Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Research Systems

Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Research Systems

Under the general direction of the Associate Provost for Academic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, the Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Research Systems has overall responsibility for planning, organizing, administering, and evaluating the University's institutional research, analytics, data governance, and selected enterprise research administration systems. The Director provides campus-wide leadership to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of institutional and research-related data used for planning, accreditation, sponsored programs reporting, and strategic decision-making.

The Director is responsible for developing and implementing a campus-wide research agenda, collaborating with Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and administration to support strategic planning and policy evaluation.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plan, organize, and lead campus-wide institutional research, analytics, and assessment operations.
• Direct the collection, validation, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of official institutional data.
• Oversee IAR's support for accreditation (e.g., WSCUC), program review, and strategic planning.
• Provide leadership for research analytics operations within the Sponsored Programs Office.
• Oversee the effective employment of enterprise research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse).
• Develop and oversee processes designed to ensure that research reports comply with federal and CSU requirements for accuracy and data integrity, as well as sponsor reporting and research metrics.
• Represent the University in systemwide and external forums related to institutional research and research systems.
• Participates as a key partner and steward leader (especially for institutional definitions and reporting) through our campus governance approach, in partnership with IT/Info Sec and functional data owners.
• Collaborate with Information Technology and functional data owners to align systems and reporting tools.
• Supervise professional and technical staff; set priorities and conduct performance evaluations.
• Manage unit operations and resources; exercise independent judgment.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff to develop information technology solutions.

Perform other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of institutional research, analytics, and assessment practices in higher education.
• Knowledge of data governance, data management, and data integrity standards.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes (e.g., WSCUC), program review, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and CSU reporting requirements and compliance standards.
• Working knowledge of research administration systems and enterprise data environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills, including staff development and performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships with campus stakeholders and leadership.
• Ability to lead institutional research and analytics functions in a complex organization.
• Ability to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and appropriate use of institutional data.
• Ability to translate data into strategic recommendations that support decision-making and institutional effectiveness.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions.
• Ability to develop and implement policies and practices related to data governance and reporting.
• Ability to collaborate across functional areas, including IT, academic affairs, and research administration.

Minimum qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Progressive professional experience in institutional research, analytics, data visualization, or research systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and to recommend and implement solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical and higher education leadership audiences.

Preferred qualifications/desirable experience:

• Doctoral degree in a related field.
• Strong analytical, communication, supervisory, management and leadership skills.
• Experience with in the California State University system.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse).
• Experience with Data Governance frameworks.

Special conditions of employment & position designations:

• All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check (including a criminal records check).
• The person holding this position will have a duty to report to the Campus Title IX Officer information pertaining to…