Institutional Research Analyst

Who We Are:

At Grantham our students are at the forefront of everything we do and we are passionate about maximizing their potential.  We have been making a difference and impacting the lives of students since 1951.  We have this same passion for our employees.  Are you looking to build a solid career and make an impact in the lives of others?  If the answer is Yes! We have an exciting opportunity for you!  

What We Have to Offer:

Just as we help our students maximize their potential, we’ll also help you maximize yours. From our full-time staff to our faculty, Grantham provides amazing job growth opportunities with a competitive compensation and benefits package, health and life insurance, retirement plan, generous paid time off, a culture of service and generosity, and a robust employee recognition program.  

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations, the Institutional Research Analyst performs all necessary functions related to the collection, analysis, and use of institutional data for planning, assessment, and gathers information to support data-informed decision making.  The Institutional Research Analyst actively monitors the University’s Strategic Plan, Institutional Research Plan, and executes all state, federal, and governmental reporting.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently perform institutional research activities including collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and dissemination of information on the characteristics of the University to regulatory and accreditation agencies.
• Establish, coordinate, and maintain institutional effectiveness activities and reports through routine review of institutional planning efforts and corresponding assessments in collaboration with relevant university departments.
• Serve on the University’s data governance committee and other committees as appropriate.
• Prepare and deliver presentations.
• Assist the Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations as official external reporting office for the institution.
• Facilitate Self-assessment Reviews.
• Responsible for University surveys and other research studies to support institutional planning and assessment including research methodology, instrument design, analysis, reporting and dissemination. 
• Recommend, develop, deploy and monitor surveys to benefit the University.
• Represent the Academic Department in committees and working groups in the University as assigned by the Dean of Academic Affairs and Operations.          
• Perform research studies to support the institution to include research methodology, instrument design, analysis, reporting and dissemination.
• Ensures validity and reliability of data and research methodologies utilized.
• Support institutional and programmatic accreditation activities.  Assists in the preparation, follow-up, and reports for the University’s institutional accreditation agency.
• Works collaboratively and cross-functionally with relevant University departments in research and statistical analysis
• Interpret the need for various authorities at the federal, state, and local levels for data reporting, research studies, or surveys.
• Prepare state, federal, and University reports according to documented requirements, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and analysis of the data to senior leadership.
• Maintains and appropriately shares data, studies, or research across the university and other constituents.
• Monitor external trends through the collection and analysis of data from external sources such as state and federal agencies, in addition to other higher education institutions, and employers.
• Monitors the overall integrity of data, complying with state and federal requirements in order to correct data discrepancies when noted.
• Develop, administer, analyze and report on external marketing and publications rankings and surveys.
• Administers and oversees the institutional research budget.
• Provides support for the development of University planning systems and provides for information to assess institutional effectiveness.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

EDUCATION/ WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS AND DESIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data processing, research methods, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience, knowledge and education of statistical programming languages (R, SAS, SPSS) will also be considered.
• Minimum of four years of experience with data analysis and inference with at least two of those years in higher education, preferably at an online, DEAC accredited institution.
• Experience with higher education administrative/student information systems including technical understanding of data warehousing and data mining.
• Experience using database software, mainframe applications, and/or statistical software; experience using SPSS or comparable software preferred.
• Coursework or knowledge of research methods.
• Knowledge of relational database design and management and expertise in a major database package i.e. Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, SQL Server.
• Familiarity with web survey administration software, (SurveyGizmo, SurveyMonkey, etc).
• Language Skills: Able to read and comprehend simple to complex instructions, short correspondence, and memos; able to communicate in writing to students, University employees, and all other stakeholders with tact and courtesy; able to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, faculty, and staff.
• Mathematical Skills:  Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; able to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Reasoning Ability:  Able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions based on solid research; ability to present facts to faculty, staff, and administration for departmental or University response; able to deal with a variety of information presented in oral or written formats; able to deal with non-verbal behavior in assisting with problem resolution.
• 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.
  • Extensively required to use hand to finger, handle, or feel (including the use of computer keyboards) and talk or hear (including the use of a telephone and computer).
  • Occasionally required to walk, stand, and make presentations.
  • This position requires travel to and from assignments.  A valid drivers’ license and good driving record is required for this position. 
  • This position may involve sitting at a desk for extended periods of time.
  • Specific vision abilities include: close vision and distance vision.

Grantham will seek to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability. Such reasonable accommodation may take the form of making existing facilities readily accessible to or usable by individuals with a disability, restructuring jobs, modifying schedules, acquiring or modifying equipment, adjusting training materials, adjusting employment policies, and the like.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Integrity - operates within the highest ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of the position
• Motivated/Results Oriented - fantastic record of personal drive and the determination to succeed
• Mission Oriented - passionate about helping others; ownership spirit with a competitive disciplined execution for results
• Listening Skills - must be an active listener to insure client needs are fully understood and met
• Influence - skilled at directing and motivating others towards personal, academic and professional success