Grand Canyon Education (GCE) is seeking a highly strategic and detail-oriented Director of Rankings & Institutional Performance to lead and execute a comprehensive rankings strategy in support of Grand Canyon University (GCU). This role is responsible for ensuring GCU is accurately represented and competitively positioned across major higher education rankings and surveys (e.g., U.S. News, Wall Street Journal, Princeton Review, Niche, Times Higher Education, and others).
This individual will own the end-to-end rankings process—from data collection and validation to submission and performance tracking—while partnering cross-functionally across GCE and GCU stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in ranking outcomes. The ultimate goal is to elevate GCU in its positions across key categories aligned with institutional strengths, particularly student outcomes, social mobility, and career readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Rankings Strategy & Ownership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive rankings strategy aligned with GCU’s brand positioning and institutional priorities
- Identify and prioritize ranking opportunities where GCU can achieve Top 10 or Top 5 placement
- Maintain a master calendar of all ranking submissions, deadlines, and requirements
Data Collection & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Partner with departments across GCE and GCU—including Institutional Research, Finance, Career Services, Academics, Enrollment, and Student Affairs to gather required data
- Ensure data integrity, consistency, and alignment across all submissions
- Establish standardized processes for data collection, documentation, and validation
Submission Management
- Prepare, review, and submit all ranking surveys and data requests accurately and on time on behalf of GCU
- Manage internal approval workflows across GCE and GCU to ensure data is vetted and approved by appropriate stakeholders
- Serve as the central point of accountability for all external ranking submissions
Performance Tracking & Continuous Improvement
- Track GCU’s rankings performance year-over-year across all major surveys
- Analyze results to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
- Provide actionable insights and recommendations to GCE and GCU leadership to improve ranking outcomes
Reputation & Perception Management
- Collaborate with GCE Marketing, PR, and GCU Academic Leadership to strengthen GCU’s reputation among peer institutions and ranking bodies
- Support initiatives that influence perception-based rankings (e.g., faculty visibility, thought leadership, employer engagement)
Reporting & Communication
- Develop dashboards and reports summarizing GCU rankings performance and trends
- Present regular updates to GCE and GCU executive leadership on progress toward Top 10 goals
- Translate complex ranking methodologies into clear, actionable insights for internal stakeholders
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Data Analytics, Higher Education Administration, or related field
- 5–8+ years of experience in higher education, institutional research, data analytics, marketing strategy, or similar field
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders
- Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy
- Experience working cross-functionally in a complex organization
Preferred
- Experience with higher education rankings or survey submissions (U.S. News, THE, etc.)
- Familiarity with institutional data systems and reporting frameworks
- Experience in data analysis, dashboards, and performance metrics
- Understanding of higher education competitive landscape and rankings methodologies
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking with strong execution capability
- Data-driven decision making
- Cross-functional leadership and influence
- Process development and operational rigor
- High accountability and ownership mindset
Success Metrics
- 100% on-time and accurate submission of all targeted rankings on behalf of GCU
- Year-over-year improvement in targeted ranking categories
- Achievement of Top 10 or Top 5 placement in prioritized rankings for GCU
- Increased visibility and recognition of GCU in national rankings
Why Join GCE
This role offers a unique opportunity to directly shape GCU’s national reputation and competitive positioning through GCE’s operational leadership. The Director of Rankings & Institutional Performance will play a critical role in elevating GCU’s standing, influencing strategic decisions, and driving measurable impact on enrollment and brand perception.
Salary and benefits are competitive and aligned with similar roles in higher education and marketing strategy.
#INDLOPESUP
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Data Analytics, Higher Education Administration, or a related field
- 5-8+ years of experience in higher education, institutional research, data analytics, marketing strategy, or a similar field
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and stakeholders
- Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy
- Experience working cross-functionally in a complex organization
Grand Canyon Education Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Grand Canyon Education and has not been reviewed or approved by Grand Canyon Education.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — Education benefits extend to employees and eligible spouses and dependents, including substantial tuition coverage at Grand Canyon University. Equal marriage benefits were implemented, indicating inclusive eligibility policies.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes multiple medical, dental, and vision options with HSA/FSA support, plus life and long‑term disability coverage. The breadth of plan choices is positioned as a comprehensive offering.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off and holiday breaks are described as generous. Some roles provide flexibility that complements available PTO.
Grand Canyon Education Insights
What We Do
Grand Canyon Education (GCE) is an educational service company that provides an array of support services in the post-secondary education sector. Formerly part of Grand Canyon University (GCU), GCE still supports and works closely with GCU. GCE designs and develops educational programs for GCU and other traditional campus institutions, as well as online partner institutions at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. At Grand Canyon Education, we value our employees and support a unique and diverse workplace culture designed to help you thrive. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities across various departments. For job opportunities, please visit https://jobs.gce.com/ In addition Grand Canyon Education has been recognized as one of America’s Most Trusted Companies 2022 by Newsweek and Statista. We have also been identified as a leader in remote work as we have been named to FlexJobs' 9th annual list of the Top 100 Companies to Watch for Remote Jobs! Finally, we have been praised for our commitment to cultivating an engaging and attractive workplace by Top Workplaces USA.
