"Institutional Research Associate"

Summary of Job Duties

The Institutional Research Associate is responsible for assisting with the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of data relating to institutional research, including maintaining data systems, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting. The position reports to the Director of Institutional Research & Strategic Planning. This position can be on-campus, remote, or hybrid.

Qualifications

Required Education and/or Work Experience: A bachelor’s degree in Computer/Information Science, Statistics, or related field or two years’ experience in institutional research or a closely related field that employs significant data analysis capabilities.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience: A Master’s degree in Computer/Information Science, Statistics, or related field and two years’ work experience in higher education, preferably in institutional research; broad knowledge of data interpretation, statistical analysis, research design, computer skills including the use of Excel, Access, SAS, Oracle, SQL, OLAP Cubes, HTLM, and PHP; leadership and communications skills. Experience working with the Workday student information system.

Summary of Job Duties

• Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive institutional research program to support the university’s strategic goals and decision-making.
• Data Analysis: conduct research and data analysis using relevant statistical methodologies and tools to extract meaningful insights and trends.
• Data Interpretation: Conduct research and data analysis using relevant statistical methodologies and tools to extract meaningful insights and trends.
• Reporting: Develop informative reports, visualizations, and dashboards that effectively communicate research findings to a wide range of audiences, including senior management, faculty, staff, and external parties.
• Database Management: Build, Manage, and maintain data repositories and databases owned by institutional research, ensuring data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Compliance and Data Security: Ensure that all data collection and handling activities adhere to relevant data privacy and compliance regulations, including FERPA, GDPR, or other applicable standards.
• Documentation: Maintain thorough and organized documentation of data sources, methodologies, and analytical processes for transparency, auditing, and continuity purposes.
• Training and Support: Provide training, guidance, and support to university staff and faculty members in utilizing reporting tools and interpreting their results.
• Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and departments to ensure the seamless flow of information and data for decision-making.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality assurance processes to verify the accuracy and consistency of data used in research activities.
• Project Management: Manage research projects, including setting objectives, timelines, and resource allocation, to meet institutional and office goals.
• Responsible for maintaining a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner to foster teamwork and by providing leadership to subordinates.
• Requires consistent on-time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform the job successfully, the following competencies are required for the essential functions of this position:

• Ability to work independently or as a team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to form strong work relationships with other key offices.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Critical thinking and problem solving.
• Technical competency with student information system and databases.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation skills.
• Database management skills.

Additional Information

Working Relationships: Strong working relationships with the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Accounts, Advising, Academics, Admissions, and some outside offices like the Arkansas Department of Higher Education are essential.

List Employees Supervised: None

Special Job Dimensions: Work performed primarily in an office setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly exhibits digital dexterity when entering data into computer. The employee frequently sits for extended periods of time, and occasionally stands and walks. Vision demands include close, relatively detailed vision when focusing on a computer screen. Employee regularly talks and hears. Employee occasionally lifts items up to 50 pounds. Routine work schedule Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm with occasional overtime and travel required.

Background Check Requirements: Criminal Background Check and Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) Check.

Salary Information: $60,000 - $62,500, commensurate with education/experience.

Required Documents to Apply: Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants: Full consideration for applications is September 14, 2025.