprehensive data services across the University, enabling data-driven decision-making, operational performance tracking, and innovation.

A central focus of the role is designing and maintaining a modern, secure, and scalable data-as-a-service environment. The Executive Director also plays a critical role in institutional initiatives such as the implementation of Banner SaaS by ensuring technical data readiness, integration, and sustainable reporting capabilities.

Additionally, this position oversees the deployment of AI-driven solutions across the institution, ensuring alignment with foundational IT systems, data governance practices, and ethical AI use in support of institutional priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead the definition, development, and execution of the University’s enterprise data strategy, aligning data architecture, platforms, and AI capabilities with the institution’s digital transformation and operational goals.

Collaborate with institutional leaders and stakeholders to contribute to the broader enterprise business strategy, ensuring that data services meet evolving academic, administrative, and business needs.

Oversee the delivery of enterprise-wide BI services—including reporting, dashboards, and analytics—that empower data-informed decision-making across all divisions.

Design and maintain a secure, scalable data-as-a-service platform to support operational and advanced analytics needs.

Ensure reliable integration and performance of reporting solutions tied to key enterprise systems such as Banner SaaS and Salesforce.

Provide strategic technical leadership in system integration, API development, and data pipeline architecture.

Partner closely with the Analytics & Data Science (ADS) team to support complex analytical workloads, advanced modeling, and AI enablement.

Lead the adoption and governance of applied AI solutions institution-wide, ensuring infrastructure and policies support responsible and effective innovation.

Establish and champion data governance frameworks that uphold data quality, security, compliance, and accessibility.

Monitor emerging trends in data platforms, BI, AI, and integration technologies to continuously refine the data strategy and ensure institutional agility.

Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture committed to service excellence and continuous improvement.

Minimum qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

10+ years of experience in business intelligence, data engineering, or enterprise data management, including 5+ years in a leadership role with strategic responsibilities.

Exceptional strategic and operational leadership, with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills that bridge technical and business perspectives.

Proven success in defining and executing technical data strategies and delivering scalable BI solutions in complex environments.

Expertise in enterprise system integration, APIs, middleware, and cloud-native data platforms. Experience in Microsoft Fabric is highly desirable.

Experience with SaaS enterprise systems (e.g., Ellucian Banner, Salesforce) and enabling their reporting & analytics and AI functionalities through secure integration is highly desirable.

Knowledge of applied AI/ML technologies, including embedded and standalone capabilities integrated into enterprise data ecosystems.

Strong understanding of data governance and compliance frameworks, ideally within higher education.

Prior experience in higher education or similar data-intensive, complex organizations is highly desirable.

The hiring salary range for this position is $120,000.00 - $130,000.00. The hiring salary range above represents the University's good faith estimate at the time of posting.

Application Information

If you have problems with online submission, please call 518-608-8238.

Excelsior University offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package that includes paid time off, retirement, and excellent health insurance. Interested candidates should submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of three professional references. Please submit requested information by clicking the Apply Now button on this page.

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.

AA/EOE/ADA

Excelsior University is an equal opportunity employer committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected characteristic.