Administrative Director, Institutional Research & Decision Support – FT

Under the general direction and supervision of the President, the Director of Institutional Research and Decision Support works collaboratively with the College’s leadership to provide oversight in collecting, structuring, analyzing, and interpreting institutional data to support a data-informed approach to institutional, divisional, and departmental decision-making, proactive enrollment management, strategic planning, budget planning, facilities planning, institutional assessment, accreditation, and program review and development. The Director will work collaboratively and seamlessly with the College’s Information Technology Division in relation to the development and implementation of data systems and tools to promote the use of valid and reliable data, including longitudinal databases, business intelligence, data analytics platforms, and statistical software packages.

The Director will utilize a research-based philosophy to develop an approach to data-informed decision support that promotes calculated risk-taking through an understanding of the boundaries associated with data interpretation and application. This position will provide leadership in the development and implementation of systems and processes to inform the validation, interpretation, reporting, and use of institutional data. The Director will report to the College President and work closely with the College’s Administrative Team and other College leaders in alignment with the College’s data-informed culture. The Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support will provide opportunities for developing and expanding this culture through support and training on the interpretation and use of institutional data.

The Director will support the College’s key operational functions through proactive research, metric development and assessment, exploratory analyses, standardized reporting, ad-hoc reporting, impact analyses, data interpretation, and data-informed strategy recommendations.

The Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support plays a key role in the College’s ongoing transformative initiatives, including modernization of its facilities, strategic planning, dynamic risk mitigation, proactive enrollment growth to meet student and employer demand, and the pursuit of its vision to be a “national leader in developing high-contact technical and academic experiences for students through personal and sincere relationships with engaged and invested faculty, staff, and administrators to optimize student persistence, completion, and excellence.” Work collaborators will include College administrators, faculty, staff, students, representatives of business/industry, community organizations, national accrediting agencies, and State and Federal entities.

Essential Functions

The Director provides leadership and oversight of the following essential functions:

1. Leading of a robust Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support team to maximize diverse skill sets in support of evidence-based decision making and operational implementation.
2. In collaboration with College leadership, proactively identify potential risks and opportunities.
3. Report development and automation to support proactive enrollment management, course scheduling, and space utilization.
4. Development, implementation, and review of data governance plans and processes, including data access, storage, and security.
5. Leveraging various statistical methodologies in support of research activities, reporting, strategic planning, and decision-making.
6. Utilization of data-visualization tools to promote the interpretation and use of data.
7. Development and communication of presentations and data reports associated with complex and vital institutional data in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences at all institutional levels.
8. Collaboration with the Information Technology Division to develop, implement, and monitor longitudinal and other data systems to ensure data integrity and security.
9. Research and reporting support decision-making at all levels of the College.
10. Data interpretation and strategy recommendations to the College leadership in long-term planning and data operations.
11. Ongoing research and data support for strategic planning, accreditation, and strategic initiatives.
12. Survey development, research, and reporting.
13. Decision-making dashboards for program review, assessment, and operational efficiency.
14. Development of a research infrastructure to promote engagement in research and publication of institutional data to support the College’s mission, goals, and strategic priorities.
15. Compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements.

Promote a Culture of Belonging

Support and promote an environment of belonging where all students, faculty members, and college employees feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to contribute. Foster a community where each individual and their varied perspectives enrich the educational experience and create a safe and respectful environment. Support the College’s policies and programming related to access, fair employment, and equal opportunities for all.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s Degree in a field relevant to applied statistics, research, and assessment in support of College operations, planning, and effectiveness.
2. Two (2) years of work experience in a post-secondary institution in relation to institutional research.
3. Knowledge of research methods, statistical analyses, and data interpretation.