Director of Assessments, Evaluations and Data Strategy

About the role

We’re currently searching for our Director of Assessment, Evaluation, and Data Strategy in Student Affairs to join our team in Blacksburg, VA, and to be a strategic leader in our division in motivating data-informed decision-making efforts and fostering a learning-centered and evidence-based approach to advancing our divisional mission, strategic plan, and values.

Responsibilities

• Strategically direct and tactically coordinate multiple projects and evaluation activities across the division
• Provide subject matter expertise in evaluation methods, outcome assessments, and data analysis/reporting
• Directly supervise the Assistant Director of Assessment who has primary responsibility for departmental assessment planning, reporting and action, and managing division-wide assessment work groups and training activities
• Co-advise a shared data scientist position with the Office of Analytics & Institutional Effectiveness to guide the development of a data analytic application in our University DataCommons to support division- and university-wide initiatives
• Lead the division’s data strategy efforts; taking an innovative and collaborative systems approach to data collection, data dissemination, and data utilization—leveraging best practices, key partnerships, and technologies to help guide operational decisions

Requirements

• Master’s degree in higher education, data sciences, student affairs administration, public administration, statistics, or a related field with a research or evaluation emphasis
• Considerable experience developing and leading the planning and assessment efforts for a large and complex division or organization
• Expert-level ability with analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, interpreting findings, and producing effective reports for a variety of technical and non-technical audiences
• Significant experience designing, validating, and administering evaluative instruments (e.g. surveys, rubrics, focus group protocols, etc.)
• Extensive experience successfully managing multiple assessment/ research projects simultaneously, ideally in a higher education setting or other large, complex organization
• Demonstrated experience and skill in establishing a strong culture of assessment, forging collaborative partnerships, building consensus, and effectively managing change
• Considerable experience utilizing software applications and other technology-based tools to enhance assessment efforts and capabilities in the area of data analytics

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in higher education, data sciences, student affairs administration, public administration, statistics, or a related field (preferred)
• Professional experience in program evaluation, assessment, and research within the context of higher education
• Demonstrated experience supervising professional as well as student staff
• Experience in a student affairs functional area
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices surrounding the assessment of student services and programs
• Demonstrated commitment to personal growth and professional development in assessment, analytics, or a related field—as evidenced by involvement with industry associations such as NASPA, ACPA, CAS, CHEA, or other national organization

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation
• Experience with data visualization tools
• Collaborative and team-oriented approach

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid leave, retirement, tuition assistance, VT discounts, and more
• Opportunity to build a fulfilling career in a supportive and inclusive environment

Pay

The salary range for this position is $105,000 - $115,000 per year. The university will evaluate your salary offer to ensure it is competitive but appropriate given the market range; with the higher end of the range reserved for candidates who have significant experience at this level of a role.

Schedule

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.