Institutional Research Director jobs in California

About San Francisco Bay University:

San Francisco Bay University (SFBU), a nonprofit, WASC-accredited, university situated in the heart of Silicon Valley in Fremont, California, seeks an innovative and experienced Director for Institutional Research.  SFBU’s mission is to offer inclusive, innovative, and inspirational education for lifelong careers and our vision is to set the standard as a national model of higher education in service of the common good.

At SFBU, students come first. We prioritize students’ needs by fostering personal engagement among students, faculty, and staff. We are committed to providing affordable quality education with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.  Our professors are accomplished professionals who provide real-world experience in the classrooms to enhance the learning experience and prepare students for future careers. Our student body is reflective of the rich cultural diversity of the world, supported by a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. Moreover, our university captures the vibrancy of Silicon Valley. SFBU is in growth mode and we are looking to make a difference in our communities by enhancing access to affordable education for all students.

Position Overview

The Director of Institutional Research is integral to the operations of the Institutional Effectiveness unit, providing essential data and analytical insights to inform university leadership. Under the leadership of the Vice President for Strategy and Innovation, the Director of Institutional Research guides data-driven decision-making, strategic planning, and policy formulation while ensuring the highest standards of data integrity. The Director will manage the daily operations of the Institutional Effectiveness team, leading efforts in enrollment, student learning assessment, program evaluation, and accreditation processes. This role will maintain and distribute standard and ad hoc reports through advanced data visualization platforms such as Tableau and Salesforce, addressing the university's strategic and operational needs. The role demands a proactive approach to cross-departmental collaboration, a keen analytical acumen, and the ability to convey complex data in actionable terms to support key university functions, including but not limited to enrollment management, faculty administration, and student success initiatives.  This is a salaried, exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FMLA)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The essential duties and responsibilities of the Institutional Research Director include leading data collection and analysis to support decision-making, strategic planning, and policy development. The Director must ensure data integrity, manage institutional statistics, interpret trends, and provide insights for improving institutional effectiveness. This role involves collaborating with various departments to aid in core institutional functions such as enrollment, accreditation, and program evaluation, requiring strong analytical skills and effective communication of complex information to all levels of the institution.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7 years in research design, data collection and retrieval, statistical analysis, reporting, IT project management or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 years managing professional and/or support staff.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, or a related field or Doctoral Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, or a related field.
• 5 years progressively responsible experience with data warehousing/reporting in a higher education setting.
• Certificate in data visualization.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, project management, and communication abilities are crucial for collaborating across departments and presenting findings effectively. Additionally, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are vital for supporting institutional planning and decision-making processes.
• A deep understanding of higher education policies, accreditation standards, and compliance requirements is also necessary.
• Experience with IPEDS and accreditation standards are a must.
• Expertise with database retrieval (e.g. using SQL with Tableau, Oracle or MSSQL, Power BI reporting environments); database management, structure and programming.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to translate and present complex information into non-technical analyses and recommendations.
• Proven knowledge and application of dashboard design concepts.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in visualizing and analyzing metrics, survey results, and trends.
• Ability to develop effective business relationships and build consensus.
• Strong team player.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under hard deadlines while maintaining a high level of professionalism and exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Must be well versed in quality data collection to ensure adequacy, accuracy and legitimacy of data in SFBU systems and be able to strictly follow data privacy and security procedures for data handling and analysis to ensure adherence to legal and institutional standards.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with Tableau Server administrative tools and extract automation.
• Advanced knowledge of databases and data management with proficiency in ad hoc reporting/query writing and data manipulation (with SQL, Tableau, OBIEE, Power BI, etc.).
• Skill with statistical packages (e.g. R or SPSS).
• Ability to interact with all levels of personnel, students, faculty, and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when dealing with difficult issues and/or diverse organizations.
• Ability to evaluate and implement technological improvements to meet best practices.
• Familiarity with version control. In-depth knowledge of student data structures.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Physical demands include lifting limits, bending, sitting, driving.
• Job duties typically performed in an office environment.

This position description is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

SFBU is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer:  SFBU is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment.  SFBU does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.

 For full consideration, please submit your complete application by March 11, 2024.