Institutional Research & Assessment Specialist

Title: Institutional Research & Assessment Specialist

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: Admin Support Units

Department: ASER

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Summary

The Institutional Research & Assessment Specialist collects, organizes, analyzes, and visualizes institutional data, and provides support for the assessment of student learning outcomes. They work closely with other staff members in University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) and Assessment, Survey, and Effectiveness Research (ASER) to produce high-quality data resources to support campus decision-making in accordance with the University's Strategic Plan.

Essential Functions

Collects and extracts data from various institutional systems.

Maintains and updates existing Tableau dashboards and contributes to the development of new ones.

Prepares data for external reporting requirements (e.g., IPEDS, UMass President's Office, state agencies, rankings) by compiling information and verifying accuracy.

Supports survey research activities by programming surveys in Qualtrics, assisting with survey administration, and cleaning and preparing data sets for use.

Codes and analyzes qualitative data, including open-ended survey responses and focus group transcripts.

Assists with the management of user roles and permissions for Flagship Analytics, the University's primary data resource platform.

Adheres to data governance and data security policies and maintains confidentiality.

Supports academic programs as they develop assessment plans and tools.

Collaborates with and supports UAIR and ASER team members to prepare summary reports and presentations that highlight assessment findings, programmatic strengths and weaknesses, and actionable recommendations for improvement to academic programs.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and at least one (1) year of relevant professional experience.

Familiarity with social science research methods and/or data analytics (quantitative and/or qualitative).

Experience using statistical analysis software or survey platforms (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, Qualtrics).

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to ask clarifying questions and present materials in a way that is easy to understand regardless of the data expertise of the audience.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines for concurrent and/or competing projects.

Ability to work both independently and as part of an effective team with a highly cooperative and collaborative work style.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to create and maintain harmonious relationships with a diverse population of constituents.

Ability to take on a variety of tasks related to the successful operation of the unitand the ability to adapt and work effectively as the unit grows.

The ability to think through problems, organize and seek out information, identify key factors and underlying causes, and generate solutions or resolve discrepancies.

The ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Higher Education, Educational Assessment, Sociology, Psychology, Public Policy, or Data Analytics.

Experience with SAS or SPSS.

Experience with Qualtrics.

Experience developing user-friendly data analytics dashboards using Tableau, Power BI, or other data visualization tool(s).

Foundational knowledge of best practices in survey research.

Foundational knowledge of best practices in program and general education outcomes assessment.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week.

This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee's work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Professional Staff Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Staff Union collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 27

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges.

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the online application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide the names and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.