Instructions for Applying:

All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach a cover letter, resume, and the complete contact information for at least three professional references.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive analytics strategy that aligns with the institution's goals.
2. Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of institutional data.
3. Maintain and improve systems for data management and reporting.
4. Provide leadership and training to staff on best practices in data analytics and reporting.
5. Analyze and interpret complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that inform decision-making processes.
6. Prepare detailed reports, presentations, and visualizations to effectively communicate research findings to inform decision-making processes.
7. Lead the institutional research team, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
8. Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support research initiatives.
9. Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in institutional research and higher education.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in the area of Institutional Research, Education Evaluation/Assessment, or Educational Psychology and Five (5) years in an analytics or institutional research role.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Doctorate degree in a related field.
2. Strong background in institutional research, analysis, and effectiveness.
3. Deep understanding of higher education reporting environments.
4. Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights that drive strategic priorities.
5. Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects effectively.
6. Proficiency in advanced statistical techniques and methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Strong proficiency in data analysis software and tools (e.g. SPSS, SAS, R, Python).
2. Proven ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
4. Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
5. Knowledge of accreditation and regulatory requirements for higher education institutions.

Mississippi State University (MSU) is a comprehensive, doctoral-degree-granting university located primarily in a rural town with four off-campus sites and a few distance education programs. Originally founded as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of the State of Mississippi—one of the national land-grant entities created by Congress through the 1862 Morrill Act—MSU was established February 28, 1878. The institution is a public university, part of the eight-university within the State Institutions for Higher Learning (IHL).

MSU’s mission is to provide opportunity to students from all sectors of the state's diverse population, as well as from other states and countries, while also offering excellent programs of teaching, research, and service. MSU has a Carnegie Classification of doctoral very high research activity. MSU also holds the Carnegie Community Engagement classification, being recognized for a mission and educational climate that support community engagement.

In fall 2024, MSU was home to 23,150 students and 6,504 employees, of which 1,544 were faculty members. MSU has been recognized 10 consecutive years as a “Great College to Work For” through The Chronicle of Higher Education and has been on the Honor Roll for 9 of those years.