Director Academic Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary:

The Executive Director of Data & Analytics is responsible for directing the strategy, delivery, and ongoing operations of enterprise data and analytics services that support the clinical, administrative, academic, and research missions of University of Iowa Health Care. This role ensures that data platforms, analytics services, and governance practices are reliable, secure, scalable, and delivered in a compliant, cost-effective, and service-oriented manner.

The Executive Director provides leadership for an established division responsible for data architecture, data integration, analytics development, business intelligence, and advanced analytics. The role ensures enterprise data assets are effectively managed, protected, and leveraged to support high-quality decision-making across UI Health Care.

Position Responsibilities:

• In partnership with the CHIO and Chief Information Digital Office (CIDO), provide strategic, administrative, and operational leadership for enterprise data and analytics staff supporting data architecture, integration, reporting, analytics, and advanced modeling across the organization.

• Direct the ongoing development, maintenance, and optimization of enterprise data platforms, including data warehouses, data lakes, data marts, and analytics environments, ensuring availability, integrity, and enterprise-wide reporting consistency.

• Lead evaluation of new data and analytics technologies, tools, and data sources to assess functionality, architectural alignment, regulatory compliance, and organizational risk; identify and mitigate risks as appropriate.

• Coordinate staff and resources within the Data & Analytics division and partner with HCIS and Carver College of Medicine peer divisions, ITS, OneIT, and operational and research departments to align priorities, optimize workload, and support timely project delivery.

• Engage clinical, administrative, operational, and research stakeholders to understand analytic needs and collaborate on enterprise strategies, initiatives, and service improvement efforts.

• Evaluate utilization and effectiveness of existing analytics services, enhance service models, and oversee development of training and educational resources to improve user adoption and data literacy.

• Assist in the development and execution of near-term and long-term roadmaps for the Data & Analytics division aligned with HCIS and enterprise strategic goals.

• Develop and direct teams of advanced analysts supporting clinical and operational decision-making, quality improvement initiatives, performance monitoring, and regulatory reporting.

• Collaborate with others to create an environment enabling data democratization, data science insights, and self-service for both operations and research

• Define, manage, and advance data governance and information management practices, in partnership with legal, compliance, and information security offices, to ensure responsible stewardship of sensitive institutional data.

• Partner with other members of the CHIO office to further enable data-based decision making in clinical domains through the use of conventional analytics, dashboarding, and advanced predictive and prescriptive analytics.

• Partner with the CHIO and CIDOto support budget planning and financial management related to staffing, tools, training, and enterprise data platforms.

• In partnership with CHIO and CIDO, support collaboration with the Carver College of Medicine, enabling secure and compliant access to data for research and translational use in support of UI Health Care's learning health system.

• Partner with members of the Chief Financial Officer's and Chief Physician Executive's offices to develop revenue cycle, charge capture, population health/value-based contract, and financial performance analytics

• Translate institutional goals into actionable work plans, delegate authority appropriately, and ensure accountability for staff performance, service delivery, and project outcomes.

• Represent HCIS and UI Health Care data and analytics interests on enterprise committees, advisory groups, and with external partners as assigned.

• Monitor staff productivity, service quality, and operational performance to ensure value, efficiency, and continuous improvement by establishing and reporting on key performance indicators for analytics services.

• Hire, direct, develop, and evaluate assigned staff, including performance management, professional development, succession planning, and personnel actions in accordance with university policies.

• Promote a respectful, and collaborative work environment, ensuring consistent communication and alignment with UI Health Care WE CARE values.

• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of data governance principles and enterprise analytics operating models

• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, privacy, and security requirements related to healthcare data

• Understanding of project and service management practices

• Working knowledge of enterprise data and analytics technologies, including:

  • SQL, Hadoop, Spark/Parquet, and NoSQL solutions

  • Distributed computing, containers, and microservices

  • GPU based computation for advanced analytics

  • Utilization of unstructured data

  • Epic data models (Chronicles, Clarity, Caboodle)

  • Data visualization platforms such as Power BI

  • Statistical and advanced analytics tools and methods (SAS, R, Python)

  • Cloud-based data and analytics services (AWS, GCP, Azure - in particular Microsoft Fabric)

• Secure analytics environments supporting HIPAA-protected data

• Strong service orientation and commitment to data-informed decision-making

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and consensus-building skills

• Demonstrated ability to foster a welcoming and respectful workplace

Pay Grade: 8B https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure

The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including 24 days paid vacation per year to start and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits

Percent of Time:  100%

Staff Type: Professional & Scientific

Type of Position: Regular

Education Requirements:

Master's degree in computer science, Data Science, Business Administration, Health Care Administration, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Extensive experience (typically 13 years) leading enterprise analytics, data management, or information systems functions in complex organizations

• Experience working in healthcare environments

• Experience overseeing enterprise-scale data and analytics platforms and services

• Experience working with electronic medical record systems

• Extensive experience recruiting, supervising, and developing technical and analytics staff

• Ability to lead in a collaborative, service-oriented environment

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working with Epic electronic medical records

• Experience in an academic medical center

• Understanding of healthcare information, privacy and security regulations

• Familiarity with enterprise data governance and analytics maturity models

To be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. A cover letter is desired as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions contact Dr. Blum at James-Blum@uiowa.edu.