POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State is seeking a forward-thinking and detail-oriented Director of Institutional Reporting to lead the University’s official reporting functions within the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research (OPAIR). The Director of Institutional Reporting will report to the Assistant Vice Provost for Institutional Research and lead the University’s external reporting and compliance functions, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, and strategic alignment of data submissions across the University’s 24-campuses. This role manages recurring and ad hoc reporting processes, oversees a team of analysts, and serves as a key liaison with external agencies and internal stakeholders. The Director plays a critical role in shaping data strategy, improving reporting processes, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and accreditation mandated reporting, including but not limited to IPEDS, AAUDE, Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and national ranking publications.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of data and reporting professionals, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accuracy
- Direct the development and submission of mandated federal, state, and accreditation compliance reports (e.g., IPEDS, PDE, MSCHE)
- Ensure quality assurance and data integrity across official reporting channels, including internal governance, rankings (e.g., U.S. News, Times Higher Ed), and benchmarking platforms such as AAUDE
- Direct the collection, validation, and analysis of institutional data from multiple sources and offices (e.g., student information systems, HR systems, Office of Student Aid, Enrollment Management)
- Identify trends and anomalies in historical data to inform reporting and strategic planning
- Monitor, interpret, and communicate emerging trends, regulations, and policy changes that may impact institutional reporting
- Offer strategic guidance and scenario analysis to senior leaders regarding reporting-related risks and opportunities
Required Qualifications:
- Experience in higher education reporting, institutional research, or higher education analytics
- Demonstrated experience with external reporting to agencies such as IPEDS, AAUDE, and US News
- Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Excel, Power BI, SPSS, or R)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Higher Education, Public Policy, Data Science, or Statistics)
- Familiarity with national higher education data exchanges and associations (AAUDE, APLU, AIR, etc.)
- Experience coordinating reporting across multi-campus systems
- Experience with student information systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft)
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $164,000.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
