Manager of Institutional Effectiveness & Research

PARKER UNIVERSITY•Dallas, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Parker University, a rapidly growing institution, is seeking a Manager of Institutional Effectiveness & Research to provide operational leadership for the University's institutional effectiveness, assessment, analytical research, and continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes. This role manages the annual assessment cycle, coordinates research activities, supports accreditation and regulatory reporting, develops performance measures, and leads initiatives to advance evidence-informed decision-making. The Manager will work collaboratively with leaders to ensure the integrity and meaningful use of institutional data for evaluating student learning, operational effectiveness, and progress toward the University's mission and strategic priorities.

Requirements

Master's degree in Higher Education, Institutional Research, Educational Leadership, Statistics, Data Analytics, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Business Analytics, or a closely related field.
Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in institutional effectiveness, institutional research, accreditation, assessment, strategic planning, higher education administration, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading institutional assessment, research, accreditation, or continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Experience managing multiple institutional projects involving cross-functional stakeholders.
Experience collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating quantitative and qualitative data.
Experience using enterprise reporting systems, relational databases, statistical software, dashboard applications, and business intelligence tools.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional institutional initiatives.
Ability to establish priorities, manage competing deadlines, and successfully execute complex projects.
Ability to supervise, mentor, and develop professional staff.
Demonstrated initiative, professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to translate complex analytical findings into meaningful information for executive leadership, faculty, staff, and governing boards.
Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
Ability to build collaborative working relationships throughout the University.
Knowledge of higher education assessment methodologies.
Knowledge of analytical research principles.
Knowledge of accreditation standards and evidence collection.
Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Ability to develop dashboards and performance metrics.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to data governance, integrity, confidentiality, and security.
Ability to learn and implement emerging technologies, including AI-assisted reporting and analytics.

Nice To Haves

Earned doctorate or ABD in Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, Institutional Research, Organizational Leadership, or related discipline.
Experience with Jenzabar EX, Anthology, Watermark, Tableau, Power BI, SQL, or similar higher education systems.
Experience supporting regional or programmatic accreditation.
Project management certification or Lean/Six Sigma experience.

Responsibilities

Manage the University's annual institutional effectiveness and assessment cycle.
Coordinate assessment activities across academic and administrative units.
Monitor completion of institutional assessment requirements and reporting timelines.
Develop institutional effectiveness policies, procedures, reporting protocols, and operational documentation.
Promote a culture of evidence-based planning and continuous quality improvement throughout the University.
Design and conduct institutional effectiveness research studies supporting planning, accreditation, enrollment management, student success, and organizational effectiveness.
Collect, validate, analyze, and interpret institutional data from multiple sources.
Develop executive dashboards, institutional scorecards, and performance reports.
Identify institutional trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
Develop evidence-based narratives that integrate qualitative and quantitative findings to support institutional planning and decision-making.
Develop and monitor institutional KPIs aligned with strategic priorities.
Coordinate institutional assessment evidence supporting accreditation activities.
Support institutional reporting required by accrediting and regulatory agencies.
Maintain institutional effectiveness documentation consistent with accreditation and regulatory expectations.
Coordinate assessment activities supporting self-studies, interim reports, substantive changes, and special accreditation projects.
Collaborate with Information Technology, Center for Teaching & Learning, Library Services, and other institutional stakeholders to improve data systems such as reporting capabilities, and institutional effectiveness technologies.
Lead assigned software implementation and enhancement projects supporting assessment, institutional research, strategic planning, and reporting.
Evaluate institutional processes through process mapping, workflow analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Recommend operational improvements that enhance institutional effectiveness and organizational performance.
Lead special institutional projects assigned by the Senior Director and Director for deliverables to senior administrators and leadership.
Conduct assigned special research studies for executive and strategic decision-making.
Coordinate benchmarking studies, environmental scans, and peer institution analyses.
Support strategic planning initiatives through data analysis, performance measurement, and organizational assessment.
Participate in cross-functional institutional initiatives requiring expertise in assessment, institutional research, analytics, or organizational effectiveness.
Develop and deliver training programs on assessment, institutional effectiveness, data literacy, reporting tools, and continuous improvement.
Provide consultation to academic and administrative units regarding assessment methodology, data interpretation, and institutional effectiveness practices.
Facilitate institutional effectiveness committees, workgroups, and planning sessions.
Represent the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning on University committees.
Monitor emerging trends and best practices in higher education, assessment, institutional service, accreditation, and organizational effectiveness.
Perform other related duties as assigned.