FT Director of Institutional Research

Cochise College; Sierra Vista (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Director of Institutional Research at Cochise College in Sierra Vista leads the day-to-day management of research, data analytics, and data governance to support planning, assessment, and student success.

Responsibilities include directing workflows, implementing surveys, ensuring data quality, and producing reports for accreditation, funding, and strategic decision-making across the district; evening/weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Math, Statistics, or related research field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Four years’ experience in statistical analysis, data gathering and reporting, and quantitative/qualitative research in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages departmental workflow for research and data analysis.
• Develops and implements surveys; analyzes data from national, regional, and local sources.
• Maintains data integrity and compliance with state/federal requirements; addresses data discrepancies.
• Produces reports for accreditation, funding formulas, and planning purposes.
• Guides researchers and staff in data analysis methodologies across departments.

Skills

Data analysis

Research methods

Statistical analysis

Data governance

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Math/Statistics

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SQL databases

Statistical software

Job description

Position Summary

The Director of Institutional Research is responsible for the day-to-day management of institutional research activities, including collection, review, general analysis, and communication of data and information, research, data analytics projects, and data governance in support of college planning, assessment, strategic decision-making, and student success.

Essential Functions

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.

Note

This job posting is open until filled. Applications are reviewed upon receipt.

Cochise College requires a post-offer, pre-employment background screening of all employees.

Marketing Statement

Cochise College serves the residents of Cochise County from two campuses and four centers throughout Southern Arizona with panoramic views of five different mountain ranges. The college has been recognized nationally for its cost, return on investment, and high success rate; providing over 90 general and technical education programs leading to a variety of workforce certificates and associate degrees. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

CHECK OUT COCHISE COLLEGE HERE!

2023 Fortune Ranks Sierra Vista Best Places to Live For Families

Our City: Best Place for Families to Live in U.S.

About Cochise County – Explore Cochise

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the scope of college policies and procedures, this position:

Directs and manages departmental workflow, including prioritization of projects and determining methodology for conducting research and data analysis

Directs and facilitates institutional data governance priorities; develops and utilizes quantitative and/or qualitative analysis and complex research designs

Works with college leaders and staff to develop and implement a mission-based, comprehensive system to gather data and conduct research across the district, including developing and conducting surveys and analyzing data from national, regional, and local data sources and reports

Monitors the overall integrity of data, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements and taking appropriate actions to correct data discrepancies as needed

Maintains documentation related to the collection and analysis methodologies related to higher education through research reports and presentations that lead to developing action plans for academic, administrative, and policy issues

Supports a district-wide system of analytical reports related to employment, enrollment, retention and persistence statistics to assist in enrollment management and program review

Oversees and reports institutional information to federal, state, and local agencies to comply with accreditation requirements and funding formulas; develops related reports and other specialized information as needed for internal and external purposes

Provides orientation and support to departments and divisions related to research methodologies and data analysis; guides implementation of research methodologies at department and division levels

Participates in ongoing professional training to stay current in the industry and to maintain professional and applicable industry certifications

Performs other related duties as assigned

General Expectations

Employees are expected to accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective and competent manner and to strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, employees must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with students, faculty and staff, and the public. Employees will follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Math, Statistics, or other research-oriented programs from an institution accredited by an institutional accrediting body of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education, Master’s degree preferred

Four years’ experience in statistical analysis, data gathering and reporting, and quantitative and qualitative research, preferably in a higher education setting

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures

Knowledge of current trends and methods related to research and data collection

Knowledge of or ability to learn federal and state reporting requirements and issues impacting higher education

Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow and operating procedures, as well as management principles and practices

Knowledge and skill in quantitative and qualitative research, data collection, statistical analysis and reporting

Working knowledge of and ability to use database software, applications, and statistical software

Knowledge of relational database design and management and expertise in database software packages

Knowledge and skill in supervisory principles, practices and techniques

Knowledge of higher education administrative and student information systems, including technical understanding of data warehousing and data mining

Skill in using complex database management systems, spreadsheets, word processing and statistical software

Skill in analyzing complex problems, identifying solutions and demonstrating critical thinking

Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public

Ability to understand technology, management, and leadership issues related to organization processes and problem solving

Ability to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations

Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with stakeholders in a dynamic work environment

Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow multiple tasks through to completion with attention to detail

Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment

Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner

Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information

Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate action to resolve problems using independent judgement and decision-making processes

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed under limited supervision. Incumbent generally performs work in a typical classroom, laboratory, office or online setting, with appropriate climate controls. Evening or weekend work may be required

Physical Requirements

Essential functions of this position require: lifting, manual dexterity, ability to communicate

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body; involves sitting majority of time; walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met

Mental Application: Utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, critical thinking, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills are important

Reports To

Dean of Academic Affairs