Senior Director of Institutional Research, Planning & Effectiveness

Posting Details Position Information Posting NumberSF2583PPosition TitleSenior Director of Institutional Research, Planning & EffectivenessPosition TypeProfessional/SalariedDepartmentInstitutional Research Planning and Effectiveness - TroyDivisionFinance and AdministrationCampusTroyWork StatusFull-Time (FT)TemporaryNoLocationTroy - T01Job SummaryThe Director of Institutional Research, Planning & Effectiveness position typically oversees institutional effectiveness, assessment, accreditation, and data-driven decision-making across the university. The core responsibilities are:1. Institutional Effectiveness & AssessmentDevelop and maintain the institution’s comprehensive effectiveness frameworkCoordinate assessment of student learning outcomes (SLOs) across all academic programsOversee program-level assessment plans and resultsAggregate assessment data and report findings to leadership and accreditorsHelp faculty and departments use assessment results for continuous improvementEnsure alignment between institutional mission, goals, and assessment activities2. Accreditation & ComplianceServe as liaison to regional and specialized accreditorsPrepare self-study reports and accreditation documentationCoordinate institutional response to accreditation recommendationsTrack compliance with accreditation standardsManage accreditation timelines and evidence collectionPrepare for accreditation visits3. Strategic PlanningDevelop and maintain the institution’s strategic planAlign strategic goals with mission and accreditation standardsCoordinate strategic planning process with all stakeholdersMonitor progress on strategic initiativesPublish annual strategic plan updates and progress reportsConnect strategic goals to budget and resource allocation4. Institutional Research & AnalyticsCollect, analyze, and report institutional dataProduce regular dashboards and reports (enrollment, retention, graduation, demographics, financial, etc.)Conduct ad hoc research and analysis for decision-makersMaintain data integrity and institutional databasesBenchmark against peer institutionsPublish fact books and data summaries5. Program Review & EvaluationDevelop and oversee program review process (academic and administrative)Coordinate annual or periodic reviews of all programsEnsure reviews include student learning outcomes, enrollment, retention, costsHelp programs develop improvement plans based on review findingsTrack implementation of improvement recommendationsReport program review results to leadership6. Learning Outcomes & Curriculum AlignmentDevelop institution-wide general education learning outcomesMap program-level outcomes to institutional outcomesCoordinate assessment of general education across disciplinesWork with faculty on outcomes development and rubric creationHelp departments document student achievement of learning outcomesUse outcome data to inform curriculum improvements7. Data & Reporting SystemsOversee institutional data warehouse or systemsEnsure accurate, timely data collection and reportingProvide training on data tools and dashboardsMaintain institutional research databasesCoordinate with IT on data systems and securityPublish regular reports (enrollment, retention, graduation, demographics, etc.)8. Stakeholder CommunicationPresent data and findings to Board of TrusteesBrief senior leadership on institutional performanceSupport department chairs with assessment and program reviewCommunicate effectiveness results to faculty and staffRespond to data requests from various departmentsPublish annual effectiveness reports9. Quality Assurance & Continuous ImprovementMonitor key performance indicators (KPIs)Identify trends and areas for improvementSupport departments in implementing evidence-based changesTrack whether improvement initiatives are workingConduct surveys (student satisfaction, employee engagement, etc.)Use data to support institutional decision-making10. Budget & Resource AlignmentAnalyze resource allocation in relation to outcomesSupport evidence-based budgetingHelp justify resource requests with assessment dataTrack ROI on institutional investmentsCoordinate with CFO on budget decisions informed by effectiveness data11. Staff Leadership & Team ManagementSupervise IR/Assessment staffManage IRPE office budget and operationsProvide professional development for teamCoordinate with other departments (Registrar, Admissions, Finance, etc.)Build collaborative relationships across campus12. Professional Development & Best PracticesStay current on institutional effectiveness trends and standardsAttend professional conferences (AIR, ACUHO, regional associations)Share best practices with peersImplement new assessment methods and toolsMentor faculty and staff on assessment designKey Competencies for the DirectorData analysis and interpretationStrong writing and presentation skillsLeadership and collaborationKnowledge of accreditation standardsProject managementEducational assessment expertiseStrategic thinkingAttention to detailMinimum QualificationsMaster’s degree from an accredited university in a field requiring extensive use of statistics (e.g., statistics, data science, research methods, social science research, or related field).Minimum of five to seven years of experience managing a technical team operating under institutional policy and accreditation requirements.Demonstrated expertise in statistical analysis, data management, and relevant technologies.Knowledge of database administration, data collection, and data governance practices.Knowledge of survey instrument design, survey software, and data analysis methods and tools.Knowledge of SACSCOC Principles of Accreditation and ACHE rules and regulations.Strong project and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.Strong interpersonal and team-building skills.Ability to interpret technical specifications and instructions and provide sound evaluations.Ability to work independently, exercising judgment on confidential and complex matters with minimal supervision.Ability to bring creative, innovative solutions to problems with a commitment to teamwork and service.Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally in an official University capacity.Preferred QualificationsDoctoral degree in a relevant field.Experience with survey/assessment platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Campus Labs, Anthology).Experience with student information systems (e.g., Banner, Colleague).Direct experience preparing SACSCOC or ACHE compliance reports.Will this position require driving (personal vehicle, university vehicle, utility vehicle, or golf cart) in order to perform the job duties?NoWork HoursStandard office hoursSome additional work may be required during evenings and weekend as needed.List any hazardous conditions or physical demands required by this position N/ADoes this position have supervisory responsibility?YesPosting Date08/25/2026Closing DateOpen Until FilledYesSpecial Instructions to ApplicantsQuick Link