Although familiar in business, the chief data officer position is a relatively new addition to the higher education landscape. As the role is introduced in colleges and universities, it is important to consider the additional challenges that exist within institutions and the higher education sector. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study examines and analyzes the inception and institutional motivation behind the emergence of the chief data officer position. The study also examines the emergence of the chief data officer in higher education and seeks to understand position roles and responsibilities and how the position might be located optimally within the organizational hierarchy. Interviews were conducted with six chief data officers serving in higher education, and these data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified: (a) conceptualizing the chief data office; (b) positioning the chief data office; (c) responding to increasing data velocity; (d) breaking down silos; and (e) promoting the utility of data. Implications for practice and recommendations for future research are provided. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]