Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Research Systems

About the role

The Director of Institutional Research, Analytics, and Research Systems plays a critical role in planning, organizing, and administering institutional research, analytics, and selected enterprise research administration systems. They provide campus-wide leadership to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of institutional and research-related data.

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead campus-wide institutional research, analytics, and assessment operations.
• Direct the collection, validation, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of official institutional data.
• Oversee IAR’s support for accreditation (e.g., WSCUC), program review, and strategic planning.
• Provide leadership for research analytics operations within the Sponsored Programs Office.
• Oversee the effective employment of enterprise research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse).
• Develop and oversee processes designed to ensure that research reports comply with federal and CSU requirements for accuracy and data integrity, as well as sponsor reporting and research metrics.
• Represent the University in systemwide and external forums related to institutional research and research systems.
• Participate as a key partner and steward leader (especially for institutional definitions and reporting) through our campus governance approach, in partnership with IT/InfoSec and functional data owners.
• Collaborate with Information Technology and functional data owners to align systems and reporting tools.
• Supervise professional and technical staff; set priorities and conduct performance evaluations.
• Manage unit operations and resources; exercise independent judgment.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff to develop information technology solutions.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a related field. Progressive professional experience in institutional research, analytics, data visualization, or research systems. Demonstrated ability to manage complex operations and to recommend and implement solutions. Demonstrated ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical and higher education leadership audiences.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a related field.
• Strong analytical, communication, supervisory, management and leadership skills.
• Experience within the California State University system.
• Experience with electronic research administration systems (e.g., Cayuse).
• Experience with Data Governance frameworks.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of institutional research, analytics, and assessment practices in higher education.
• Knowledge of data governance, data management, and data integrity standards.
• Knowledge of accreditation processes (e.g., WSCUC), program review, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and CSU reporting requirements and compliance standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret complex data and develop actionable insights.
• Effective leadership and supervisory skills, including staff development and performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Benefits

• A vacation accrual rate of 16 hours per month.
• An excellent choice of medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Lifetime life insurance.
• Education incentives.
• Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).
• 14 paid holidays a year.