FT Director of Institutional Research

Cochise College•Downtown Center - District Wide, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Institutional Research is responsible for the day-to-day management of institutional research activities, including collection, review, general analysis, and communication of data and information, research, data analytics projects, and data governance in support of college planning, assessment, strategic decision-making, and student success. Cochise College serves the residents of Cochise County from two campuses and four centers throughout Southern Arizona with panoramic views of five different mountain ranges. The college has been recognized nationally for its cost, return on investment, and high success rate; providing over 90 general and technical education programs leading to a variety of workforce certificates and associate degrees. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Math, Statistics, or other research-oriented programs from an institution accredited by an institutional accrediting body of higher learning recognized by the US Department of Education
Four years’ experience in statistical analysis, data gathering and reporting, and quantitative and qualitative research, preferably in a higher education setting
An equivalent combination of education and/or experience from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved may be considered
Knowledge of and ability to follow college policies and procedures
Knowledge of current trends and methods related to research and data collection
Knowledge of or ability to learn federal and state reporting requirements and issues impacting higher education
Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow and operating procedures, as well as management principles and practices
Knowledge and skill in quantitative and qualitative research, data collection, statistical analysis and reporting
Working knowledge of and ability to use database software, applications, and statistical software
Knowledge of relational database design and management and expertise in database software packages
Knowledge and skill in supervisory principles, practices and techniques
Knowledge of higher education administrative and student information systems, including technical understanding of data warehousing and data mining
Skill in using complex database management systems, spreadsheets, word processing and statistical software
Skill in analyzing complex problems, identifying solutions and demonstrating critical thinking
Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, faculty, students and the public
Ability to understand technology, management, and leadership issues related to organization processes and problem solving
Ability to relate to a diverse population and to maintain composure when faced with difficult situations
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with stakeholders in a dynamic work environment
Ability to organize, prioritize, and follow multiple tasks through to completion with attention to detail
Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, and to relate to others in a professional, helpful manner
Ability to effectively identify and resolve problems and to maintain strict confidentiality related to sensitive information
Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and take appropriate action to resolve problems using independent judgement and decision-making processes

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

Directs and manages departmental workflow, including prioritization of projects and determining methodology for conducting research and data analysis
Directs and facilitates institutional data governance priorities; develops and utilizes quantitative and/or qualitative analysis and complex research designs
Works with college leaders and staff to develop and implement a mission-based, comprehensive system to gather data and conduct research across the district, including developing and conducting surveys and analyzing data from national, regional, and local data sources and reports
Monitors the overall integrity of data, ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements and taking appropriate actions to correct data discrepancies as needed
Maintains documentation related to the collection and analysis methodologies related to higher education through research reports and presentations that lead to developing action plans for academic, administrative, and policy issues
Supports a district-wide system of analytical reports related to employment, enrollment, retention and persistence statistics to assist in enrollment management and program review
Oversees and reports institutional information to federal, state, and local agencies to comply with accreditation requirements and funding formulas; develops related reports and other specialized information as needed for internal and external purposes
Provides orientation and support to departments and divisions related to research methodologies and data analysis; guides implementation of research methodologies at department and division levels
Participates in ongoing professional training to stay current in the industry and to maintain professional and applicable industry certifications
Performs other related duties as assigned