GENERAL PURPOSE:  The Director of Institutional Market Research and Assessment will lead the development and implementation of effective institutional and market research practices in support of the University’s Strategic Growth Action Plan.  The Director will encourage a culture of assessment and data-driven decision making throughout the University and will contribute to Heidelberg’s transformation, improvement and growth.  This full-time administrative position will be the central point of contact for departmental, institutional and external data analysis and reporting to allow for continued assessment of institutional effectiveness. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Reports directly to the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost.  Works closely with University leaders to assist and support critical research initiatives and decision making.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  The Director of Institutional Market Research and Assessment will be responsible for planning and project management, will work collaboratively with University faculty and staff, and may exert management oversight as needed for successful outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Institutional and Market Research (60%) 

• Conduct and disseminate market research to appropriate campus stakeholders in support of institutional strategic goals, including collecting competitive information in various formats, views, and presentation styles. 
• Collect, analyze and report broader data related to environmental factors, best practices and emerging trends that may signal change or have implications for the University's efforts. 
• Support the development of new academic, student life, and athletic initiatives. 
• Provide support and analysis for institutional planning, budgeting, program review, accreditation, enrollment, and assessment processes. 
• Regularly publish findings through written and graphical reports and presentations (e.g., Annual Fact Book). 
• Coordinate administration and completion of the Common Data Set, IPEDS, USNWR, FVT/GE, and similar information required by governmental, accrediting, and other agencies. 
• Coordinate the evaluation of all institutional grants and assist with grant reporting. 

Assessment and Accreditation (40%) 

• Serve as the institutional HLC liaison and lead all institutional assessment and accreditation efforts. 
• Support accredited programs (e.g. Nursing, Athletic Training, Counseling, Music, Education, and Business) in their accreditation processes. 
• Collaborate with academic departments on the assessment of programs and student learning to foster a culture of continuous improvement. 
• Work closely with faculty to identify key curricular and student learning outcomes and to develop related assessment tools to allow for continued curricular evaluation and revision. 
• Serve as an ex officio member on appointed committees and task forces and act as a resource for data and analyses that facilitate University programs and services (e.g., grant proposals). 
• Participate in professional organizations for professional development. 
• Perform other responsibilities and special projects as assigned by the Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost and/or members of the Strategic Leadership Team.

CORE VALUES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: 

• Core values – models leadership values of integrity, honesty, humility, transparency, respectfulness, diversity, caring, loyalty and accountability in all work. 
• Intellectual dynamism – demonstrates mental sharpness, capability and agility. 
• Self-knowledge – gains insight from successes and mistakes. 
• Personal learning – seeks feedback and counsel to improve managerial behavior. 
• Peer relationships – encourages collaboration and cooperation across the organization. 
• Teamwork – performs most effectively as a hard-working member of a team. 
• Constituency focus – completes work to meet constituencies’ expectations and requirements. 
• Community focus – brings a spirit of enthusiasm and energy to the campus and town. 

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required Education and Professional Experience: 

• (A) Master’s degree; and, 
• (B) Two (2) to four (4) years successful relevant experience. 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• (A) Advanced degree; and, 
• (B) Professional IR experience in higher education or other not-for-profit organizations, 
• (C) Experience using Banner ERP software. 

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Technology skills to utilize word processing, spreadsheets, statistical analysis, reporting, and presentation software proficiently. 
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information. 
• Adept at multitasking while accurately attending to detail. 
• Able to work independently. 
• Enjoy working with people. 
• Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism, trustworthiness, and initiative. 
• A commitment to support the University’s mission and values. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:  Knowledge of operation and use of various office equipment including, but not limited to: personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software, fax machine, copier, telephone, scanner, and printers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use arms, hands and fingers to operate and manipulate equipment generally found in an office setting.  The employee may be frequently required to be mobile, communicate, and hear.  The employee may occasionally be subject to a variety of outdoor environmental conditions including heat, cold, and precipitation.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifteen (15) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Mental demands include varied degrees of occasional stress while performing job duties. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in an office setting, and educational facilities including sports and entertainment venues, all of which may be indoor or outdoor.  The noise level in the work environment will range from moderately quiet to occasionally loud.