Senior Institutional Research Analyst University of California Office of the President (UCOP), California, United States
Session Abstract: Higher education leaders are grappling with significant workforce challenges, including an aging workforce leading to retirements, persistent talent shortages, and the rapid evolution of necessary skills. Historically, workforce planning has often been relegated to a routine HR compliance task, disconnected from the broader institutional strategy. This approach is no longer sustainable. This session offers a new perspective: reframing workforce planning as a strategic support area for institutional research (IR). I will use the UCOP Workforce Plan as a concrete example to illustrate how IR professionals can effectively integrate data, bring stakeholders to the table, and develop actionable strategies to meet the institution's future talent needs. Attendees will receive a transferable, five-phase framework, practical tools for conducting gap analysis, and proven methods for truly embedding workforce planning into their own institution's strategic agenda.
Keywords: Workforce Planning, People Analytics, Human Resources, Talent Acquisition Strategy, Leadership
