Associate Director of Institutional Research

Job Posting Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Associate Director of Institutional Research

Job Description:

ABOUT POMONA COLLEGE: Located near Los Angeles, California, Pomona College is widely regarded as one of the nation's premier liberal arts colleges. Established in 1887, Pomona College is known for small classes, a challenging curriculum, close relationships between students and faculty, and a range of student research and leadership opportunities. Pomona is a member of The Claremont Colleges.

JOB PURPOSE: The Associate Director of Institutional Research maintains, analyzes, and disseminates institutional data to support external reporting, ad hoc internal reporting, data-informed decision making, and campus assessment efforts. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Research, the Associate Director collaborates with a variety of campus partners to collect, interpret, and present data that inform Pomona College’s mission.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Associate Director will be expected to exercise considerable initiative and judgment in performing the following essential functions:

• Oversees the reporting of data to external agencies (IPEDS, guidebooks, etc), supports the College’s activities in data-sharing consortia, and responds to ad-hoc requests for summary data from internal groups.
• Transforms raw data into accurate and insightful summaries to meet a range of campus needs.  This work entails selecting and performing appropriate statistical analyses of data; constructing effective data displays to communicate key points (dashboards, graphs, tables, etc); and presenting data, both orally and in writing, to diverse campus audiences.
• Supports institutional effectiveness through the development and maintenance of metrics that track progress on strategic goals.
• Provides guidance and support for the assessment of student learning outcomes and campus climate and collaborates with academic and administrative departments on program evaluation.
• Serves as an expert and consultant on research design, statistics/data analysis, data management, and interpretation of data.
• Works with the Director to administer a coordinated program of survey research.
• Provides leadership in the areas of data management. This includes developing processes that ensure the accuracy and reliability of institutional data and collaborating with ITS and other departments to improve data infrastructure and reporting capabilities.
• Supports the Director in managing office operations by implementing workflow improvements, monitoring budgets, reviewing invoices, and ensuring accurate and up-to-date web content.
• Partners with the Director to provide guidance and oversight to office analysts, fostering accuracy, efficiency, and professional growth.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., education research or social sciences) or equivalent experience. Minimum of three years of experience in institutional research, assessment, or a related field.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND CRITICAL SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to understand, manage, interpret, and assure the accuracy and quality of complex data sets from multiple sources, including highly sensitive data.
• Excellent quantitative, analytic, and technical skills as well as a commitment to continued growth and development in these areas.
• Demonstrated expertise in the use of software for data management and statistical analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of data visualization (preferably via Tableau and Power BI) to design, enhance, and develop aesthetically pleasing visualizations, including but not limited to, interactive dashboards, scorecards, and reports.
• Knowledge of best practices for developing, administering, and analyzing surveys.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to establish priorities, manage multiple activities, and meet deadlines to complete a variety of assignments with attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, employing judgment, discretion, creativity, and professionalism in working as a respected colleague in a collegial environment. 
• A strong commitment to cross-campus collaboration and the ability to build trusting relationships with stakeholders across the college.
• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential information and materials.
• Advanced oral communication skills with the ability to present complex findings and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• Advanced presentations skills with the ability to present to large groups and through visual displays of quantitative information.
• Advanced written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports on complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully with members of our community from varied academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and identity backgrounds, and to work effectively with individuals whose perspectives and life experiences differ from one’s own.
• Stays current on relevant issues and best practices in institutional research through membership and engagement with professional organizations and commitment to professional development.
• A commitment to the ethical use of data and the protection of confidential or sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain good concentration level while dealing with interruptions; ability to balance multiple projects at concurrent times; attention to detail with emphasis on accuracy; capable of giving, receiving, and analyzing information, formulating work plans, and articulating goals and action plans.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Understanding of a liberal arts college environment is desirable, but candidates from outside higher education are welcome to apply. Experience with qualitative research methods. Proficiency with Qualtrics, R, SPSS, and Tableau.

REQUIRED HOURS: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the College; occasional evening and weekend hours may be necessary.  Some travel required.

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:  Regular, full-time, Exempt position. The salary range for this role is between $85,500 and $97,500, with a competitive benefits package. The specific factors that the organization will consider when offering a salary to an individual will include education, training, prior experience, and performance in prior role.  All staff positions are ineligible for visa or permanent resident card sponsorship.  As a California employer, Pomona College requires all employees to be residents of California.

ADA/OSHA: This job description defines the essential job duties of this position.  The College expects that employees hired for this position can perform the essential functions of this job without imposing risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others.  It may also include marginal functions, generally defined within Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.  When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the College will review this job description and make changes of business necessity.