Director Of Research

Full job description Position Information Ball State is a great place to work! In fact, Forbes has ranked Ball State University as the fourth-best midsized employer—and the only recognized education institution—in the State of Indiana. Learn More


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Position Title Director of Institutional Research


About this Opportunity The Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support at BSU is actively seeking a Director of Institutional Research. This role is ideal for a forward-thinking technologist who excels in a collaborative environment and is adept at leveraging advanced technology within a diverse tech landscape. As the lead architect of BSU's data warehouse and reporting infrastructure, you will be pivotal in customizing our data systems to support comprehensive analysis and predictive analytics. Working closely with the Office of Decision Support, you will ensure that our data infrastructure aligns with and advances the strategic goals of the university. The IR Director also acts as a crucial liaison for University College and other departments, driving initiatives that boost student engagement, success, and services through the interpretation of trends and the forecasting of future needs.


Our Statement on Inclusiveness At Ball State University, inclusiveness is one of the enduring values and informs all of our work. We define 'inclusiveness' as a commitment 'to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.' As such, this value incorporates a commitment to inclusive excellence and freedom of expression.


Benefits and Community
Ball State University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible positions. .


Affordable Healthcare

Retirement Tuition Remission (For eligible employees, their dependents, and spouse) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Live Near Your Work - If you are considering living near the Ball State area, please visit the following link to learn more about relocation and living in east central Indiana: FLSA Administrative Exemption


Hrs/Week 40


Length of Assignment Full-Time At-Will


Position Function The Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Institutional Research and Decision Support. This position works closely with the Director of Decision Support in the office of IRDS and leads the development of reliable data schemas and frozen files to support a wide range of institutional needs covering, but not limited to, required reports, accreditation, research, strategic planning, assessment, analysis, and predictive analytics. The position must be proactive in order to facilitate strategic planning, policymaking, resource allocations, and other processes requiring sound strategic analysis. The incumbent is responsible for timely completion of reporting to federal, state, and other external agencies. The Director will be responsible for the management and professional development of three direct reports.


Minimum Education Master's degree in data analytics, data science, business analytics, operations research, statistics, psychology, economics, computer science or a related quantitative research field. Must also have EITHER at least four years of work experience in an analytics environment, OR at least one year of direct work experience in Institutional Research.


Minimum Experience Experience required managing a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and a need to pivot seamlessly from one task to another. At least two years of experience working with statistical tools such as SPSS, SAS, Stata, R and/or other relevant analysis and analytics software; ability to interpret or code SQL and extract data from various databases (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server, Redshift); and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau). Must have demonstrated competence in institutional research processes, including data collection, analysis, analytics, standardized/statistical reporting, and use of statistical methods.


Minimum Other Authorization to work in the US Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.


Preferred Education Preferred Experience Advanced knowledge of statistical techniques and database schema design. Experience working with Banner student information system, Redshift, ClickUp, and ServiceNow.


Preferred Other Pre-Employment Screening Requires successful completion of a background check and education verification.


Position Title(s) Supervised Research Associate, Research Associate, Research Assistant


Required Certifications EEO Statement Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.


About Ball State University Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 270+ undergraduate and graduate programs. Many of our master's, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees rank among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.


There's more to discover IN Indiana! Visit the following link to learn more: IN Indiana Department Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support:105030


Department Information Department Email or Phone Number Duties & Responsibilities
Ranking 1


Job Duty Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive institutional research program that will support required reports, accreditation, research, strategic planning, assessment, analysis, predictive analytics, and other processes requiring robust understanding of underlying data schemas in Banner, Redshift, and other databases. Lead development in the DWH environment and the creation of frozen IR data files.


Ranking 2


Job Duty In conjunction with the Director of Decision Support and the AVP of IRDS, lead development to collaboratively optimize Ball State's DWH schema and frozen file preparation to support both visual and tabular reporting for required reports, accreditation, research, strategic planning, assessment, analysis, and predictive analytics.


Ranking 3


Job Duty Manage the institution's compliance with required state (ICHE) and federal (IPEDS) reporting requirements; provide dissemination of compiled research reports and oversee completion of external surveys including US News, College Board, and others.


Ranking 4


Job Duty Provide both operational and summary data to the BSU community. This includes, but is not limited to, routine data requests by the Provost, Deans, chairs, and others for program review, accreditation, reporting, and other needs. Provide information relating to academic programs, curriculum, students, faculty, staff, and other areas of the University as directed by the AVP of IRDS.


Ranking 5


Job Duty Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for reporting processes that ensure data integrity; improve existing data collection strategies and develop new approaches and procedures to guide institutional data governance.


Ranking 6


Job Duty Manage and guide the assignment and tracking of ad hoc requests for data/information. Work with the Administrative Coordinator and provide continued leadership developing IRDS task management within ClickUp.


Ranking 7


Job Duty Provide analysis and analytics to demonstrate the efficacy of student success and other institutional efforts to improve student outcomes.


Ranking 8


Job Duty Perform other related duties as assigned.


Posting Detail Information
Posting Number ******** P


Desired Start Date 06/03/2024


Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date 05/07/2024


Applications Accepted Through Date 05/21/2024


Open Until Filled No


Information regarding transcripts Transcripts required (even if obtained at BSU) at time of application, showing the date degree was conferred from granting institution. Original, official transcripts are required at time of hire. Degree verification will be conducted.


Special Instructions Summary Information for Applications Requiring a Cover Letter In support of your application for this position, please prepare and submit a cover letter that describes how your qualifications and experiences align with the elements of the position description (or leadership profile). In your cover letter, please also describe how you have demonstrated a commitment to our University's enduring values , including inclusiveness, which we define as a commitment 'to respect and embrace equity, inclusion, and diversity in people, ideas, and opinions.'