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Palm Beach State College Jobs

Palm Beach State College

Director, Institutional Research

Closes:

Salary: $83,826 – $104,783 per year

3,386

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What We Offer

At Palm Beach State College, you will discover a place where ideas come to life and the heartbeat of a county begins. By joining us, you will be exposed to professionals from across the U.S. and abroad who are the strivers, reinventors, explorers, and influencers dedicated to developing talent that fills the most needed workforce roles. As the Panthers, we embrace a community of belonging, caring, and connection for our students and employees. We seek creative individuals to help PBSC fulfill its mission of inspiring hope, advancing skills, and transforming lives.

 About this role

Responsible for curating and leading a culture of data literacy and decision making across the organization. Provides leadership for research, reporting, and business intelligence to support institutional goals. Serves as the primary custodian of institutional data and ensures timely and accurate submission of state and federal reports. Directs the development, analysis, and dissemination of data, which includes, but is not limited to, academic programs, accreditation, enrollment, engagement, economic impact, and demographics.

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https://palmbeachstate.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/external/job/Lake-Worth-Campus/Director--Institutional-Research_R0013821-1

We’d love to hear from you if you have the following:

Education and Experience:

  • Master’s degree
  • Six years of related experience in research activities in education or a related field, with at least two years in supervisory or leadership roles

Knowledge of:

  • Microsoft Office Professional or similar application
  • Statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Python).
  • Data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
  • State and federal reporting and compliance in higher education (e.g., IPEDS and state reporting)
  • Survey methodology, questionnaire design, and program evaluation
  • Institutional data systems (student information, enrollment, HR, finance)

Skilled in:                

  • Research and data analysis to arrive at valid conclusions, recommendations and plans of action
  • Quantitative and qualitative research design and analysis, including predictive analytics and forecasting.
  • Converting complex information into simple, readable form
  • Written and oral communication techniques sufficient to develop and deliver presentations, reports, and summaries of quantitative insights to non-quantitative audiences in order to foster understanding and acceptance of findings
  • Project management and attention to detail while maintaining effective time and task management
  • Designing dashboards, scorecards, and data visualizations
  • Translating complex analytic findings into accessible, actionable narratives for non-technical audiences
  • Project management, prioritization, and attention to detail
  • Coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff

Preferred, but not a must:

Education and Experience:

  • Doctoral degree
  • Experience in a community college or multi-campus environment
  • Demonstrated experience with advanced analytics, such as machine learning methods or AI-assisted modeling
  • Experience with data architecture and pipelines (e.g., data warehouses, ETL)

This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

The minimum base pay range for this position starts at $83,826.00 - $104,783.00 annually; however, the offer may vary based on the candidate’s education and experience.

Application Deadline

This position is open until filled with a first initial review date of May 26, 2026.

Wait, there is more!

·      Culture: Be part of an inclusive, Panther First environment where every role has a purpose, and employees have a sense of belonging.

·      Education Benefits: Tuition fee waiver at PBSC, tuition reimbursement, degree recognition award, educational leave, and more. Public Service Loan Forgiveness institution.

·      Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, parental leave, and more. 

·      Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, holidays, and semester breaks.

·      Panther Perks: Potential remote or hybrid opportunities, wellness programs, and apps related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

·      Professional Development: Leadership programs, professional learning workshops, and more.

·      Retirement Investments: State retirement plan options and voluntary 403(b) and 457 plans.

Job details

Title
Director, Institutional Research
Employer
Palm Beach State College
Location
Lake Worth Campus
Published
May 5, 2026
Closes:
Jul 4, 2026
Job type
Full time, Executive
Field
Institutional Research and Planning
Salary

Salary: $83,826 – $104,783 per year

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About the employer

Palm Beach State College Jobs

Palm Beach State College

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AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Palm Beach State College jobs, connecting talented professionals with rewarding career opportunities at one of Florida’s leading community colleges. Palm Beach State College, located across multiple campuses in Palm Beach County, Florida, including Lake Worth, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach Gardens, is celebrated for its commitment to accessible education and workforce-focused programs, making Palm Beach State uni jobs highly appealing to educators and professionals globally. Palm Beach State careers offer a supportive and dynamic environment for individuals to thrive. Palm Beach State university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the college’s key areas of academic specialization, including nursing, business, information technology, public safety, and environmental science. Employment Palm Beach State includes roles such as faculty instructors, adjunct professors, academic advisors, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Palm Beach State jobs Palm Beach, the college’s modern campuses provide a collaborative workplace in a vibrant and sunny coastal region. Palm Beach State vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, workforce training, and administrative roles. Jobs at Palm Beach State cover fields like cybersecurity, dental hygiene, and early childhood education, aligning with the college’s mission to empower students and meet regional industry needs. Each Palm Beach State vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to a student-centered academic community dedicated to fostering success. Palm Beach State College Employment Opportunities are diverse, with Palm Beach State job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A Palm Beach State Career offers the chance to join an institution that values diversity, innovation, and community engagement. Palm Beach State uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Palm Beach State vacancies. Jobs at Palm Beach State uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing education and community development. Palm Beach State job postings include positions in mathematics, graphic design, and professional services such as student services and IT support. Palm Beach State Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Palm Beach State Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a forward-thinking college driving progress in Florida and beyond.

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Related Reading

Palm Beach State College Seeks Director of Institutional Research: Lead Data-Driven Excellence

Unlocking Insights: The Vital Role of IR Leadership at PBSC

Exploring the Director of Institutional Research Role at Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College, a cornerstone of higher education in South Florida, has recently announced an opening for the Director of Institutional Research position at its Lake Worth Campus. This leadership role comes at a pivotal time for community colleges nationwide, where data-driven decision-making is more critical than ever. As institutions navigate fluctuating enrollments, evolving accreditation standards, and the integration of advanced analytics, the Director of Institutional Research (often abbreviated as IR Director) serves as the linchpin for transforming raw data into actionable insights that propel student success and institutional excellence.

Institutional research encompasses the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to students, faculty, programs, and operations. At a community college like Palm Beach State College, this function supports everything from strategic planning to compliance reporting. The IR Director oversees these efforts, ensuring that leaders have the evidence needed to make informed choices amid challenges like post-pandemic recovery and technological disruptions.

Palm Beach State College: A Hub for Community Education

Established in 1933, Palm Beach State College (PBSC) has grown into the largest public community college in Palm Beach County, Florida. With its main campus in Lake Worth and additional locations across the region, PBSC serves approximately 26,000 students annually, marking a notable 6% increase in full-time enrollment in recent years. The college offers associate degrees, bachelor's programs, and workforce certificates tailored to high-demand fields such as healthcare, technology, and business.

PBSC's mission emphasizes economic mobility and workforce development, aligning closely with Florida's vibrant job market. Recent data highlights the college's impact: high re-enrollment rates and strong completion metrics underscore its commitment to student persistence. The Office of Institutional Research & Effectiveness (IRE), under which this director role falls, plays a central role by providing consulting, analytics, and reporting services that underpin these successes. For more on IRE's contributions, visit the official IRE page.

Core Responsibilities of the IR Director Position

The Director of Institutional Research at PBSC will lead a team tasked with establishing robust data infrastructures and delivering comprehensive analyses. Key duties include directing the development and dissemination of institutional data, which spans academic program evaluations, accreditation preparations, and performance metrics. This involves managing state and federal reporting obligations, such as those to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

Day-to-day, the role entails overseeing business intelligence tools, conducting ad hoc data requests, and facilitating surveys like student assessments of courses and faculty. The director will also guide continuous improvement planning and strategic initiatives, collaborating with academic affairs to align data insights with college goals. In a landscape where community colleges face enrollment pressures—down nationally but up at PBSC—this position ensures data supports targeted recruitment and retention strategies.

  • Lead institutional research projects, from design to execution and reporting.
  • Develop dashboards and analytics for real-time decision support.
  • Ensure compliance with accreditation bodies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
  • Train staff on data literacy and advanced tools.
  • Contribute to the college's Panther Strong 2026 Strategic Plan through evidence-based recommendations.

Qualifications and Skills Sought for Success

Candidates for this role typically hold a master's degree in a relevant field such as statistics, education, or public administration, with a doctorate preferred. A minimum of five years in institutional research or data analytics within higher education is essential, ideally in a community college setting. Proficiency in tools like SQL, Tableau, or Power BI is crucial, as is experience with predictive modeling and AI-enhanced analytics.

PBSC emphasizes soft skills too: strong communication to translate complex data for non-experts, leadership to mentor a research team, and a commitment to equity in data practices. Florida's diverse student body, including many first-generation and Hispanic-serving populations at PBSC, requires cultural competence in analysis. Preferred qualifications include grant-writing experience and familiarity with Florida College System metrics.

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Compensation and Benefits: A Competitive Package

The salary range for this position is approximately $83,800 to $104,800 annually, commensurate with experience—a solid benchmark for Florida community colleges where the average IR director earns around $113,000 statewide. Benefits include tuition reimbursement for employees and dependents, loan forgiveness eligibility under public service programs, comprehensive health coverage, and retirement plans. PBSC also offers professional development opportunities, vital for staying ahead in data trends.

In context, this package supports Florida's lower cost of living while providing upward mobility in a growing institution. Comparable roles at other Florida colleges, like those in the State College System, offer similar ranges adjusted for institution size.

Trends Shaping Institutional Research in 2026

Higher education IR is evolving rapidly. Deloitte's 2026 Higher Education Trends report highlights AI integration, enrollment declines (affecting 40% of US institutions), and demands for personalized learning data. Community colleges like PBSC must leverage predictive analytics to boost completion rates, which hover at 35% nationally but higher at responsive institutions.

AI tools now automate reporting, freeing IR directors for strategic work. For instance, Hanover Research's 2026 trends note a shift to self-service dashboards, reducing request backlogs by 50% in pilot programs. At PBSC, the new director will likely champion these, amid Florida's emphasis on performance-based funding tied to metrics like job placement (PBSC excels at 90%+).

Explore broader insights in Deloitte's 2026 Higher Education Trends.

Case Studies: IR Impact in Action

Consider Miami Dade College, where IR-driven interventions raised retention by 15% through targeted advising. Similarly, Valencia College in Florida used labor market data to launch high-demand programs, mirroring PBSC's workforce focus. Nationally, the Community College Research Center's studies show IR maturity correlates with 20% better outcomes in equity gaps.

PBSC's IRE already produces scorecards like 15% FTE growth tracking, positioning the new director to build on this for Panther Strong 2026 goals: expanding baccalaureates and online offerings.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

IR directors face data silos, privacy regulations like FERPA, and skill gaps in AI literacy. Yet opportunities abound: federal grants for ed-tech, partnerships with tech firms for tools, and Florida's $1B+ higher ed investments. At PBSC, addressing Hispanic-serving disparities through disaggregated data will drive impact.

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  • Risks: Overreliance on outdated metrics amid AI shifts.
  • Solutions: Adopt agile analytics and cross-departmental teams.
  • Benefits: Enhanced funding via proven outcomes.

Why Pursue This Role at PBSC?

For seasoned researchers, this position offers leadership in a thriving college with rising enrollment and strategic vision. Florida's sun-soaked lifestyle, proximity to Palm Beach's economy, and PBSC's innovative culture make it appealing. The role aligns with national IR trends, providing growth in AI and equity-focused work.

Career advancers gain visibility for VP-level roles; newcomers build credentials in a supportive environment.

Application Process and Next Steps

Applications are open via the college's Workday portal. Submit a resume, cover letter, and references highlighting IR experience. Review the full posting on AcademicJobs.com for direct application links. Deadline not specified, but act promptly for this May 2026 opportunity.

Prepare by reviewing PBSC's data resources and aligning your expertise with IRE services.

Frequently Asked Questions

📊What does a Director of Institutional Research do at a community college?

The Director oversees data collection, analysis, and reporting to support decision-making, accreditation, and strategic planning. At PBSC, this includes managing IRE services like dashboards and surveys.

💰What are the salary expectations for this PBSC role?

Estimated at $83,800 to $104,800 annually, with benefits like tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness. Competitive for Florida community colleges.

🎓What qualifications are required for the IR Director position?

Master's degree minimum (doctorate preferred), 5+ years in IR/data analytics, proficiency in tools like Tableau/SQL, and higher ed experience.

🔍Why is institutional research important at Palm Beach State College?

PBSC's 26,000+ students and rising enrollment demand data for retention, workforce alignment, and Panther Strong 2026 goals. IRE drives accountability.

🤖How is AI impacting institutional research in 2026?

AI automates reporting and enables predictive analytics, as per Deloitte trends. IR directors like at PBSC will lead adoption for personalized student support.

📈What trends are influencing higher ed IR roles?

Enrollment pressures, performance funding, and data equity focus. Community colleges use IR for 15-20% outcome improvements, per research centers.

📝How to apply for the PBSC IR Director job?

Via Workday portal; see details on AcademicJobs.com. Tailor resume to IR experience.

🏖️What benefits does PBSC offer?

Health insurance, retirement, tuition waivers, professional development—supporting work-life balance in sunny Florida.

👥PBSC enrollment and impact stats?

~26,000 students, 6% full-time growth, high job placement. Data from IRE scorecards guide expansions.

🚀Career path after IR Director?

Path to VP Academic Affairs or system-wide roles. Builds expertise in leadership and analytics for US higher ed.

⚠️Challenges for IR directors in community colleges?

Data privacy, silos, skill gaps—but opportunities in grants and tech partnerships abound.