Executive Director of Data Strategy and Impact

Virginia Department of Education; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Department of Education in Richmond, VA seeks an Executive Director of Data Strategy and Impact to lead agency‑wide data strategy, governance, and analytics. You will guide data use to inform strategic decisions, partner with leaders, and build data literacy across the organization, while ensuring effective oversight and standards.

Requirements include a Master’s degree in a related field and a track record of translating complex data into clear, actionable insights for executive

Qualifications

• Develop and execute an agency-wide data strategy aligned to priorities and decisions.
• Establish governance, standards, policies to promote quality, security, and access.
• Identify how data supports strategic planning, policy, and performance.
• Translate complex data into concise, executive‑level information for leaders.
• Build data literacy and use capabilities across the organization through coaching and tools.
• Collaborate with technical experts on data systems, analytics, and integration.
• Strong computer skills with Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access.
• Must pass criminal background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise data strategy to advance VDOE priorities and decision‑making.
• Develop and maintain an agency‑wide data strategy with progress tracking.
• Set priorities for data and evidence to guide major initiatives.
• Serve as internal consultant to leaders on strategic priorities and measures.
• Provide strategic consultation on framing questions, baselines, and measures.
• Provide hands-on analytical leadership to translate data into insights.
• Partner with data/technology leaders to support data infrastructure and tools.
• Ensure clear expectations and frequent feedback aligned to department goals.

Skills

Data governance

Data strategy

Executive communication

Analytics leadership

Stakeholder consultation

Data literacy

Coaching / development

Office suite proficiency

Education

Master’s degree in data science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Access

Data visualization tools

Job description

Title: Executive Director of Data Strategy and Impact

State Role Title: Education Administrator III

Hiring Range: $130,000-$158,000

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept of Ed Central Operations

Location: Richmond, Virginia

Agency Website: doe.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: Agency Employee Only - A

Job Duties

• Support successful implementation of VDOE strategic plan by providing enterprise leadership for how VDOE uses data and evidence to advance its strategic priorities, improve organizational performance, and inform decision-making.
• Develop and maintain an agency-wide data strategy aligned with VDOE’s strategic plan, including clear and transparent mechanisms for tracking plan progress and impact.
• Establish clear priorities for how data, analysis, and evidence should support major agency decisions and initiatives.
• Serve as an internal consultant and thought partner to leaders and teams on key strategic priorities, helping them develop the skills and practices needed to use data effectively.
• Provide strategic consultation to agency leaders and teams on framing questions, establishing baseline, selecting measures, interpreting evidence, and applying data to decisions for strategic plan.
• Provide hands‑on analytical leadership to answer high-priority agency questions and translate complex information into actionable insights for decision-makers.
• Partner with technical and programmatic leaders to ensure VDOE’s data infrastructure, tools, and analytical capabilities support strategic data use.
• Ensure expectations are clear, well communicated, and relate to the goals andobjectivesof the department and that staffreceivefrequent, constructive feedback, including interim evaluations asappropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute an agency‑wide data strategy aligned to organizational priorities, outcomes, and decision‑making needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and the ability to establish effective data governance, stewardship, standards, policies, and processes that promote data quality, integrity, accessibility, security, and responsible use.
• Demonstrated ability to identify how data and evidence can best support strategic planning, policy development, program implementation, performance management, and organizational improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex data and analytical concepts into clear, concise, decision‑oriented information for executive and non‑technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to build data literacy and strategic data‑use capabilities across an organization through coaching, consultation, tools, processes, and professional development.
• Strong understanding of data systems, data management, analytics, visualization, data integration, and related technologies, with the ability to effectively partner with technical experts.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Word, PowerPoint,Exceland Access.

Successful candidates must pass a criminal background check.

Commonwealth of Virginia employees may have teleworking options available. Final teleworking agreements will be reviewed and approved upon hire.

This role will require completion of a Statement of Economic Interests (SOEI), which is filed annual with the General Assembly.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process. For assistance call: [phone], [TTY: 786-8389]

Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. The Virginia Department of Education is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity within its workforce.

Additional Considerations

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in data science, statistics, public policy, public administration, education, information systems, computer science, economics, social sciences, business administration, or a related field or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field combined with substantial directly related experience may be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service‑Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.