Assessment Analyst

General Summary

Under the direction of the Director of Assessment and Planning, the Assessment Analyst will conduct research focused on learning assessment, institutional effectiveness, and policy evaluation for improving learning outcomes. This work will include supporting institutional effectiveness and other projects. The Assessment Analyst will contribute to the planning and implementation of assessment activities that are consistent with best practices in the field and will satisfy expectations for regional accreditation as well as specialized accreditation. They will work with campus constituencies to identify processes, methods, and policies requiring evaluation and/or assessment, including incorporating assessment practices within the Academic Quality and Development (AQUAD) process. The Assessment Analyst will collaborate with the Office of Institutional Research to explore data needs and provide analytical, reporting, and research support to assessment efforts, both for academic departments and co-curricular units.

Examples of Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting the Director in collaborating with academic departments, schools and colleges in the development and operation of their assessment programs, including working directly with faculty and staff to support data gathering, analysis, and summary feedback in a manner that is efficient, timely, and integrated into the campus assessment process
• Assisting the Director with supporting faculty and non-academic administrators in developing assessment plans and using assessment data for continuous improvement and encouraging decision-making based on high-quality assessment data
• Coordinating assessment plans and activities with Institutional Research processes to provide data and analytical support to assessment practitioners.
• Collaborate with various campus constituencies (including the University Assessment Council, Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging) that contribute to the development of an inclusive culture of assessment.
• Support the alignment of campus-wide programs (AQUAD, Student Success initiatives, etc.) that incorporate assessment activities and processes
• Remaining current with best practices for assessment and evaluation through organizational memberships, journals and attending relevant meetings regionally and nationally, as appropriate
• Curating resource links for assessment and evaluation best practices, as well as campus reports and presentations.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Master's Degree in educational or social/behavioral science/policy research discipline from a regionally accredited institution and experience up to 1 year are required; OR a Bachelor's Degree in a related field with a minimum of three (3) years of experience designing and conducting educational research studies is required. Prior experience in higher education setting preferred. Experience may be in research, administration, or teaching. Knowledge of data analytics, data mining, or data visualization tools, such as Tableau, is preferred. Knowledge of assessment tools such as Canvas/Insights is preferred.

• Ability to develop learning outcomes and identify appropriate outcome measures
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex issues to facilitate decision-making and action steps for improvement
• Demonstrated ability to work well while managing multiple projects and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, and report quantitative and qualitative data
• Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment and discretion
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment with colleagues across the university system
• Strong and effective written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong commitment to customer service.

Application Instructions

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references. Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period. Salary Ranges for the appropriate Pay Grade can be found at the following link: Grade: 31 Salary Ranges. This is an exempt union position. All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HR@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.