Institutional Research and Planning Specialist

Faybiz; Fayetteville (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NC Health Plan

Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays

Educational Benefits

Longevity

Job summary

Faybiz in Fayetteville, NC seeks an Institutional Research and Planning Specialist to support institutional research, data analysis, and strategic planning for executive decision-making. You will work with the Vice President for Strategic Planning and Research and the Dean of Institutional Effectiveness to develop data-driven insights and dashboards.

This role handles data collection, reporting, grant analytics, accreditation support, labor market studies, and performance metrics aligned with

Qualifications

• Requires strong analytical skills and experience in institutional research context.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and report data to inform planning.
• Experience with grant reporting and accreditation processes.
• Proven ability to develop executive-level dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Supports data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform strategic planning and decision-making.
• Maintains and validates institutional data to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Develops dashboards and reporting tools for executive leadership.

Skills

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Project coordination

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Tools

SQL

Excel

Data visualization software

Job description

Institutional Research and Planning Specialist

Institutional Research and Planning Specialist

The Institutional Research and Planning Specialist is responsible for assisting with institutional research, data analysis, and strategic planning support to inform executive decision-making and institutional priorities. This role supports institutional research, assessment, accreditation, and strategic planning activities under the supervision of the Vice President for Strategic Planning and Research. The position also works closely with the Dean of Institutional Effectiveness to provide high-level analytical and research support. The position contributes to the development, validation, and analysis of data for grant proposals, externally funded initiatives, and strategic initiatives, and supports reporting efforts to ensure alignment with institutional priorities, funding requirements, and performance outcomes. The role also supports the development and refinement of institutional performance metrics, including the tracking and analysis of key performance indicators, and assists in the design and enhancement of executive-level data dashboards to support strategic planning and decision-making.

This role will support analytical and project management support, including data collection, review, reporting, communication, and utilization. This role will also oversee grant lifecycle management by collecting and analyzing data for proposals, monitoring performance metrics, and supporting accurate, timely reporting and compliance for externally funded initiatives. Additional responsibilities include conducting labor market and strategic research to inform program development, enrollment strategy, and institutional planning; supporting efforts to maintain the integrity, standardization, and governance of institutional data to ensure accurate reporting and sound decision-making; utilization of advanced analytical tools, databases, and statistical and data visualization software.

We offer a valuable benefits package that includes the following:

NC State Health Plan

NC State Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays

Educational Benefits

Longevity

Essential Duties—Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supports institutional leadership by analyzing and synthesizing complex data, assessment results, and research to inform strategic planning, institutional priorities, and executive decision-making.
• Supports validation and quality control processes to maintain reliable and consistent institutional data.
• Assists in documenting methodologies, query logic, and reporting processes to support transparency and reproducibility.
• Acquires, organizes, analyzes, and synthesizes data from internal and external sources to produce reports, executive summaries, and decision-support materials using applied research methodologies.
• Supports the development and maintenance of analytical models, databases, dashboards, and reporting tools that support strategic planning, institutional effectiveness, accreditation, and program review processes.
• Identifies, analyzes, and interprets trends and patterns in complex data sets using appropriate statistical and analytical techniques.
• Supports the development of dashboards, visual analytics, and performance metrics aligned with institutional goals and key performance indicators to support executive-level decision-making.
• Supports accreditation processes by contributing to data analysis, documentation, and reporting aligned with regional and programmatic standards.
• Collaborates with academic and administrative units to support alignment of assessment, program review, and planning activities with institutional strategy and effectiveness frameworks.
• Conducts labor market and environmental scanning research to inform program alignment, workforce development, and strategic initiatives.
• Provides research and analytical support for institutional strategic planning efforts, including goal development, progress monitoring, and reporting.
• Oversees data collection, analysis, and reporting requirements for externally funded initiatives, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and institutional priorities.
• Monitors implementation of grants and special projects by tracking outcomes, performance metrics, and progress toward established goals.
• Analyzes and integrates data from multiple systems and third-party platforms, including assessment systems, student information systems, and business intelligence tools.
• Supports the resolution of data-related issues, including data discrepancies, system inconsistencies, and process gaps, and contributes to process improvement efforts.
• Conducts data cleaning and data management activities to ensure efficient access, usability, and reliability of institutional data.
• Maintains institutional databases and data systems to support research, planning, and reporting functions.
• Evaluates data sources for quality, validity, and reliability to ensure appropriate use in institutional reporting and decision-making.
• Communicates data and findings clearly and effectively to a variety of audiences, including executive leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.