Head of Institutional Research & Data Strategy

Alvernia-University; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvernia University seeks a Director of Institutional Research to lead data analysis, reporting, and strategic decision support for the university’s mission and priorities. The role ensures accurate, accessible information to guide planning, policy development, and operational improvements.

The Director oversees data collection, validation, and dissemination while ensuring compliance with federal and state reporting requirements and supporting enrollment management, student success, and program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with significant quantitative preparation or related field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research or higher education analytics.
• Experience with complex data systems, data extraction, validation, integration, analysis, and reporting.
• Knowledge of higher education reporting requirements and accreditation processes.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable information.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University's institutional research function and strategic decision support.
• Oversee data management, governance, validation, reporting, and data integrity.
• Develop analytics resources, dashboards, and performance indicators.
• Support enrollment management, student success, and program planning through data insights.
• Collaborate with leadership to present findings to diverse stakeholders.
• Support accreditation, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with IT and departments to ensure data definitions and reporting consistency.
• Provide research support for institutional assessment and strategic planning.
• Manage office operations, priorities, and staff development.
• Present complex information clearly to governance bodies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Project management

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in institutional research, statistics, data analytics, educational research, social sciences, higher education administration, or related field

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

IPEDS

Business Intelligence tools

Data visualization platforms

Statistical analysis software

Job description

Alvernia University seeks a Director of Institutional Research to lead data analysis, reporting, and strategic decision support for the university’s mission and priorities. The role ensures accurate, accessible information to guide planning, policy development, and operational improvements.

The Director oversees data collection, validation, and dissemination while ensuring compliance with federal and state reporting requirements and supporting enrollment management, student success, and program