Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness

Job ID: 31485

Location: School of Professional Studies

POSITION DETAILS

As a leading online school in New York since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule. As CUNY SPS moves beyond its 20th year, we dedicate ourselves to engendering an innovative and transformative student-centered experience.

The Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness provides strategic leadership for strategic planning, administrative assessment, institutional research, accreditation, and other high-impact initiatives that advance School-wide improvement and data-informed decision-making. Reporting to the Dean, the Executive Director works closely with senior leadership, faculty, and administrative units to ensure alignment between institutional goals, mission, and outcomes.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provides leadership and oversight for institutional effectiveness, including administrative assessment, institutional research, strategic planning, the CUNY performance management process (PMP), and regional accreditation activities.
• Advances strategic planning processes by coordinating planning workgroups, supporting implementation milestones, and maintaining effective communication and tracking tools (e.g., Teams sites).
• Guides School-wide preparation for Middle States accreditation cycles, including evidence gathering, documentation, assessment reporting, and coordination across academic and administrative units.
• Oversees the Office of Institutional Research, ensuring high-quality data collection, analysis, reporting, and data governance practices.
• Leads and manages complex multi-unit institutional projects, ensuring accountability, timely progress, and alignment with School goals.
• Partners with senior leadership to translate the Dean’s priorities into actionable initiatives and represents the Dean in meetings, planning activities, and cross-departmental projects as needed.
• Strengthens institutional data culture by promoting evidence-based planning, continuous improvement, and the use of assessment results to guide decision-making.
• Supports organizational performance and operational effectiveness by identifying challenges, recommending solutions, and facilitating process improvements across departments.
• Ensures alignment between School mission, strategic priorities, and ongoing initiatives, including major institutional transitions.

NOTE:

• This position was previously posted under Job ID# 30785; applicants to that posting need not reapply.
• Until further notice, work will be performed in a hybrid manner with 70% onsite presence.

QUALIFICATIONS

This position is in CUNY's Executive Compensation Plan. All executive positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience. Additional qualifications are defined below.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strategic vision, leadership, and the ability to implement complex initiatives that support institutional effectiveness and continuous improvement.

• Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Institutional Research, Data Analytics, Applied Statistics, Organizational Development or a related field from an accredited institution.
• At least eight years of progressively responsible experience in institutional effectiveness, assessment, planning, or related areas in higher education.
• Comprehensive knowledge of NY State Education Department approval and Middle States accreditation standards, processes, and reporting requirements.
• Experience leading School- or institution-wide performance assessment and strategic planning efforts across academic and administrative units.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, data-informed reports and communicate complex information effectively to varied audiences.
• Commitment to data integrity, with an understanding of data governance and evidence-based decision-making practices.
• Proven analytic and strategic thinking skills, including the ability to diagnose challenges, design solutions, and guide organizational improvement.
• Successful track record of supervising staff, fostering collaboration, and building effective teams.
• Engagement with professional organizations related to institutional research, assessment, accreditation, or effectiveness.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity and supporting institutional change to promote inclusive excellence.

CUNY TITLE
Professional School Assistant Admin

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with education and experience, from $130,000 - $150,000.

CUNY's benefits contribute significantly to total compensation, supporting health and wellness, financial well-being, and professional development. We offer a range of health plans, competitive retirement/pension benefits and savings plans, tuition waivers for CUNY graduate study and generous paid time off. Our staff also benefits from the extensive academic, arts, and athletic programs on our campuses and the opportunity to participate in a lively, diverse academic community in one of the greatest cities in the world.

HOW TO APPLY

From our job posting system, select "Apply Now", create or log in to a user account, and provide the requested information. If you are viewing this posting from outside our system, access the employment page on our web site and search for this vacancy using Job ID# 31485 or Title.

• Applicants must attach a resume and cover letter.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

CLOSING DATE

January 6, 2026