Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness - Converse University

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness serves as the central source for institutional data and reporting and supports the overall mission of the University by working directly with key stakeholders to support their understanding of data, to drive fact-based, strategic decisions, and to ensure that data comports with higher education standards and norms for internal and external use. The Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness serves a critical role in the preparation, maintenance and integrity of information needed for accreditation, including but not limited to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and other compliance reporting needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Accreditation Process Support

• Supports the SACSCOC process in collaboration with Converse's accreditation Institutional Accreditation Liaison (IAL).
• Supports the timely and accurate completion of all reports and supporting documentation for University accreditation efforts, working collaboratively with faculty and staff as well as departments in the ongoing collection of data and information.
• Supports other accreditation efforts as assigned.

Decision and Data Support

• Ensures appropriate data are available for institutional decision-making at various levels across the University. Maintains central repository for institutional data and provides necessary communication with teams across campus that utilize this data for various reporting processes.
• Works with individual offices, programs, and division heads to plan and implement regular, systematic assessment of operational effectiveness. Provides ad hoc reporting as needed.
• Analyzes strategic alignment and effectiveness loops within campus operations. Offers suggestions for strategic planning and resource allocation decisions.
• Conducts in-depth research projects on topics related to institutional priorities such as retention, institutional space, grant and foundation reporting, faculty credit hour production and other strategic priorities.
• Produces enrollment projections for budgeting and planning.
• Provides leadership as the primary liaison to Campus Technology and other offices related to institutional data and reporting. May help oversee student worker, graduate assistants and/or data analytics interns.

External Reporting and Regulation Compliance

• Strictly monitors all required external reporting and regulation mandates which includes but is not limited to U.S. Dept of Education (IPEDS), South Carolina Department of Education, accreditation, professional organizations and university guide publications.
• Ensures the accuracy, quality and timely completion and delivery of all external reports.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborates with Provost and administrative units to track continuous and systematic processes for institutional assessment and improvement; also responsible for tracking and reporting on key performance indicators that develop out of planning processes.
• Provides oversight of the department budget.
• Serves on designated University committees and councils.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications: Master's degree with at least five years of experience in higher education administration involving institutional research, student enrollment-related functions, or some combination of the two.

Preferred qualifications: Doctoral level preferred

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent organizational, analytical and writing skills with an ability to communicate complex and technical information in a clear and concise manner, including demonstrated ability to write research reports and make presentations appropriate for administration and other audiences across the institution.
• Demonstrated strength in critical thinking and quantitative skills with the ability to compile and analyze data and prepare reports in relation to policy questions, research purpose and strategic planning efforts. This includes but is not limited to assessments in areas related to student success, student data analysis (such as enrollment, retention, graduation, and time to degree), and academic data analysis (such as productivity and cost of instruction).
• Commitment to accuracy, including curiosity and the predisposition to generate follow-up questions based on initial question & preliminary data discovery.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, and to work collaboratively and/or independently toward project completion.
• Demonstrated success in communication with and/or coaching a range of stakeholders as well as facilitating the use of data to inform actionable decisions.
• Familiarity with SACSCOC policies and procedures, including the Principles of Accreditation.
• Self-motivated, resourceful individual who manages time well and follows through.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, collegial working relationships with campus constituents.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and Google platform required. Demonstrated skill in use of software used in data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and reporting; familiarity with Jenzabar preferred.
• Well-grounded philosophy of honesty, integrity and respect.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with various constituents including both internal to the organization and with the public.
• Ability to work with and engage a diverse group of people.
• Ability to work independently yet value and support a team-based environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism and positive attitude.

GUIDELINES AND SUPERVISION: The Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness reports to the Provost and should be able to work autonomously with limited supervision. The position requires the use of sound independent judgment and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team. The Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness must maintain strict confidentiality of student records and ensure that work will be completed with the highest professional standards.

Work Schedule: This is not a remote position; it requires occasional weekends and hours outside of regular business hours.

Licenses: None required

DISCLAIMER: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

We believe that a diverse faculty and staff are essential to achieving academic excellence; thus, we strongly encourage applications from candidates from all racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.