Senior Institutional Research Specialist

Spelman College Portal•Atlanta, GA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Institutional Research Specialist plays a key role in advancing Spelman College’s commitment to data‑informed decision‑making, continuous improvement, and institutional effectiveness. This position supports the Office of Institutional Research through the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of institutional data, with a particular emphasis on assessment activities across academic and administrative units. The Specialist collaborates closely with the Director to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and strategic use of institutional data.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required in mathematics, statistics, data analytics, or a related field.
Minimum four years of experience in higher education.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Expertise in ERP systems (Ellucian Banner, Oracle Fusion Cloud, Workday).
Proficiency in PL/ SQL and related tools ( SQL Navigator, PL/ SQL Developer, TOAD ).
Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau), enterprise reporting (Argos), and statistical software ( SPSS , SAS , R).
Advanced skills in the Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
Ability to produce complex reports, forms, and presentations.

Nice To Haves

Experience with AI tools preferred.
Problem‑solving mindset and a proactive approach to improving processes.
Effective communicator with the ability to present findings to public audiences.
Knowledgeable about trends in higher education research and data management.
Commitment to supporting Spelman College’s mission and values.

Responsibilities

Lead and prioritize institutional assessment initiatives for academic programs, student services, and administrative units.
Guide departments in developing measurable learning outcomes, assessment plans, and improvement strategies.
Assist with the design, administration, and analysis of surveys, rubrics, and other assessment tools.
Support accreditation‑related activities including operational planning and assessment; and evidence gathering.
Design, develop, and maintain institutional databases, data marts, and data warehouses.
Implement IT solutions to improve data access and decision-support tools.
Provide data and analysis for accreditation and institutional effectiveness (e.g., SACSCOC).
Analyze and report on institutional trends to inform strategic planning.
Prepare assessment reports and dashboards that communicate findings clearly to campus stakeholders.
Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to support institutional planning, program review, and strategic initiatives.
Design and evaluate institutional surveys (print and web-based).
Develop and maintain recurring reports, data visualizations, and dashboards for internal and external audiences.
Establish and implement policies for the dissemination of official institutional data.
Perform additional duties aligned with departmental and institutional goals.