Institutional Research and Planning Specialist

NC Community Colleges; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 51,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Fayetteville Technical Community College in North Carolina is seeking an Institutional Research and Planning Specialist to analyze data, synthesize results, and support strategic planning and accreditation efforts. You will manage data from multiple sources and produce executive summaries and decision-support materials.

The role emphasizes validation, documentation of methodologies, dashboards, and collaboration with academic and administrative units to align assessment, program review, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution in statistics, data science, social sciences, education, business analytics, or related field with demonstrated coursework or experience in data analysis and research methods.
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in institutional effectiveness, research, assessment, planning, accreditation, or related field in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and synthesize complex data, assessment results, and research to inform strategic planning and executive decision-making.
• Validate and ensure data quality across systems and reports.
• Document methodologies, query logic, and reporting processes for transparency and reproducibility.
• Acquire, organize, analyze, and synthesize data from internal/external sources to produce executive summaries and decision-support materials.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting tools to support planning, accreditation, and program review.

Skills

Data analysis

Research methods

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

BI tools

SQL

Job description

Institutional Research and Planning Specialist

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Job Location

Salary Grade

Minimum starting salary $56,469 annually

Job Category

Technical & Paraprofessional

Application Period

Opens:

Closes: 11/04/2026

Target Start Date

Expected Work Hours

Employment Type

Full Time

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required from a regionally accredited institution in statistics, data science, social sciences, education, business analytics, or a closely related field with demonstrated coursework or experience in data analysis and research methods.
• A minimum of two years of increasingly responsible experience in institutional effectiveness, research, assessment, strategic planning, accreditation, or a related field within higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Position Description

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.
• Performs related duties as assigned.