Massachusetts College of Art and Design; MassArt - Asst VP Institutional Research & Assessment

Overview

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (Mass Art) – Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment

Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist Mass Art in its search for the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research & Assessment (AVPIRA).

For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled, and applications may be considered after the priority date.

Mass Art seeks a highly collaborative and analytically sophisticated leader to serve as AVPIRA. This role will drive institutional decision-making, continuous improvement, and student success at the nation’s only independent public college of art and design. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the AVPIRA works with senior leadership to translate data into insight and action with measurable impact.

This is a time of momentum for Mass Art, following a successful accreditation review cycle, the completion of a refreshed Strategic Partnership Plan, and stable senior leadership. Mass Art aims to use data in more intentional, creative, and transparent ways to inform enrollment strategy, academic planning, program development, and resource allocation. The AVPIRA will engage with external partners and professional networks, including membership in the Colleges of the Fenway and Pro Arts consortia, statewide data collaboratives, and other higher education and arts organizations, strengthening Mass Art’s benchmarking and influence.

This is a hands-on, campus-based role for a systems thinker and trusted advisor who can build effective data practices, communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences, and foster a culture of evidence-informed decision-making.

This is a fully on-site position and offers a generous benefits package.

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of a system of integrated planning, assessment, and evaluation across the institution, including research and analysis, environmental scanning, peer comparisons, benchmarking, trend analysis, key performance indicators, and reporting of initiative progress to inform institutional decision making.
• Provide guidance and support to the President, Provost, and senior leadership in planning, strategic initiatives, and institutional improvement.
• Develop statistical models and/or customized analyses to support enrollment and retention goals for the College.
• Collaborate with Information Technology, Finance, Student Success and Enrollment Management, and other College departments to ensure data integrity from all sources.
• Provide predictive analytics in support of the Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate reporting efforts to eliminate redundancy and increase effectiveness.
• Prepare data and communications for review, submission, and information sharing with internal and external stakeholders including the Department of Higher Education, Board of Trustees, accrediting entities, and government agencies.
• Support planning, goal setting, and assessment work with an equity lens across academic departments, student success services, and other administrative areas.
• Support academic departments in data needs for end-of-year reports and program reviews.
• Serve as the College’s primary accreditation liaison.

• Demonstrated experience identifying appropriate assessment methods and process surveys, and directing the analysis of assessment data documentation processes and results.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously; design, organize, and manage complex projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly to a lay audience.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to data collection and research in higher education or not-for-profit organizations.
• Ability to motivate, manage, and supervise a team to achieve goals.
• Expertise in creating an inclusive approach and working effectively with a diverse constituency on-campus and in the community.