Job Description Summary

Under direction of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (West Virginia State University), the Director for Institutional Research and Assessment will plan, develop, coordinate, and implement the college's institutional research and assessment program, and perform related administrative duties, as required.

This is a non-classified position reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. The director will independently perform professional work involving judgment in the interpretation and application of policy and procedures. The director will have a high frequency of collaborative contact with faculty, administrative and professional staff, students, and other public/private agencies, requiring tact and good communication skills.

General Duties, Responsibilities and Objectives

1. Performs statistical and analytical work associated with the collection, review, analyses distribution, and presentation of information. Exercises independent decision making within the scope of the assignment.
2. Supports the institutional strategic planning process in the areas of creating measureable goals and assessment of outcomes.
3. Designs and implements data collection systems including the compilation, analysis and distribution of research data in appropriate form to the University community, and the development of special experimental, analytical studies.
4. Selects, adapts and applies appropriate quantitative and qualitative research design and statistical tools and techniques to all areas of study, which include but are not limited to staffing patterns, planning evaluation, process improvement, program and services review, planning, curriculum, accreditation, student outcomes and follow-up, student and staff characteristics, enrollment management, data integrity, and state and federal reporting requirements.
5. Organizes and presents research-based information, provides clear and effective analyses and interpretation in narrative, tabular, graphical and oral modes. Produces and distributes periodic reports on University characteristics. Disseminates research findings effectively to the campus community.
6. Prepares analyses and studies of college and community demographics, population projections, staffing reports and projects and annual FTES/FTEF projections and updates; collects, organizes and analyzes data from reports utilizing spreadsheets and statistical programs and maintains databases.
7. Remains informed of state and federal legislative actions that have implications for research and evaluation programs at the University, regional, state and national level; examines University, service area, region, state and national data and trends to determine possible impact on the University and the populations it serves.
8. Prepares data and processes information necessary for timely Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC), state and federal government mandated reports; generates and provides data for accountability reports (i.e., IPEDs, University Compact Report, Fact Book University Annual Report); develops statistical comparisons; and develops and maintains a collection of data and reports to support program accreditation.
9. Utilizes accurate statistical procedures and sampling techniques for institutional research projects, assuring high levels of confidence and reliability of results. Designs, conducts and consults others on a variety of projects related to University outcomes, effectiveness and decision making. Designs survey instruments, coordinates a variety of surveying activities, summarizes and prepares survey results and reports.
10. Translates technical research data, findings, and reports generated by external agencies and presents implications and limitation of studies as they pertain to the institution. Evaluates regularly the computer system, software and other resource needs of the institutional research office, and recommends enhancements, as needed.
11. Participates in research organizations; participates in shared governance through service on University committees. Presents plans, outcomes and findings at regional, state and national conferences.
12. Supervises and evaluates assigned support staff.
13. Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Expert knowledge of:

• Research and design, including standard statistical procedures relating to sampling, correlation analysis, projections, instrument design, and qualitative measures applied to educational and social research;
• Database design, including data warehousing and security;
• Web-based reporting including use of dynamic web applications
• Assessment of student learning outcomes
• Data and reporting requirements of a university

Demonstrated ability to:

• Clearly organize and present information;
• Use computer systems, including BANNER, and standard statistical software packages;
• Work as a team member on projects related to institutional research/evaluation;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during the course of business;
• Work effectively with minimal supervision;
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Direct and evaluate the work of others;
• Work with interruptions while performing normal duties
• Collaborate effectively, in person or on the telephone, with University leadership, supervisory, academic and classified staff, students and oversight organizations.

Other Requirements:

• A valid driver's license and the ability to qualify to drive a University vehicle.

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree from a regionally accredited university in an area demonstrating applications related to institutional research and assessment, and at least five years of experience in applying complex statistical and research methods.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution, with an emphasis in areas of research and evaluation.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. Specific vision abilities required by this job include ability to adjust focus, operated a computer keyboard, and communicate over the telephone and in person. Regularly lifts, carries, and /or moves objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Closing Date: October 23, 2020.

Please send cover letter, resume, unofficial transcript, and recent letters of recommendation from three professional references with contact information to:

Search Committee Chair, Director, Institutional Research and Assessment

West Virginia State University Research and Development Corporation, POB 1000, 201 ACEOP

Administration Building,

Institute, WV 25112.