Job SummaryThe Director of Institutional Research directs MGA's institutional research, data governance, and analytics functions. The Director supports the mission of MGA by reporting institutional data to federal, state, University System of Georgia, and other education agencies; administering and analyzing national and institutional surveys; developing predictive analytics and data visualization capabilities; and providing decision-support to institutional leadership. The Director establishes and enforces data governance standards, ensures the integrity and ethical use of institutional data, and plays an integral role in advancing MGA's compliance, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making agenda. The Director reports to the Chief Planning Officer/Vice President for Institutional Strategy.
Responsibilities Data Management, Compliance, and Reporting (25%) - Maintains databases, manages data, and creates reports designed to support institutional, federal, state, and University System of Georgia reporting requirements, including IPEDS and state accountability reports.
Manages the response to ad hoc data requests from institutional leadership and campus stakeholders by extracting, compiling, analyzing, and reporting data on students, instructional offerings, and academic operations.
Compiles and reports data on state and national trends in higher education.
Compiles reports, tables, drafts, memos and presentations, and edits for clarity and content.
Coordinates with University System of Georgia and campus information technology personnel to optimize and problem-solve the submission and reporting of institutional data.
Data Governance and Analytics (20%) - Develops and enforces data governance policies, standards, and stewardship practices in coordination with campus data owners.
Champions the development of predictive analytics capability, including modeling for student success, enrollment forecasting, and resource optimization.
Develops dashboards, scorecards, and data visualizations that communicate institutional performance and strategic plan progress to internal and external stakeholders.
Ensures data accuracy, integrity, security, and compliance with FERPA and other applicable data privacy standards.
Survey Administration and Institutional Research (15%) - Oversees the administration, analysis, and dissemination of national surveys (e.g., NSSE, CCSSE, HERI) and develops institution-specific survey instruments to support strategic planning and assessment.
Conducts institutional research studies and analyses in support of academic and administrative decision-making.
Assists with data, research, and evaluation activities for grant applications and management.
Strategic Planning and Decision Support (20%) - Provides reliable and relevant data and information to facilitate and support institutional strategic planning, budgeting, program assessment, and the development of institutional policy decisions.
Works with institutional stakeholders to ensure valid and reliable data accessibility necessary to inform system-level decision making.
Collaborates with the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and the Chief Planning Officer/Vice President for Institutional Strategy to align data and analytics activities with strategic goals, performance metrics, and accountability structures.
Provides analytical support for key strategic initiatives, including enrollment management, student success, academic program development, and resource allocation.
Professional Development and Representation (10%) - Participates in professional development related to institutional research, planning, data management, data analysis, and assessment activities.
Serves as institutional representative to the University System of Georgia Administrative Committee on Institutional Research and Planning.
Serves as MGA's representative for internal and external data-related projects and initiatives.
Provides training and consultation to campus stakeholders to strengthen data literacy and a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
Other Duties (10%) - Performs related duties as assigned.
Required QualificationsEducational RequirementsKnowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a master's degree in statistics, data science, public policy, institutional research, or a closely related field.
Required Experience Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research within a higher education environment, including experience sufficient to direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff.
Experience with enterprise data systems (e.g., Banner, PeopleSoft) and data visualization/business intelligence platforms.
Preferred QualificationsAdditional Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated experience with predictive analytics, machine learning applications, or advanced statistical modeling in higher education.
Preferred Educational Qualifications Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline.
Preferred Experience Experience administering and analyzing national survey instruments (e.g., NSSE, CCSSE, HERI).
Experience within a multi-campus institution or university system environment.
Knowledge, Skills, & AbilitiesKnowledge of mathematics, statistical analysis, statistical programs, and SQL.
Knowledge of database management principles and data warehouse environments.
Knowledge of institutional research, planning, and assessment principles and practices.
Knowledge of data governance principles and practices.
Knowledge of research and data evaluation principles.
Ability to analyze, interpret, and report data and communicate complex ideas and research findings clearly and concisely to all audiences.
Proficiency with data visualization and business intelligence software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
Proficient in using national databases (e.g., Census data, IPEDS).
Familiarity with predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning applications in higher education contexts.
Keen eye for detecting data discrepancies.
Knowledge of FERPA and ethical uses of data.
Demonstrated ability to learn new software and continually acquire new competencies.
Excellent analytical reasoning, problem solving, and written/verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks simultaneously to meet deadlines.
Able to handle confidential materials professionally and with discretion.
Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently.
USG Core ValuesThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional ValuesMiddle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning
Other InformationThis is a full-time, 12-month, exempt (salaried) staff position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:
- Health insurance
- Dental
- Vision
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Life Insurance
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Leave
- Parental Leave
- Retirement
- Employee discounts
- Tuition reimbursement
Background CheckEmployment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.
