Director of Institutional Research and Analytics

Waubonsee Community College; Sugar Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 99,229 - 130,564; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous paid time off

Pension plan through SURS

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sugar Grove is looking for a Director of Institutional Research and Analytics. The ideal candidate will lead research efforts to support strategic planning and improve student success. A master's degree and substantial experience in data analytics are required. This role offers a competitive salary range and a hybrid work option.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Educational Research, Statistics, Data Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in institutional research or data analytics.
• 3 years of supervisory or leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee institutional research activities.
• Develop and execute a research agenda aligned with accreditation.
• Establish and enforce data governance policies.

Skills

Data science

Statistical modeling

Team leadership

Advanced analytics

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

Director of Institutional Research and Analytics

Sugar Grove Campus

Hybrid Option: Yes

Join our dynamic team at Waubonsee Community College, where your career can flourish. We are committed to being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package with generous time off, low-cost medical, dental, and vision plans, and a secure pension plan through SURS. You'll also enjoy 14 paid holidays, including winter and Thanksgiving breaks. Be part of a transformative institution, dedicated to making a positive impact in our community and the lives of our students. Your future starts here – join us today!

Waubonsee Community College is committed to hiring and retaining exceptional faculty and staff who are committed to the college’s culture of collaboration, professional growth and student success.

Institutional Research & Assessment

• Lead and oversee institutional research activities that support strategic planning, student success initiatives, and operational efficiencies.
• Develop and execute a research agenda aligned with accreditation, post-secondary outcomes, and program evaluation.
• Apply statistical modeling, machine learning, and data mining to student outcomes and program evaluation.
• Manage data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring findings inform institutional policies and practices.
• Support faculty and staff using research tools, statistical programming (e.g., R, Python), and methodologies for curriculum and program assessment.

Data Governance & Analytics Strategy

• Establish and enforce data governance policies, ensuring accuracy, security, and ethical use of institutional data.
• Implement data visualization, predictive analytics, and AI/ML techniques to drive insight into student outcomes, workforce development, and institutional performance.
• Collaborate with the IT department to enhance data systems for reporting, compliance, and strategic planning (e.g., data warehouses, cloud-based analytics, and machine learning pipelines).
• Foster a data-informed culture, providing training in modern analytics and data science techniques to faculty, staff, and administrators.

Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership

• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and staff, ensuring research findings are integrated into decision-making processes.
• Serve as a resource for institutional research, guiding evidence-based approaches to academic and administrative improvements.
• Develop executive-level reports, translating complex analytics into actionable strategies for senior leadership.
• Represent the college in state and regional discussions on institutional research, analytics, and data science applications in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Higher Education, Educational Research, Statistics, Data Science, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of significant experience in institutional research and/or data analytics responsibilities within a higher education setting.
• A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or leadership experience is required.
• Strong background in data science, statistical modeling, and advanced analytics.
• Expertise in institutional research, assessment, and IR compliance.
• Experience with predictive modeling, machine learning, and AI applications in higher education or related fields preferred.
• Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and data visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI).
• Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) preferred.
• Ability to translate complex data into strategic recommendations.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead teams, manage projects, and collaborate across departments.

Please Attach the Following Documents When Applying:

1. Cover Letter - Yes
2. Resume - Yes
3. References - Yes (Can be provided at interview)
4. Transcripts - No (Can be provided at interview)

Position Details

• Req ID: req2020
• Grant Funded: No
• Compensation Range: $99,229.00 - $130,564.00
• Compensation Type: Salaried
• Pay determined by experience, education, and qualifications
• Work Schedule: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Work Hours: 40 hours/week
• Testing: Yes
• Targeted Hire Date: 11/20/2025
• Benefits: Click to See Benefits Page

Special Instructions: Please attach all required documents at the time of application. Note: An official transcript is required at the time of hire.

EOE, including disability and veteran