Staff: Office of Institutional Research - Director of Institutional Effectiveness

The Cedarville University Office of Institutional Research seeks a Director of Institutional Effectiveness. This is a full-time (2080-hour) staff position that reports to the University Registrar.

This leadership role provides strategic leadership for the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of institutional data to support planning, assessment, accreditation, and decision-making across the institution. The Director of Institutional Research ensures the integrity, accuracy, and effective use of data to advance institutional effectiveness, student success, and compliance with internal and external reporting requirements.

The Director oversees institutional research operations, including survey design, data governance, analytics, and reporting to federal, state, and accrediting bodies. Working collaboratively with academic and administrative units, the Director translates complex data into clear, actionable insights and fosters a culture of evidence-based decision-making. This role also serves as a key advisor to University leadership by providing trend analysis, benchmarking, and strategic intelligence aligned with institutional priorities.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of institutional research activities that support strategic planning, accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness.
• Design, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data related to enrollment, student success, academic programs, finance, and operations.
• Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of institutional data used for internal decision-making and external reporting.
• Oversee mandatory reporting to federal, state, and accrediting agencies, including but not limited to IPEDS and state accountability systems.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and analytical tools that translate complex data into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
• Advise senior leadership on trends, projections, benchmarking, and policy implications using data-informed analysis.
• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to support program review, outcomes assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish and promote data governance standards, definitions, and documentation to ensure consistency and transparency across the institution.
• Supervise and mentor institutional research staff, including workload planning, performance evaluation, and professional development.
• Manage institutional surveys, including survey design, administration, analysis, and dissemination of results.
• Monitor emerging trends, regulations, and best practices in institutional research, analytics, and higher education accountability.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, security, and ethical standards in all research and reporting activities.
• Prepare and present reports and analyses to executive leadership, governance bodies, and external audiences as needed.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Master’s degree in institutional research, higher education, statistics, social science, data analytics, or a related field.
• Progressively responsible experience in institutional research, institutional effectiveness, data analytics, or a closely related area.
• Demonstrated experience with student information systems and institutional data structures.
• Direct experience preparing and submitting IPEDS and/or state or federal higher education reports.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex data to non-technical audiences. Experience using statistical analysis software, advanced spreadsheet tools, web-based research, and survey software programs. Accomplished in use of complex database and reporting applications.
• Knowledge of FERPA and ethical standards for handling institutional data.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, statistical, and math-related skills are required
• Excellent and proven organizational and leadership skills
• Previous work experience with programs in higher education preferred
• Understanding of and appreciation for Christian higher education
• Must agree with Cedarville University Doctrinal Statement, Community Covenant, and General Work Place Standards.

Required Software Competencies:

• Student Information Systems (SIS): Ability to independently extract, validate, and analyze student, course, and outcomes data.
• Advanced Spreadsheet Software: High-level proficiency with pivot tables, formulas, lookups, data validation, and reconciliation.
• Ad Hoc Reporting and BI Tools: Ability to independently design, maintain, and troubleshoot standard and ad hoc reports.
• IPEDS and State/Federal Reporting Systems: Direct responsibility for preparing, validating, and submitting all required reports.
• Statistical Analysis Software: Ability to perform descriptive statistics, cohort analysis, and trend analysis.
• Data governance and documentation tools, including data dictionaries and definitions.
• Basic dashboard and data visualization development.
• Assessment and accreditation platforms supporting program review and compliance.
• Survey Platforms: End-to-end responsibility for survey design, administration, analysis, and reporting.
• Document and Presentation Tools: Ability to produce executive-ready reports, visualizations, and presentations.
• Data Privacy and Compliance Practices: Working knowledge of FERPA and institutional data-handling standards.

This position is subject to the University's verification of credentials along with other information required by law and Cedarville University policies, including the successful completion of a background check. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position is located in Cedarville, Ohio.

 We Offer an Exceptional Employee Experience:

• A commitment to Scripture that informs everything we do –transforming lives through excellent education and equipping students to stand for the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ. We are a mission-led, Christian institution with numerous opportunities for your growth and contributions.
• An excellent and comprehensive employee benefits program for eligible employees and their families.
• Meaningful Christian community and fellowship among students, faculty, and staff.
• A beautiful, well-maintained campus with modern facilities in the serene, family-oriented town of Cedarville, Ohio.
• Free access to our first-class Athletic and Recreation Facilities.
• Free employee parking.
• Free access to Centennial Library campus resources.
• Campus Bookstore and Campus Dining Hall discounts.
• Opportunities to foster growth through chapel and other university-sponsored events.
• Opportunities to share the gospel worldwide through Global Outreach mission trips.

Contact Information:

All official inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Cochran, SHRM-CP, Director of Academic Human Resource Services. Position-specific inquiries should be directed to Fran Campbell, University Registrar.