Director, Institutional Research & Data Quality

Brookdale Community College•Middletown Township, NJ

About The Position

The Director of Institutional Research & Data Quality provides leadership for the College's institutional research, data governance, analytics, and reporting functions. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Planning & Institutional Effectiveness, the Director leads efforts to ensure the integrity, accessibility, and effective use of institutional data in support of strategic planning, accreditation, and data-informed decision-making. The Director chairs the Data Management & Integrity (DMI) Team, advances college-wide data stewardship practices, and oversees the accurate and timely submission of mandatory federal, state, and accrediting agency reports.

Requirements

Master’s degree in discipline such as behavioral sciences, statistics, higher education, information systems, data analytics, or a related field or a Bachelor’s degree with an equivalent combination of relevant education and progressively responsible professional experience.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in institutional research, higher education, data management, analytics, information systems, or a related field.
Experience supporting data-informed decision-making, institutional reporting, or institutional effectiveness initiatives.
Demonstrated experience working with large, complex datasets and developing reports, dashboards, or data tools for varied audiences.
Strong understanding of data governance, data quality, and data stewardship frameworks, including the development of standards, validation rules, and documentation practices.
Advanced proficiency in data systems, data extraction, and reporting tools, such as SQL, enterprise reporting systems (e.g., Entrinsik Informer), and data visualization platforms.
High level of proficiency with Microsoft Excel and data management tools, including the ability to manipulate, structure, and validate large datasets.
Experience working with integrated data systems (e.g., ERP/SIS platforms such as Ellucian Colleague or similar systems) and understanding of relational data structures.
Ability to design and implement efficient data workflows, including data collection, validation, transformation, and reporting processes.
Proficiency with statistical and analytical tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python).
Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for non-technical audiences.
Knowledge of higher education data environments and reporting requirements (e.g., IPEDS, state reporting, accreditation).
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Ability to collaborate effectively across functional areas, including Academic Affairs, Student Services, Information Technology, and administrative units.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Monmouth County and its communities.

Responsibilities

Chair the Data Management & Integrity (DMI) Team and lead institutional data governance efforts.
Develop, implement, and maintain standardized data definitions, validation procedures, and reporting structures across the College.
Establish and enforce data governance policies, standards, and practices to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
Conduct annual data quality audits, monitor reporting accuracy, and implement continuous improvement processes.
Collaborate with the Registrar, Information Technology, and functional areas to ensure alignment and integrity of data across systems.
Identify and address systemic data quality issues, including inconsistencies in coding, definitions, and reporting structures.
Promote ethical and responsible data use and train campus stakeholders in data stewardship, data literacy, and appropriate data interpretation.
Embed data governance practices into institutional effectiveness, planning, and reporting processes.
Direct the design and execution of research studies and analyses to support strategic planning, enrollment management, program development, and institutional effectiveness.
Prepare and present research reports, dashboards, and data visualizations for internal and external audiences.
Respond to ad-hoc requests for data, research, and analysis, ensuring timely delivery of accurate and relevant information to support decision-making.
Support grant development, community needs assessments, labor market analyses, and program feasibility studies.
Provide analytical support for academic and administrative program review.
Provide professional research support and technical assistance to faculty, administrators, and staff.
Ensure the accurate, timely, and complete submission of all mandatory external reporting, including but not limited to IPEDS, OSHE, MSCHE, SURE, VEDS, and Perkins reporting.
Oversee data validation, reconciliation, and edit check processes to ensure compliance with reporting requirements and alignment with institutional data governance standards.
Coordinate internal data collection and reporting processes to support federal, state, and accrediting agency requirements.
Support and coordinate institutional participation in voluntary reporting initiatives.
Represent the College in local, state, and national research and higher education forums.
Oversee the development and dissemination of routine institutional reports, including enrollment, retention, completion, and student success metrics.
Maintain and enhance the Institutional Research SharePoint site and other data repositories to ensure data is accessible, relevant, and usable for decision-making.
Ensure alignment between institutional reporting and established data definitions and governance standards.
Administer institutional surveys and communicate findings to relevant stakeholders to support continuous improvement.
Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Student Services, Information Technology, and administrative units to support data-informed decision-making and institutional effectiveness.
Direct and supervise Institutional Research staff, including planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating work.
Establish priorities and workflows to ensure timely completion of research, reporting, and data governance activities.
Provide guidance and support to staff in the execution of research, reporting, and data management functions.
Develop recommendations for operational and resource needs of the Institutional Research function.
Serve on institutional committees and contribute to accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and planning initiatives.