Director of Institutional Research

aiding in planning, assessment, and evaluation, and identifying key data needs. The Director facilitates the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data to internal and external stakeholders while promoting education for those involved in producing, using, and consuming information. In doing so, the Director advances the Mitchell Hamline School of Law's mission and strategic goals, fostering data-informed decision-making to enhance student success, equity, retention, and completion rates. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Provides day-to-day leadership of the Department of Institutional Research. Manages the institutional reporting and accreditation process, ensuring alignment between external reporting requirements, internal needs, and strategic priorities. Oversees the completion of required reports for accreditation and state/federal regulations, including collaboration with other college offices to submit official reports to agencies such as IPEDS, ABA, US News & World Report, NC-SARA and the Department of Education. Contributes to the development and implementation of integrated planning, forecasting, and decision support for key areas such as student success, financial performance, enrollment, and productivity analysis. Serves as the primary resource for gathering, analyzing, and retaining comprehensive data on key performance indicators, academic and student services programs, and institutional trends, while benchmarking against peer institutions and staying current on higher education and law school developments. Conducts research on industry best practices related to enrollment, scheduling, grading, and attendance reporting, and evaluates strategies to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Oversee the implementation of approved changes to improve operational outcomes. Manges and integrates datasets from various sources to support academic programs, institutional reporting, and research needs. Regularly creates and disseminates reports, data visualizations, and dashboards, ensuring consistent data collection and communication schedules. Provides survey support, including design, administration, and analysis, while applying appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods to produce high-quality, relevant research. Creates summary reports of departmental activities, annual reports, and other studies as requested by leadership. Leads the Data Governance Committee and may serve on other committees. Promotes best practices in Institutional Research, including laws and regulations around data practices while focusing on the effective use of institutional data across campus. Develops and maintains positive working relationships with members of the campus community in support of achieving institutional research and effectiveness goals. Fosters a culture continuous improvement by promoting the use of assessment and analytics to enhance institutional performance. Identifies opportunities for improvement and recommends strategies to address gaps that enhance institutional effectiveness. May supervise two direct reports. Other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong leadership and change management. Leads by example, anticipates change, and communicates a clear vision. Uses creativity and team-building skills to achieve results. System Knowledge - Familiarity with Jenzabar, Canvas, and other relevant software systems. Technical Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and student evaluation software. Demonstrates business and financial acumen. Understands and plans for business issues, processes, and financial stewardship; capable of turning ideas into actionable outcomes. Proven collaboration and relationship building skills. Builds effective relationships with peers, partners, and others to align and achieve organizational goals. Demonstrates past innovation and problem-solving experience. Encourages new ideas, challenges conventional approaches, and implements innovative solutions to drive success. Strong ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals and constituencies. Works independently, collaborates across teams, and thrives in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities. Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in Finance, Education, Public Administration, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field; and a minimum of five (5) years of administrative experience in institutional research, institutional planning, institutional effectiveness or assessment at a comprehensive institution or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience in developing strategic plans, implementing initiatives and compiling/ analyzing data. Preferred Qualifications: Extensive experience in Institutional Research and Accreditation operations in a higher education environment. Previous supervisory experience Salary Range: $100,000 - $120,000 Benefits: Health insurance Dental insurance Life/AD&D insurance (MHSL pays for) Optional Life Insurance Disability Benefits (MHSL pays for) Paid time off (PTO) 403(b) Retirement plan (Generous MHSL match) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Competitive compensation package A respectful workplace Hybrid Work Option: Hybrid Position (Minneapolis/St. Paul Area): This is a hybrid role located in Minneapolis/St. Paul area offering the flexibility to work from home 1-2 days a week. The other days, you will work from our St. Paul, MN office, collaborating with your team. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled or otherwise closed at the College's discretion.