Director Institutional Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college. Southwest has four campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Title: Institutional Research Analyst

Employee Classification: Other Professionals

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: OIRPE

Campus Location: SWTCC - Remote / Main Campus

Job Summary

The Institutional Research Analyst advances evidence-based decision making by preparing clean datasets, building dashboards and recurring reports, and conducting descriptive analyses and basic predictive modeling under the guidance of the Director of Institutional Research & Effectiveness.
The Analyst accesses multiple institutional systems and applies analytical tools to integrate, validate, and interpret data for internal and external stakeholders. The role prepares files, documentation, and validation checks for mandated state and federal reporting (e.g., IPEDS and TBR); the Director retains final review and submission authority, and the Analyst does not hold external submission authority. The Analyst supports enterprise surveys (such as CCSSE, SENSE, and course evaluations) through instrument setup, sampling files, and results summaries while the Director owns the overall survey portfolio and cadence.
The position contributes to the data dictionary and broader data-governance activities by documenting sources, definitions, and quality checks, and develops reproducible code with clear version control and documentation for analyses and dashboards. The Analyst collaborates closely with Information Technology, Student Enrollment Management, Academic Affairs & Workforce, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and other partners to ensure accurate, timely deliverables aligned with institutional priorities.

Job Duties

• Data Collection and Management:
  • Collect, clean, and maintain large datasets from various internal and external sources.
  • Ensure data integrity and accuracy through regular audits and quality checks.
  • Design and implement surveys using tools like Baseline, Microsoft forms, and PowerAutomate.
  • Analyze survey results and provide insights to inform institutional strategies and initiatives.
• Data Analysis:
  • Analyze data related to enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and other key performance indicators.
  • Identify trends, patterns, and insights to inform strategic planning and policy development.
  • Queries, compiles, analyzes, and summarizes data and other information needed for IR projects, such as the Common Data Set and ad hoc requests.
• Reporting and Visualization:
  • Assist in the analysis and reporting of other institutional data, as needed for planning, evaluation, and assessment.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive reports, dashboards, and visualizations using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar software.
  • Present findings to leadership team and faculty in a clear and concise manner.
  • Compile and automate federal and state reports, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
  • Utilize appropriate software tools to streamline the reporting process and enhance efficiency.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with faculty, staff, and administrators to understand data needs and provide analytical support.
  • Assist in the design and implementation of surveys and other data collection instruments.
  • Participates in ongoing professional development activities to acquire and maintain knowledge and skills that are essential for performing the duties of the position and for supporting the Office in following best practices in data visualization and institutional research.
  • Serve on campus committees
• Compliance and Confidentiality:
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding data privacy and reporting.
  • Follow security, compliance, governance and data standards for collecting, querying, storing, transporting, visualizing and sharing student and College data.
  • Actively participate in the data governance process to maintain high data quality and integrity across all systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field.
  
• Minimum of two years of experience in data analysis or a related role.
  
• A background check will be required for the successful candidate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
  
• Experience in institutional research within a higher education setting, preferably at a community college.
  
• Familiarity with student information systems (e.g., Banner, Colleague).
  
• Knowledge of accreditation processes and reporting requirements.
  
• Understanding of data governance and best practices in data management

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficiency in statistical software and programming languages such as SQL, R, Python, or SPSS.
  
• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
  
• Demonstrated proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite, specifically an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Excel (i.e., Pivot Tables, data manipulation, formulas, etc.).
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Well-developed verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to relay data discrepancies in an organized and easily understandable manner.
  
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:  LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.