Vice President, Institutional Research, Innovation, and Strategy

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace. We are a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The University of Notre Dame seeks an accomplished, mission-driven leader to serve as Vice President (VP) for Institutional Research, Innovation, and Strategy (IRIS). Reporting directly to the President and serving as a member of the President’s Leadership Council, the VP provides trusted counsel to senior leadership and plays a central role in shaping, advancing, and evaluating the University’s long-term strategic priorities.

This role leads an integrated division that has evolved to unite strategic planning, innovation, and institutional research into a cohesive enterprise function. The VP ensures that Notre Dame’s strategic ambitions are informed by rigorous data analysis, thoughtful innovation, and a deep understanding of the University’s academic, administrative, and Catholic mission.

The successful candidate will combine strategic vision, analytical rigor, and collaborative leadership to guide institution-wide planning, support evidence-based decision-making, and foster ongoing improvement across the University. In addition to shaping strategy, the VP will build strategic planning capacity across the University, developing leaders’ ability to frame priorities, use evidence well, assess progress, and think and act with an institution-wide perspective. The VP will equip colleges, schools, and divisions with shared tools, practices, and coaching so strategic planning becomes a durable institutional capability. 

Enterprise Strategy & Strategic Planning

• Serve as the President’s principal advisor on institutional strategy, planning, and performance assessment.
• Lead the design, facilitation, and ongoing stewardship of the University’s strategic planning process, including goal setting, implementation frameworks, and progress evaluation.
• Develop and oversee mechanisms to translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes and actionable initiatives.
• Maintain a centralized repository of college, school, and division strategic plans, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.
• Provide consultation and guidance to academic and administrative units on strategic planning and execution.
• Partner with colleges, schools, and divisions across the University to align and advance their strategic initiatives and goals

Innovation & Change Leadership

• Advance a culture of strategic innovation and continuous improvement by identifying emerging trends, opportunities, and risks in higher education and related sectors.
• Lead and manage cross-functional, enterprise-level initiatives,  including transformational change initiatives and complex enterprise risk mitigation projects on behalf of the President, Provost, and Executive Vice President.
• Support cross-divisional change efforts through scenario planning, strategic analysis, and facilitation of complex decision-making.
• Partner with senior leaders to anticipate the future and to explore new models, approaches, and capabilities that strengthen Notre Dame’s academic and operational excellence given the accelerating pace of external change via artificial intelligence and similar disruptive measures. 
• Oversee the administrative unit review (AUR) process whereby key units are on a regular cadence for not only a comprehensive self-assessment, but also an external assessment by 3-4 peer leaders to ensure a forward looking approach to innovation and improvement.

Institutional Research, Analytics & Assessment

• Oversee the University’s central institutional research function, ensuring the integrity, relevance, and strategic use of data.
• Direct quantitative and qualitative research efforts, including peer benchmarking, trend analysis, and internal and external reporting.
• Manage required external reporting to government agencies and rankings organizations, including the U.S. Department of Education.
• Lead the development, administration, and analysis of institutional surveys and feedback mechanisms, including national consortial surveys and the University’s course instructor feedback system.
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for senior leaders and governing bodies.

Leadership, Governance & Collaboration

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled professionals with expertise in strategy, analytics, research, and operational improvement.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performance culture focused on professional growth and impact.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with faculty, academic and operational administrators, and executive leaders across the University.
• Serve as a confidential, objective advisor, bringing an institution-wide perspective to complex and sensitive issues.
• Engage deeply across both academic and administrative domains, demonstrating respect for shared governance and the distinct cultures of each.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Ten or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience (5+ within Senior Leadership, preferably within institutional research, strategic planning, analytics, innovation, organizational effectiveness, or a related field
• Significant experience translating data, research, and environmental trends into strategic recommendations for executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale change initiatives and manage complex, sensitive, and high-impact projects.
• Demonstrated success building collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and leading high-performing teams.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and executive presentation skills.

This position will close on Sunday, April 12th. Please also upload a cover letter for review. 

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.