Director of Assessment and Institutional Research

Position Summary:

The Director of Assessment and Institutional Research contributes to the facilitation and improvement of assessment and evaluation across the institution related to the University mission and core themes. The Director works closely with faculty in the development of student learning outcomes and in evaluating curriculum effectiveness. The position is responsible for developing, collecting, organizing, interpreting, distributing, and evaluating data, information, and reports useful for effective assessment of student learning outcomes, policy, planning formulation, and decision making to support institutional effectiveness and improvement. The Director will contribute to accreditation activities including the development of accreditation cycle related processes and the production of communications with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Institutional Role:

The Director of Assessment and Institutional Research reports directly to the Dean of Undergraduate Curriculum and Alignment, and is expected to contribute to the institution’s assessment, institutional research, accreditation, and compliance activities.

Responsibilities:

• Establishes, administers, and coordinates the University’s institutional research activities including collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting information on the characteristics of the University for use in decision making.
• Works closely with appropriate University offices in research and statistical analysis that may be needed for various projects.
• Serves as liaison from the University to various authorities at the federal, state, and local levels for data reporting, research surveys, and compliance.
• Monitors the overall integrity of data, complying with state and federal requirements, and taking appropriate steps to correct data discrepancies when noted.
• Develops, administers, analyzes, and reports on surveys that measure engagement, performance, and satisfaction for both student and employee populations.
• Assists in the preparation, follow-up, and report writing for the University’s accreditation.
• Works with faculty and staff leadership to manage the development and delivery of assessment reviews in support of student learning, institutional effectiveness, and accreditation.
• Interprets assessment findings and uses appropriate methods to report such findings, with particular emphasis on findings that influence institutional decision-making and policy development.
• Provides analytical support and advice in the design of internal surveys.
• Oversees the administration of local and national surveys, analysis of collected data, and dissemination of results to the executive office, staff leadership, and faculty as appropriate.
• Manage external reporting for IPEDS and public agencies, including reading and understanding federal reporting requirements, and keep appropriate University staff informed of changing procedures and requirements.
• Produces institutional research reports and other materials related to University enrollment, student demographics, staffing, peer comparative data, and other projects as requested by the President, the Deans, and the Vice Presidential offices.
• Assists in the coordination of the University’s accreditation process, including participation in the development of communications with the NWCC and assistance in monitoring the operations of departments/functions of the University to ensure compliance with the standards of the NWCCU.
• Performs various duties for committees on an as-needed basis, as well as other duties as needed to support other departments at the University.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Clear track record of experience, particularly in the areas of reporting, decision support, and the ability to constantly improve process and tools.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team ono multiple projects, establish priorities, and work collaboratively as a member of a community.
• Exhibit strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and present data in a meaningful and user-friendly manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with students, faculty, administration, and external constituents.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other applications in the MS Office suite

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Three to five years of experience and proficiency in assessment, accreditation, or data analysis, preferably in higher education or related setting
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; effective presentation skills
• Ability to work with diverse groups of people
• Knowledge of assessment best practices and skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with focus in quantitative social science area such as educational statistics, sociology, psychology, or field related to data analytics or statistics

Reports to: Dean of Undergraduate Curriculum and Alignment

Pay Range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Position Classification:  Full-time, exempt

Other:  Fingerprint check required as a condition of employment