Academic Specialist-Institutional Research

The College of International Security Affairs of the National Defense University is currently seeking an Institutional Research, Assessment and Accreditation Assistant/Associate. Institutional research is a critical academic support function, fulfilling university and program-level requirements in data management and analysis, reporting, and assessment.

Institutional research facilitates evidence-based planning and decision making, ensures compliance with accreditation standards, and fosters a culture of continuous institutional improvement and effectiveness. The Institutional Research, Assessment, and Accreditation Assistant/Associate is responsible for supporting a comprehensive institutional research and assessment program at the college level. Support is provided in three primary functional areas, and specific duties in each area which include:

• Institutional research - data management, analysis, presentation and reporting; interpretation of data trends and other statistical results; consultation with stakeholders
• Assessment - assessment planning and implementation, analysis of assessment data, interpretation of assessment results, and consultation with stakeholders
• Accreditation - assisting with monitoring compliance with accreditation standards and participation in self-study activities

Duties

• Summarize and present complex statistical data and results, appropriate to audience and purpose.
• Design and administer student and faculty surveys, and present results, appropriate to audience and purpose.
• Summarize and present direct assessment data and results, appropriate to audience and purpose.
• Assist with the management of assessment functions within learning management tools such as Blackboard and Watermark Tk20.
• Manage institutional data by ensuring completeness of data and validating data quality.
• Utilize NDU technology systems for information management, data collection, data analysis and data visualization.
• Maintain currency in and consistently implement best practices in institutional research.
• Interpret data trends and other statistical results and consult with stakeholders on appropriate response.
• Provide technical and analytical guidance to others, including institutional research staff, faculty and leadership.

Requirements Conditions of Employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Permanent Resident.
• Obtain and maintain Secret security clearance.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must:

• Bachelor's degree or Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in educational methodology, information systems, applied statistics or appropriate related discipline preferred.
• Experience in institutional research, assessment, and accreditation in a higher education environment.
• Ability to perform statistical and/or quantitative analyses.
• Experience applying education theory, assessment practices and institutional research practices.
• Ability to fulfill institutional reporting requirements using appropriate data and complying with all timelines and reporting specifications.
• Experience designing and administering surveys in an academic environment.
• Record of independent analytic writing, research and engagement
• Knowledge of accreditation standards, practices and procedures.
• Experience using information systems to collect, extract and analyze data for institutional research and assessment.
• Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, faculty, and senior administration.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Training or education directly related to institutional research and/or assessment in higher education
• Professional experience with significant responsibility and independent work in institutional research, assessment and/or accreditation in higher education.
• Demonstrated creative approaches to data visualization or presentation
• Knowledge of JPME educational standards, programs, curricula and outcomes.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education Requirement:

Assistant I: The entry level position requires a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant discipline. The following aptitudes and skills are also required: proficiency with data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, basic statistical/quantitative skills, attention to detail, effective time management, and an aptitude for collegiality and collaboration.

Assistant II: A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant discipline and 2 years of institutional research, assessment and accreditation experience in higher education are required. The following aptitudes and skills are also required: proficiency with advanced data analytic techniques in Microsoft Excel or other tool, experience with relational databases, intermediate statistical knowledge and skills, attention to detail, effective time management, and an aptitude for collegiality and collaboration.

Associate I: A Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant discipline is required, a Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in a relevant discipline is preferred. Seven (7) years of institutional research, assessment and accreditation experience in higher education are required; a Master's degree in a relevant discipline may substitute for 2 years of work experience. The following aptitudes and skills are also required: proficiency with advanced data analytic techniques; experience with relational databases; advanced statistical knowledge and skills; use of information systems to collect, extract and analyze data for institutional research and assessment; strong foundation in higher education assessment practices; and an aptitude for collegiality, collaboration, and data consultation.

Associate II: A Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution in educational methodology, information systems, applied statistics or appropriate related discipline and 8 years of institutional research, assessment and accreditation experience in higher education are required. The following aptitudes and skills are also required: proficiency with advanced data analytic techniques; experience with relational databases; advanced statistical knowledge and skills; use of information systems to collect, extract and analyze data for institutional research and assessment; strong foundation in higher education assessment and accreditation practices; and an aptitude for collegiality, collaboration, and data consultation.

Official transcripts will be required at time of selection to verify educational requirements are met.

Additional information

NDU has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings; health, life, and long term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. NDU employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy, and the opportunity to telecommute.

Initial Probationary Period: You will be required to serve an initial probationary period of 18 months.

Transcripts: Official transcripts will be required at time of selection to verify educational requirements are met.

Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-Critical Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Secret security determination to occupy a Non-Critical Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.

Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay.

For more information, go to: http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/1400.25-V30