Application Process: Prospective candidates must submit a cover letter, which includes the names and contact information for three (3) professional references and a resume. To apply, submit your materials to https://westernconnecticutstateuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/Zhj0urGwaW/Director-Of-Institutional-Research-And-Assessment. PDF files are preferred. Applications must be received by Wednesday, July 24, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. All materials must be submitted via the link above. Questions may be director to Peggy Boyle, University HR Administrator – Recruitment at HRPositions@wcsu.edu.

Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer

Position Summary: The Director reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness & Planning and is part of the Office of Academic Affairs. The director is responsible for performing and undertaking institutional research, data collection and analysis, and preparation of reports in support of planning and assessment by the University, as well as compliance reporting for federal, state, and accreditation agencies. The director provides valuable data informed recommendations to leadership for decision making. This position may supervise Professional and Support Staff.

The following examples of duties illustrate the general range of tasks assigned to the position but are not intended to define the limits of required duties. Other essential duties may be assigned consistent with the general scope of the position.

• Plans and coordinates the maintenance, analysis, and reporting of all statistical information and data for the University.
• Assists with the implementation of the institutional effectiveness framework.
• Prepares written reports and presentations for internal and external constituencies, which include federal, state, accrediting, and external grant and initiative agencies.
• Ensures all federal, state, and other external reporting requirements are submitted or responded to accurately and in a timely manner.
• Serves as a liaison from the University to various federal, state, and other external agencies for data reporting, research studies, surveys, etc.
• Collaborates with and provides data expertise/guidance to administrators, faculty, and staff who need to identify, collect, analyze, or interpret data to address institutional priorities.
• Analyzes and interprets data to produce appropriate audience reports, executive summaries, fact sheets, graphic presentations, visualizations, dashboards, etc.
• Co-leads efforts to create a culture of data literacy and assessment on campus.
• Co-leads Data Governance efforts and activities including initiating and resolving data quality issues to ensure the integrity of the information reported to federal, state, and other external entities.
• Keeps abreast of current data analysis, data ethics, external reporting, assessment, and other relevant and appropriate best practices, platforms, tools, and software.
• Maintains archives of assessment data and documentation for quality improvement and reporting.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities related to those enumerated above which do not alter the basis level of responsibility of the position.

Qualifications: Incumbent must possess proven ability to effectively work with a culturally, linguistically, and ethnically diverse faculty, staff, and students. They are expected to have excellent oral and written communication skills along with strong information technology literacy skills such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams etc.). Incumbent is required to have demonstrated advanced knowledge and abilities in the following:

• Master's degree in social sciences, statistics, data science, higher education administration, education policy, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience within higher education in institutional research and assessment.
• Knowledge and proficiency in data analysis, research methodologies, and survey design, with the ability to apply techniques using SPSS, and Excel.
• Experience in creating and visualizing reports using intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and extracting data from student information systems, preferably utilizing SQL.
• Excellent people leader, communication, project management, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to successfully collaborate with multiple stakeholders, implementing new methods or processes, improving systems integration, and leading organizational change efforts.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with higher education accreditation.

Work Environment: Incumbent typically perform their work in offices. The work involves extensive use of personal computers, but does not, normally, involve any significant physical effort. Reasonable accommodation will be made for incumbents and candidates with physical limitations.

Western Connecticut State University is pleased to announce applications are being accepted for the position of Director of Institutional Research & Assessment.

WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community.

The Office of Institutional Research and Assessment’s mission is to improve the quality of information for problem solving, decision making, assessment, and effective management of the University. Additional information may be found on: https://www.wcsu.edu/ira/

Salary & Benefits: The hiring salary range is $119,245 - $149,056 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. WCSU offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/. All employment, if offered, is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under the requirement of the Immigration and Control Act (IRCA) and the successful passing of a background check. WCSU is committed to providing a safe campus community. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.