Institutional Research and Planning Associate

Southwestern Community College; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwestern Community College in Sylva, NC is seeking an Institutional Research Analyst to support data collection, processing and evaluation of the College’s programs and services. The role is full-time and exempt, focusing on planning, reporting, and accreditation data needs.

The position involves developing institutional plans, producing standard reports such as the College Fact Book, and coordinating data requests from internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited college or university is required.
• Minimum of one year of related work experience; three years in strategic planning preferred.
• Experience with relational databases and Datatel Colleague preferred.
• Basic knowledge of statistical analysis software.
• Proficiency with MS Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Experience with Google Workspace preferred.
• Experience in a higher education environment; NCCCS familiarity preferred.
• Ability to interpret data requests, analyze requirements and write programs to fulfill campus needs.
• Strong communication and time-management skills.
• Ability to learn new computer systems quickly and easily.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning activities of the college, including development of institutional goals, priorities and documenting progress.
• Help develop an annual Institutional Effectiveness Plan outlining planning and institutional effectiveness activities.
• Collect and provide data for College Planning Activities, Program Review, reporting, accreditation processes.
• Create standard reports such as the annual College Fact Book.
• Maintain the Institutional Research and Planning Office web page.
• Respond to ad-hoc data requests and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate collection, compilation and reporting of institutional data.
• Coordinate responses to questionnaires from external agencies.
• Assist with development of survey instruments with input from faculty, staff, and administration.
• Assist with administration of surveys and compilation of results.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

Skills

Data analysis

Relational databases

Statistical software

MS Excel

Google Workspace

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Datatel Colleague

Job description

***Open until Filled***

Statement of Primary Purpose

Assist the Director of Institutional Research and Planning in collecting, processing, and evaluating information about the College’s programs and services.

Classification

Full-time, Professional, Exempt

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Assist in planning related activities of the college, including, but not limited to, the development of institutional goals, planning assumptions and annual priorities. Assist in documenting college progress in meeting annual priorities. Assist various departments of the college in departmental planning activities.
• Assist in developing an annual Institutional Effectiveness Plan for the college which outlines the strategic planning and institutional effectiveness activities of the college.
• Collect and provide data for College Planning Activities, Program Review, annual reporting requirements, specialized program accreditation, strategic planning, IPEDS, and SACS accreditation processes.
• Create standard reports, such as the annual College Fact Book.
• Assist with the maintenance of the Institutional Research and Planning Office web page.
• Respond to ad-hoc data requests and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate the collection, compilation, organization and reporting of institutional data.
• Coordinate responses to questionnaires submitted by agencies external to the college.
• Assist with the development of survey instruments with input from faculty, staff, and the administration.
• Assist with the administration of various surveys and the collection, tabulation and compilation of survey results.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Institutional Research and Planning.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as needed on College committees.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited college or university required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Possess a minimum of one year of related work experience. Three years of experience working strategic planning capacity with knowledge of basic data analysis methods preferred.
• Understanding of and experience working with Relational Databases. Familiarity and experience working with Datatel Colleague program preferred.
• Basic knowledge of statistical analysis software.
• Ability to learn new computer systems quickly and easily
• Proficiency with MS Office, specifically Excel and Word.
• Experience with Google Workspace preferred
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Familiarity with the NCCCS preferred.
• Ability to interpret data requests, analyze requirements, and write programs to fulfill campus needs.
• Ability to type, file, use the copier, calculator, and possess strong computer skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate in both verbal and written word.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize project approach with successful time management skills.
• Knowledge of computer keyboard operations.
• Ability to set priorities and strong organizational skills, with attention to detail.

Physical Demands

The position functions in an office environment and physical demands are minimal.

Working Conditions and Environment

Primarily an office environment with no hazardous or extreme working conditions. The usual working schedule is a forty hour work week (8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday – Thursday; 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, Friday); however, occasional overtime may be required for evening meetings or events.

Equipment Operation

Standard office equipment, i.e. computer, printer, fax, scanner (both document and survey scanner), copier, calculator.

This position description covers the most essential functions and duties associated with this position. Other duties may be assigned by the President or appropriate supervisory personnel. The College reserves the right to alter duties, responsibilities, conditions, working hours, and job title as necessary.