Director of Institutional Research

  • Missouri Western State University
  • St Joseph, MO, USA
  • Sep 20, 2024
Full time Institutional Research & Planning

Job Description

The Director of Institutional Research is a director level position in Technology Services reporting to the Chief Information Officer. The director will program, code, extract, manage, analyze, communicate institutional data, and write reports (with visuals/graphic displays) to succinctly translate data for constituents both within and outside the university, for purposes of compliance with mandated reporting and for decision-making, planning, assessment, accreditation, and related activities with minimal supervision. The director must have a strong customer service orientation and understand the possible financial, accreditation and legal consequences to the University as part of this position.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Data Analyst

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
    • Coordinates institutional research functions across campus units, as well as off-campus constituents.
    • Utilizes and adapts advanced programming, coding, research and statistical methods, computer programs and business intelligence tools to extract, compile, interpret, summarize and analyze complex data sets.
    • Produce and present reports and data visualizations for senior leadership and other key stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication of findings.
    • Builds and utilizes databases in various formats, including SQL and CSV and conducts complex queries while assuring data quality and integrity, for the purpose of completing IPEDS, Higher Learning Commission, Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development reports, as well as other federal/state regulatory agencies and on the behalf of the institution.
    • Ensures the institutional compliance with all reporting requirements and maintains the annual reporting calendar, fact book, and updates the institutional research webpages.
    • Conducts and leads comprehensive studies on targeted topics benefiting institutional evaluation and improvement, institutional effectiveness, resources, and planning.
    • Adheres to and assists with the establishment of policies and procedures that ensure responsible acquisition, discovery and application of knowledge.
    • Stay current with industry trends, ethical standards of conducting research, economics and outcomes, best practices, and emerging markets and technologies in higher education.
    • Helps foster a culture of inquiry, improvement, and evidence-based decision-making by conducting quality training, data interpretations, and related support to users and stakeholders in the decision-making processes.
    • Develop and provide scheduled dashboard and reports on key performance indicators and strategic plans for timely data-driven decision-making.
    • Support and participate in strategic planning initiatives and perform other duties as assigned.

 


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of workings of university structure, policies and procedures
  • Application of research methods (including quasi-experimental methodology, survey data) involving inferential and predictive statistical methods and prescriptive analytics.
  • Terms and definitions of standard data elements and experience working with spreadsheets, large complex databases/datasets, and statistical software to evaluate data
  • Programming and coding skills, familiarity in Tableau, Argos, R, SQL, and command of graphic development (infographics and visualizations), statistical (SPSS)
  • Leadership, supervision, planning and organization skills including team building, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement
  • Effective communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively
  • Understanding of the related financial, accreditation and legal consequences to the University and advise accordingly
  • Ability to operate independently and collaboratively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders to meet institutional reporting requirements, timeframe and importance.
  • Strong time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks with accuracy while adhering to tight deadlines
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, and Outlook) and Google Workspace tools.

Preferred and Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in a field of study emphasizing programming, statistical research, analysis, interpretation and reporting.
  • Five years of related experience in data analytics, data governance, data management, and/or statistical research
  • Or, two years of experience with data analysis in a higher education setting and federal reporting requirements
  • Or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. 
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Master’s degree in business, economics, finance, statistical analysis, data visualization or technical-related field.
  • One of the following certifications: CAP, aCAP, Google Data Analytics Professional, Power BI Data Analyst Associate, or equivalent credential
  • Experience with Ellucian Banner or a similar ERP/SIS system
  • Experience with Argos, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau and/or comparable reporting tools
  • May require occasional travel and/or night and weekend work
  • The position may be hybrid with weekly on campus (in person) responsibilities
  • The above position description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.

Application Deadline

Open until filled.