Senior Institutional Research Analyst

Senior Institutional Research Analyst

Position Overview: The Senior Institutional Research Analyst will work as a member of a five-person team in the college’s institutional effectiveness office. The Senior Institutional Research Analyst has responsibilities in the following domains: research and data analysis; data extraction and management; report writing; survey development, deployment, and oversight; and consultation with faculty, staff, and students in service of institutional accreditation, assessment and evaluation, and institutional research.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist in the design, development, and coordination of various institutional research, planning, and assessment projects by collecting, compiling, and analyzing statistical data to prepare charts, graphs, correlations, progressions, and regressions of data for presentation in reports and/or to project trends as needed.
  • Develop, document, and maintain data queries in campus-wide information systems (Jenzabar CX). Create and maintain archived institutional data files.
  • Prepare, initiate, and implement survey and other data collection and research efforts in support of assessment and evaluation; assist with and support program and initiative evaluation, and mission-driven and strategic planning initiatives.
  • Support semester statistical analyses and reports on student retention, enrollment, and graduation management. (e.g. Fall/Spring/Summer Quick Facts, Annual Enrollment Quick Facts, Degrees/Certificates Conferred Summary); web-based query tools (interactive data visualizations and dashboards), infographics; and reports that allow academic and administrative personnel and units to extract or view relevant information from existing datasets.
  • Coordinate and complete data requests for external reporting, including federal government agencies and accrediting agencies (e.g., Common Data Set, IPEDS, NECHE, US News & World Reports, etc.)
  • Complete research and accreditation requests by refining research questions, extracting, compiling, and analyzing institutional data from various databases, constructing datasets (often as a result of merging data from a variety of sources), choosing and conducting appropriate statistical analysis of data, summarizing research findings, and preparing reports and presentations in collaboration with IE staff.
  • Assist with initial data exploration steps (binning, pivoting, summarizing, and finding correlations, for example).
  • Assist colleagues in the office in the development and updating of the institutional Fact Book and the office website. Assist faculty and staff with the development and use of appropriate tools by which to assess and evaluate programs and services. Complete ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills in service of the duties and responsibilities mentioned above.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred)
  • 3-4 years of experience conducting quantitative and qualitative research in an applied setting (e.g., institutional research, program assessment and evaluation, survey research, etc.).
  • 1-2 years of experience working with relational databases, including Jenzabar or comparable products, and complex report writing (data extraction).
  • 1-2 years experience with web programming and developing web-based query tools, dashboards, and data visualizations (e.g., Cognos, Tableau, etc.)
  • Strong and demonstrated skills in data management and the analysis of small and large datasets. Strong familiarity with statistical analysis software/application (e.g., R, SPSS, SAS, etc.). Working knowledge of SQL is helpful.
  • Knowledge of computer programs such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and data visualization (Tableau) software and applications, including online (Google) versions.
  • Demonstrated organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to take general directions and statements of research goals and implement research studies to address issues under study.
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply knowledge of research design and research methodology, especially survey design and methodology.
  • Ability to multi-task, meet specific deadlines, and prioritize tasks and assignments.
  • Knowledge of current trends and issues in higher education.
  • Written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of campus staff, administrators, faculty, and senior leaders.
  • Commitment to and experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion especially as relevant to institutional effectiveness.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment and decisions expeditiously.
  • Ability to maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information.
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

To Apply: Please apply online with cover letter and resume.

Merrimack College is committed to building a culturally and racially diverse community, based on the values of diversity, equity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups. Candidates should describe in their application previous experience related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how they will engage in fostering a culture that values diversity and inclusive excellence at Merrimack College.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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