Director of Institutional Research and Assessment - University of Puget Sound

Another Source•Tacoma, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a high-impact leadership role reporting to the Provost, where you’ll help shape how data informs strategy, planning, and student success across the institution. From leading institutional research and accreditation efforts to building a more data-informed culture, this role sits at the intersection of analytics, strategy, and mission. The University of Puget Sound is a leading national liberal arts and sciences university preparing students for success since 1888. Located in Tacoma, Washington, their beautiful 97-acre campus supports connections with the world it serves. The Director of Institutional Research and Assessment plays a central role in shaping how data informs strategy, planning, and student success at the University of Puget Sound. This is a high-impact opportunity for a collaborative and analytically minded leader to modernize and elevate institutional research and assessment practices across campus. You will lead efforts to integrate data into decision-making at all levels, strengthen accreditation and compliance processes, and partner closely with faculty and leadership to improve student outcomes. With oversight of institutional research, assessment strategy, and accreditation, this role sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and mission - helping guide the university’s future through actionable insights and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Master's Degree required, in an applicable field.
5 years of relevant experience. This includes institutional research or related fields, and candidates should be proficient with both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis.
Experience with the accreditation process is required.
Supervision experience or evidence of increasing leadership responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree (EdD or PhD) preferred.
Work with accrediting bodies highly desirable.
Proficiency with statistical analysis and visualization tools (e.g., R, SPSS, Tableau, Power BI)
Experience working with enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft and data platforms like Snowflake
Proven ability to work well with a diverse population; informed and competent with regard to issues of diversity, equity, and individual differences; ability to contribute meaningfully to objectives of the university’s diversity strategic plan.

Responsibilities

Support campus-wide institutional planning and assessment in support of mission and strategic goals.
Manage and implement the institutional assessment strategy, including learning outcomes, instructional effort, campus climate, and institutional effectiveness.
Consult with campus stakeholders to develop assessments, collect data (e.g., through focus groups, surveys, and rubrics) and report findings.
Promote efficient and effective data informed decision-making processes based on analysis, visualization, and reporting of timely and relevant data and information to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, forecast outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations.
Develop and implement effective data and information management strategies and infrastructure, including the university data warehouse and institutional dashboards, in collaboration with Technology Services, Marketing & Communications, and other campus stakeholders.
Manage all federal, state, and other external reporting and the accreditation process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and institutional compliance.
Serve as the accreditation liaison officer, convene the Accreditation Review Committee, and coordinate all accreditation efforts.
Collaborate with the faculty and academic support offices to coordinate structural, policy, procedure, and/or program improvements in support of student retention, persistence, and successful graduation.
Manage the Institutional Research office and oversee its budget.
Supervise and mentor IR staff and student workers, fostering their professional development.
Work with the Enrollment and Finance divisions to provide analysis of enrollment trends and forecasting for use in institutional budget development.