ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Institutional Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInstitutional Research JobsDirector Institutional Research Jobs

Director Institutional Research information

See salary details

$51K

$83.7K

$133.5K

How much do director institutional research jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for director institutional research in the United States is $83,712.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Institutional Research, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Institutional Research, you need expertise in data analysis, research methodologies, and higher education policy, usually backed by an advanced degree in statistics, education, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or SAS), data visualization tools, and institutional reporting systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are crucial for managing teams and presenting findings to diverse stakeholders. These skills enable the director to drive data-informed decision-making, support accreditation, and foster institutional improvement.

What are some typical challenges faced by a Director of Institutional Research when working with stakeholders across campus?

Directors of Institutional Research often navigate the challenge of balancing diverse data requests from various campus stakeholders, such as administrators, faculty, and accreditation bodies. This requires strong communication skills to clarify data needs, set realistic expectations, and ensure data integrity while managing tight deadlines. Additionally, they must stay current with evolving compliance standards and effectively translate complex data analyses into actionable insights for decision-makers. Collaboration and the ability to build trust with different departments are key to overcoming these challenges and delivering meaningful results.

What are Director Institutional Research?

A Director of Institutional Research is a senior-level professional responsible for overseeing the collection, analysis, and reporting of data within an educational institution, typically at colleges or universities. Their main role is to provide data-driven insights to support decision-making, planning, and assessment processes. They often manage teams, develop research methodologies, ensure data quality, and communicate findings to administrators and stakeholders. The director also ensures compliance with accreditation requirements and external reporting obligations. Their work is crucial for institutional effectiveness and strategic planning.
More about Director Institutional Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Director Institutional Research jobs? Cities with the most Director Institutional Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Institutional Research jobs? The most popular types of Institutional Research jobs are:
What states have the most Director Institutional Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Director Institutional Research jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Director Institutional Research jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Director Institutional Research jobs are:
Director Institutional Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Institutional Research job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,712 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Staff: Office of Institutional Research - Director of Institutional Effectiveness

Cedarville

Cedarville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Working at Cedarville University is more than a job, it's a calling. A call to help equip students to go into the world and do great things for the Kingdom. A call to use the gifts God has given you to make the most of every day. A call to work as unto the Lord. God is doing great things at Cedarville University and we are excited for you to be part of it.
When applying, please include a resume/CV and cover letter in PDF format. Additional documents will be requested if needed. Please do not submit documents that include dates of birth, social security numbers, or that require password access.
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.
Cedarville University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply