Research Analyst

These are the values which have created a tradition of excellence spanning more than six decades, and which are enabling Holyoke Community College to meet today's challenges.

Mission: Educate. Inspire. Connect.

Values: Kindness, Inclusion, Trust, Innovation & Collaboration

Kindness, inclusion and trust are the foundation of the work that we do together. Innovation and collaboration enable us to explore and implement the ideas that will shape our future.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Strategic Analytics, the Research Analyst plays a key role in supporting the Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Strategic Analytics (OIESA) by collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting institutional information to support evidence-based decision-making across the College.

The Research Analyst will extract, analyze, visualize, and interpret a wide range of institutional data used for decision-making, assessment, program improvement, grant applications and reporting, as well as reporting to state and federal agencies. Responsibilities include collaborating with personnel across the College to collect and refine data, organizing and automating procedures for ongoing data management, and producing descriptive analyses in graphical, written, and numeric formats.

• Develops, maintains, and updates syntax/codes, reports, and data extracts to fulfill recurring and new data needs for internal and external reporting requirements.
• Conducts statistical analyses using appropriate analytical tools and methodologies.
• Integrates data from multiple sources to support institutional reporting and analysis.
• Develops and maintains technical documentation, data dictionaries, and reporting procedures.
• Analyzes institutional trends, including in-depth analysis of retention, graduation rates, and academic program outcomes, and prepares reports to support institutional planning and decision-making.
• Evaluates, analyzes, prepares, and submits institutional data and mandatory reports to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, the U.S. Department of Education, accreditation organizations, and other regulatory and reporting bodies, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timely submission of institutional data.
• Monitors changes in reporting requirements and implements necessary updates to reporting processes, methodologies, and documentation.
• Assists the Director of Assessment in the administration of institutional surveys and campus climate assessments, collaborating with college departments to establish a timeline for administration, and preparing data reports and dashboards where applicable.
• Manages internal survey projects, including survey design, administration, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and report preparation.
• Assists with the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to non-credit education, workforce development, and student progression outcomes.
• Analyzes data in response to ad hoc and cyclical requests by preparing interpretive analyses and presenting findings clearly and concisely in both narrative and graphical formats.
• Designs, develops, and maintains interactive, user-friendly dashboards using Tableau to visualize key data insights and trends for internal stakeholders.
• Provides documentation, training, and support to promote effective use and interpretation of institutional data and reporting resources.
• Maintains current knowledge of reporting regulations, emerging trends, and best practices in institutional research, assessment, and higher education analytics.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Mathematics or related field;
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant research experience (managing data files, analyzing data, creating reports);
• Understanding of and experience with relational databases;
• Knowledge of descriptive statistics;
• Working knowledge of SPSS/SAS or similar statistical software;
• Demonstrated ability in data visualization and business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI etc.);
• Mastery of Microsoft Office and Google suite;
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills;
• Able to prioritize tasks, yet manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines;
• Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records and documentation;
• Must be a team player capable of working independently who possesses the ability to work effectively with a diverse faculty and staff.

Equivalency Statement: We welcome and encourage applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above, to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them for the responsibilities of this position. It is preferred that this document be uploaded separately from the resume, cover letter, and references.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience in Institutional Research Office at a Community or State College or University;
• Experience reporting data to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education through the Higher Education Information Resources System (HEIRS);
• Experience preparing and validating Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) submissions.

Full-Time, Non-Unit Professional Position: Bi-Weekly Rate: $69,492.94 - $76,725.08 (Grade 5), plus a comprehensive State benefits package. Hours: 37.5 hrs./week. Funding Source: State. Additional Details: Please Note: a skills assessment or presentation may be required as part of the interview process.