Associate Director of Institutional Research

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Institutional Research independently manages the predictive analytics and data visualization domains within the institutional research department to advance and support Samuel Merritt University' s decision-making and strategic planning. 

The Associate Director independently manages research assignments and projects, applies appropriate statistical methods and advanced database management skills in all areas of institutional research and reporting. 

The Associate Director plays a key role in managing the data collection, database structures and reporting related to WSCUC regional accreditation efforts, specialty accreditation, program evaluation and student success. 

The position is also responsible for initiating and resolving systems and data quality issues related to the institutional common data set and institutional databases used for mandated state and federal reporting. 

Job Duties and Accountabilities:

An Asterik (*) denotes an "essential job function" for ADA purposes.

20% Research & Analytics - design and implement predictive and statistical models to support student success efforts, admission processes and the student life cycle. Design and manage evaluation, assessment and survey research studies to support strategic planning and management decisions to advance the university’s mission. Interpret and deliver key analytical findings to intended audiences.  

40% Data Visualization & Reporting - create high impact data displays and actionable reports using Tableau and other business intelligence tools. Lead and manage the complete life cycle of SMU’s institutional summary reports such as the fact book, fact sheet, student and faculty profiles, and departmental dashboards. Complete mandated reports including IPEDS, WSCUC annual reports, surveys from accrediting bodies, guidebooks and other agencies. Produce regular admission, enrollment and other reports to support the cross divisional requirements.  

20% Data Management & Data Integrity - Lead the creation and management of longitudinal institutional datasets, to include cohort tracking, enrollment census, and faculty and staff census. Initiate and resolve data quality issues of common data sets. Collaborate with Student Affairs and academic programs to reconcile common data sets.  

15% Operational & Project Management - Independently manage assigned projects and priorities and meet deadlines with high quality work products. Supervise temporary workers and special project assistants. Coordinate IR tasks in the Director’s absence. Represent IR and serve as a resource on select university committees. Maintain up-to-date documentation on all projects, processes, reports and models. Train and collaborate with end users to assure appropriate understanding and skills to utilize IR-provided data. Stay current with important national and regional trends that affect higher education and assist the department and institution with appropriate responses. 

5% Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities (all are required): 

1. Knowledge of relational databases and experience designing, maintaining and reporting from large databases and multiple tables. 

2. Solid knowledge and experience in statistical tests and models. 

3. Ability to independently manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining outstanding service and meeting deadlines.

4. Tableau

5. SPSS 

6. Expert knowledge of Excel, including charting, pivot tables, functions, merging data. 

7. Demonstrated knowledge of survey design and research methodologies.

8. Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in relation to confidential and proprietary information.

9. Effective presentation, communication and problem solving skills.

Education and/or Experience (all are required):

• Master' s degree in Social Sciences or quantitative discipline, with intermediate to advanced course work in statistics.
• Minimum of five years of progressive work experience in information gathering, processing, analysis, and reporting, preferably in Institutional Research.
• Minimum of three years of experience in applying quantitative research methodology and multivariate statistics.
• Knowledge of institutional research or higher education reporting requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks across campus.
• Ability to read and write complex documents.
• Ability to sit doing deskwork for prolonged periods of time.

The University has an institution-wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to build a welcoming and supportive campus environment, and acknowledge that diversity is an educational imperative to achieve excellence.