Student - Institutional Research Analyst

Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness

Position Description

Classification: Exempt

Reporting: Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of the College

Summary and Scope of Position: 

The Director leads the Office of Institutional Research and Effectiveness which is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive program of institutional research supporting college-wide planning, assessment, research initiatives, data governance and accreditation.. The office provides information and analyses to support decision- making; responds to data and information requests from internal and external constituents; promotes institutional effectiveness practices and effective data management processes through education and collaboration; and facilitates efforts within the campus community to improve the student experience.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Oversees the College’s external reporting, internal reporting and analysis in

support of institutional assessment, planning, and decision-making.

• Contributes to the college-wide integration of meaningful assessment processes and practices in support of student learning and institutional effectiveness.

• Coordinates the administration and utilization of all institution-wide surveys and studies related to institutional assessment (e.g. BCSSE, NSSE, HEDS)

• Serves as central resource for institutional data and a key partner in the development and monitoring of strategic indicators.

• Assists campus constituencies in using and interpreting institutional data

o Identifying information needs and assisting stakeholders in asking the right questions

o Collect, analyze, interpret and report data and information

o Planning, assessment, evaluation

o Data governance and standards; data quality and appropriate

interpretation

o Promoting use of data and information for decision making; education and coaching around data literacy

• Advises the President and senior staff on data needs for planning and evaluation purposes and on developments in the external environment that have a bearing on the institution’s mission, goals, and initiatives

• Manages the reporting of institutional data required by the US Department of

Education (IPEDS), state, and other regulatory agencies (NCAA)

• Coordinates the institutional response to voluntary external surveys (e.g., Princeton Review, US News, AICUP, etc.)

• Provides data to regional accreditors and advises college leaders on accreditation compliance

• Develops and oversees college assessment of student learning, in close collaboration with the Dean of the College office, the faculty Outcomes Assessment Committee, and individual academic departments and programs

• Provide consultation to academic and administrative units on outcomes articulation and assessment, research methodology, data management, and data analysis and interpretation for planning and assessment activities.

• Coordinates assessment planning and implementation with administrative departments relating to administrative effectiveness

• Represents the college in consortial research activities

• Conducts special studies as needed for the President and senior staff

• Makes appropriate data and assessment tools available to internal and external constituencies as appropriate

• Initiate and maintain the college’s web presence for the areas of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, Accreditation, College Assessment, and Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) Consumer Information.

• Oversees daily operation of the office including budget oversight, workload management, and supervision of professional staff

• Serves on campus-wide committees (Outcomes Assessment Committee, Campus Planning and Priorities Committee, others as assigned)

Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree required, Ph.D preferred in data analysis or related field

• Understanding of the mission and objectives of private higher education and institutional needs of small colleges

• Minimum of 5 years of successful experience in higher education institutional research and assessment

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Initiative in framing and completing projects

• Advanced computer expertise

o Statistical analysis packages such as SAS, SPSS, or R

o Data visualization tools such as Tableau

• Commitment to student access, success, diversity, and inclusion is required.

• Supervisory experience preferred

Other Duties: 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Ursinus EEO Statement: 

Ursinus is an EEO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.