Director of Assessment, Academic Affairs

University of Northwestern - St. Paul; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 79,920 - 88,800; Full time

Job summary

The University of Northwestern - St. Paul seeks a Director of Assessment for Academic Affairs. This role involves leading the university's assessment initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Ideal candidates should possess a Master's degree in a related field and have significant experience in higher education leadership, assessment initiatives, and accreditation. A doctoral degree is a bonus. Join us to make a meaningful impact in student learning and institutional effectiveness.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education leadership.
• 5+ years leading or managing assessment initiatives and accreditation processes.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead university assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts.
• Develop and evaluate comprehensive assessment processes.
• Oversee assessment data systems and governance practices.

Skills

Independent & Teamwork

Confidentiality

Organizational Skills

Technical Proficiency

Written & Verbal Communication

Flexibility

Travel

Financial Oversight

Background Check

Education

Master’s degree in Education or related field

Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Higher Education (nice to have)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Learning Management Systems

Assessment Management Systems

Job description

Title: Director of Assessment, Academic Affairs

VP Area: VP for Academic Affairs

Department: Assessment & Academic Initiative

Position Compensation: $79,920 - $88,800

Location: University Campus - St. Paul, Minnesota

Who We Are: Northwestern is a faith-driven community, unwavering in our Christ-centered principles and identity as those who profess faith in Jesus. Rooted in the unshakable foundation of God’s Word and our calling to impact His world, our mission and vision flow from these core values, expressed through Christ-centered higher education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and through gospel outreach and faithfulness with Northwestern Media.

Position Summary: The Director of Assessment provides leadership for the University’s institutional assessment and effectiveness efforts. This position collaborates with academic and administrative units to design, implement, evaluate, and communicate comprehensive assessment processes that support student learning and development across the full student experience—including curricular, co-curricular, and support services—as well as institutional effectiveness, accreditation, and evidence-based decision-making. The Director serves as a campus leader in fostering a culture of assessment and continuous improvement, promoting the systematic use of data, assessment technologies, and best practices to evaluate student engagement, success, and outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the university’s assessment and institutional effectiveness efforts, ensuring alignment with institutional strategic planning and priorities while fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement across academic and administrative units.
• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive assessment processes and systems related to student learning outcomes, program review, institutional effectiveness, and quality assurance.
• Oversee assessment-related data systems, tools, and data governance practices to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and effective use of data to inform decision-making across the institution.
• Partner with faculty, academic leaders, and campus stakeholders to design meaningful assessment plans, analyze results, and ensure systematic documentation and follow-up on the use of findings to drive continuous improvement in student learning and institutional performance.
• Develop, implement, and maintain institutional policies, guidelines, and standards related to assessment and institutional effectiveness to ensure consistency, compliance, and best practices.
• Support accreditation and regulatory compliance activities by coordinating the collection, analysis, documentation, and reporting of assessment evidence for regional, specialized, and state requirements.
• Provide consultation, training, and professional development to faculty and staff on assessment practices, learning outcomes, data use, continuous improvement processes, and accreditation expectations.
• Lead the communication and utilization of assessment findings through reports, presentations, dashboards, and other tools, while managing departmental operations, personnel, budget resources, and committee work in support of institutional effectiveness initiatives.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students and listeners, all employees serve as ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students as they grow intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to maturity in their faith.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in Education, Higher Education, Educational Research, Assessment, Institutional Effectiveness, or a related field.
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education leadership.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience leading or managing assessment initiatives and accreditation processes in a higher education setting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of working with faculty to promote teaching best practices and improve educational outcomes.
• Maintain a growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, reflect His character in all interactions, and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, Doctrinal Statement, and Declaration of Christian Community.

Nice to Have:

• Doctorate (Ph.D. or Ed.D.) in Higher Education, Educational Leadership, Assessment, Institutional Effectiveness, or a related field.
• Higher education teaching experience.
• Experience working with the Higher Learning Commission accreditation processes.
• Experience designing and implementing assessment dashboards and institutional reporting tools using assessment management systems and data visualization platforms, with demonstrated contribution to campus-wide assessment or accreditation initiatives.
• Hold current professional certifications related to assessment, institutional research, accreditation, quality improvement, or higher education leadership.

Key Skills

• Independent & Teamwork: Capable of working both independently and collaboratively, with minimal supervision.
• Confidentiality: Maintains discretion and handles sensitive information appropriately.
• Organizational Skills: Strong project management, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail including ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Technical Proficiency: Intermediate to advanced computer skills, including knowledge of instructional technologies, learning management systems, Microsoft Office, and related educational applications.
• Written & Verbal Communication: Strong writing, editing, proofreading, communication and consultation skills.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel: Willingness and ability to travel occasionally for work-related purposes.
• Financial Oversight: Experience managing budgets and financial resources within assigned responsibilities.
• Background Check: Must pass initial and ongoing background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment

The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university or Christian owned and operated radio station alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of Northwestern, and an agreement to abide by all Northwestern policies.

All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.