Director of Institutional Research and Data Management

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Institutional Research and Data Management provides leadership in the collection, analysis, management, and reporting of institutional data to support strategic planning, assessment, accreditation, compliance, and informed decision-making across the University. This position serves as a key institutional resource for data analytics, reporting, and research initiatives and plays a critical role in advancing institutional effectiveness and operational excellence.

The Director is responsible for maintaining the integrity, accuracy, security, and accessibility of institutional data while supporting a culture of evidence-based decision-making.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Institutional Research & Reporting

• Lead institutional research initiatives to support planning, assessment, enrollment management, student success, budgeting, and strategic decision-making.
• Collect, analyze, interpret, and present institutional data for internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare and submit required reports to federal, state, accrediting, and external agencies.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and data visualizations to support executive leadership and campus departments.

Data Management & Integrity

• Oversee institutional data management practices to ensure accuracy, consistency, reliability, and security of data.
• Collaborate with Information Technology and campus departments to improve data governance and reporting processes.
• Conduct routine audits and validation procedures to ensure data quality and compliance.
• Maintain institutional databases and reporting systems relevant to institutional research functions.

Assessment & Institutional Effectiveness Support

• Support institutional assessment and effectiveness initiatives through data analysis and reporting.
• Assist academic and administrative units in identifying and tracking key performance indicators and outcomes.
• Provide data and analytical support for accreditation reaffirmation and compliance activities.

Strategic Planning & Decision Support

• Provide analytical insight and trend analysis to support institutional planning and continuous improvement efforts.
• Assist leadership in evaluating institutional performance metrics and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct benchmarking studies and comparative analyses using internal and external data sources.

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a collaborative partner with academic and administrative departments regarding data requests and reporting needs.
• Translate complex data into clear, meaningful, and actionable information for diverse audiences.
• Provide training and guidance on data interpretation and reporting tools as appropriate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise institutional research staff, student workers, interns, or related personnel.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in data analytics, statistics, higher education, information systems, public administration, research, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research, data analytics, reporting, or related work.
• Experience working with large datasets, reporting systems, and data visualization tools.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience in higher education, preferably at a private institution or HBCU.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and institutional effectiveness practices.
• Experience with higher education systems such as Jenzabar, Ellucian, or similar ERP systems.
• Proficiency in data visualization and reporting platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, or comparable tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of institutional research principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Ability to analyze complex data and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong collaboration and customer service orientation.

SUPERVISION

• This position reports to the Associate Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness.

SALARY RANGE

• $70,000 Annually, plus benefits!

POSITION STATUS

• Full-time; in-person.
• Extended periods of computer and analytical work.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required during reporting cycles or accreditation activities.

SETTING

Founded in 1875, Huston-Tillotson University is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded. Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions. All faculty are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to one, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.