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Director Of Institutional Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Director of Institutional Research

Ashland, OR · On-site

$98K - $110K/yr

The Director of Institutional Research is a pivotal leadership role responsible for providing foundational data, analytics, and strategic thinking to advance the university's priorities. This ...

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$51K

$83.7K

$133.5K

How much do director of institutional research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of 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 does a director of institutional research do?

A Director of Institutional Research oversees the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to support decision-making within a college or university. They are responsible for providing accurate reports on student enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and other key performance indicators. This role often involves preparing data for accreditation, strategic planning, and policy development. The Director also ensures compliance with federal and state reporting requirements and may collaborate with multiple departments to inform institutional effectiveness.

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 methodology, and higher education assessment, typically supported by an advanced degree in education, statistics, or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, SAS, or R), data visualization tools, and institutional reporting systems is essential. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help drive collaboration and informed decision-making. These skills are crucial for ensuring data-driven strategies, regulatory compliance, and institutional effectiveness in higher education settings.

What is the difference between Director Of Institutional Research vs Data Analyst?

AspectDirector Of Institutional ResearchData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Education, Research, or related field; experience in institutional researchBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, research departmentsVarious industries including education, healthcare, business
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, educational organizationsCorporations, government agencies, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in researchAnalyzing data to inform decisions

The main difference is that the Director Of Institutional Research oversees research strategies, manages teams, and aligns institutional goals, while a Data Analyst focuses on analyzing data sets to support decision-making. The Director role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas Data Analysts typically handle data processing and reporting tasks.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of institutional research, and how can they be addressed?

Directors of Institutional Research often face challenges such as managing large volumes of data from multiple sources, ensuring data accuracy, and meeting tight reporting deadlines. Additionally, they must effectively communicate complex findings to stakeholders with varying levels of technical understanding. To address these challenges, it is important to implement robust data management systems, foster strong collaboration with IT and academic departments, and continuously develop data visualization and presentation skills.

What does a director of institutional research do?

A director of institutional research is responsible for leadership and oversight of research activities at colleges and universities. In this career, you collect data on the performance of your institution and coordinate with all departments to analyze and create reports based on the data you compile. You develop an annual research plan for your institution. You are also responsible for the management of reporting requirements and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal agencies. As the director of institutional research, you may be responsible for hiring qualified research staff for the college.

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Director Of Institutional Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Institutional Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,712 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Director of Institutional Research

Association For Institutional Research

Wayne, NE • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Nature of Work: The Director of Institutional Research leads the development, validation, and assimilation of appropriate enrollment, student, faculty, and relevant data reports for the campus community and outside agencies in support of campus planning, assessment, and continuous improvement.

  1. Work closely with information technology and other appropriate units on campus to lead, develop and maintain campus data bases, technology, and data archival systems relating to institutional research
  2. Provide leadership for multiple, simultaneous campus reporting processes and establish reporting development and process priorities
  3. Supervise the completion of data reports and ad-hoc requests, and provide Institutional Research support for a variety of State College System and Wayne State Campus stakeholders
  4. Coordinate and supervise the completion of student, enrollment, alumni, facility, and faculty-related reports and surveys for internal and external audiences including system, state, and federal reports
  5. Provide leadership and support for the Institutional Research team, including professional development & continuous improvement through process review, assessment, revision, and training
  6. Develop, complete, and publish periodic and annual enrollment and campus summaries
  7. Oversee the development and maintenance of the Student Right to Know webpage
  8. Coordinate the completion of the National Survey for Student Engagement ( NSSE )
  9. Serve on college committees and work collaboratively with campus community members
  10. Supervise and evaluate Institutional Research staff and administer budget
  11. Ensure adherence to IR, institutional, and NSCS policies and procedures
  12. Other job-related duties as assigned by the VPAA
Job Qualifications

Master’s Degree

Institution Description

Wayne State College serves as a model of success for regional public higher education. Investments in infrastructure and facilities, expanded academic programs and partnerships, a whole-campus approach to recruitment and retention, and a commitment to strategic planning position the College as a strong member of the Nebraska State College System. More than 4,500 students rely on Wayne State for access to graduate and undergraduate degree programs in more than 130 programs of study each year, a role the College has proudly filled since its founding in 1891. Our goals are clear: continually improve retention and graduation rates, provide high-quality academic programs and campus facilities, support workforce and economic development in the region, maintain affordability and access, and manage resources for sustainability. We invite qualified applicants to join us in our important work.

Reports To: Vice President of Academic Affairs

Staff # Reporting to Position: 1

Reports In Office: Academic Affairs

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