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Institutional Research Associate Jobs in Columbus, GA

Institutional Research Associate information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$14

$29

$41

How much do institutional research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for institutional research associate in Columbus, GA is $29.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.46 and $33.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Research Associate, you need strong analytical skills, experience in data management, and typically a degree in statistics, social sciences, or a related field. Proficiency with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or SAS), database systems, and data visualization tools is highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills that enhance performance in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate data analysis, support data-driven decision-making, and facilitate clear reporting within educational or research institutions.

What is an institutional research associate?

Institutional Research Associates are professionals who collect, analyze, and interpret data to support decision-making within educational institutions, such as colleges and universities. They typically work in institutional research offices, focusing on areas like enrollment trends, student outcomes, accreditation, and policy evaluation. Their work ensures that institutions have accurate information for strategic planning, assessment, and reporting. Institutional Research Associates often collaborate with faculty, administrators, and external agencies to provide insights that guide institutional improvement.

How does an institutional research associate contribute to decision-making processes within a college or university?

Institutional Research Associates play a key role in informing leadership decisions by collecting, analyzing, and presenting data on student outcomes, enrollment trends, and program effectiveness. They often collaborate closely with academic departments, administrative offices, and accreditation bodies to provide evidence-based insights that support strategic planning and policy development. This role frequently involves preparing reports and visualizations, responding to ad hoc data requests, and ensuring data integrity—making it essential for IR Associates to communicate complex findings in a clear, actionable way. Their work ensures that institutional leaders have the information needed to make well-informed decisions that benefit students and the institution as a whole.

What is the difference between Institutional Research Associate vs Data Analyst?

AspectInstitutional Research AssociateData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in education, research, or related field; often requires familiarity with institutional data systemsBachelor's or master's in statistics, mathematics, or related field; proficiency in data analysis tools
Work EnvironmentHigher education institutions, research officesVarious industries including education, healthcare, business
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in educational institutions for policy and planningAcross multiple sectors for data-driven decision making

The Institutional Research Associate focuses on collecting, analyzing, and reporting data specific to educational institutions to support planning and policy. In contrast, Data Analysts work across industries, performing broader data analysis tasks. While both roles require strong analytical skills and familiarity with data tools, the Institutional Research Associate specializes in institutional data, making their roles distinct yet overlapping in data analysis expertise.

What job categories do people searching Institutional Research Associate jobs in Columbus, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Institutional Research Associate jobs in Columbus, GA are:

Sr. Account Executive / Account Executive, Sponsorship Sales (Auburn University)

Playfly Sports

Auburn, AL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

SR. ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE / ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, SPONSORSHIP SALES (AUBURN UNIVERSITY)
Auburn, AL
On-Site
THE RUNDOWN
Playfly Sports is looking for a Sr. Account Executive/Account Executive, Sponsorship Sales to join our team in Auburn. The ideal candidate must be driven and motivated to execute the Playfly Sports Properties revenue model and to understand the distinctive relationship with Auburn University. This role will work with the General Manager to pitch and close enterprise partnership agreements between the university & Playfly. This role will also be responsible for generating incremental sponsorship revenue to meet and exceed individual and team goals. Lastly, this role will interact with and support current clients and sponsors during game day and non-sporting events.
WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH
• Assist in developing and executing a sales plan to meet individual and team revenue targets
• Identify and perform outreach to potential sponsors for the university sports property through networking with the university stakeholders and business partners, researching local, regional and national companies
• Prospect, meet, and close new and renewal corporate sponsorships
• Develop sales presentations for new marketing partners by incorporating research, category dynamics and a clear understanding of partner's marketing goals
• Create sales proposals and draft/negotiate contracts
• Entertain and cultivate sponsors in non-game related settings
• Represent the university sports property, the university, and Playfly Sports Properties in a professional manner
• Research sports sponsorship industry and stay current with relevant market trends and conditions
• Develop dynamic integrated partnership packages that meet client's marketing objectives via thorough needs assessment and a collaborative sales process
• Support team members with contract deliverables to ensure best-in-class experience for university partners and sponsors
• Other job-related duties as assigned
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
• Bachelor's degree required
• 3-5 years of sales experience required; Experience with integrated and "conceptual" sales required. Direct sales experience in the sports multi-media environment preferred.
• Proven experience meeting assigned sales quota
• Ability to generate and present ideas and concepts succinctly and provide creative solutions to prospects and clients
• Proficient professional sales presentation skills
• Outstanding communication skills are essential for interactions with clients, operational leaders and other senior executives
• Passionate about the college sports and athletics industry
TRAVEL, LIFTING, PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk-up stairs
• Be available to travel for client presentations
• Must be able to work nights and weekends around sporting events
WHAT WE DO
Playfly Sports is the full-service, leading sports marketing and media company that enables brands to engage with sports fans on a local, regional, and national level through scaled linear, digital, and experiential assets. Playfly Sports drives outcome-based solutions into 90-million households via more than 7,800 live U.S. broadcasts of MLB, NBA, and NHL games; and influences sports fans of all ages through the management of college and high school multimedia rights, uniform branding, and high-profile sports sponsorship platforms. Playfly Sports has the unique ability to partner, innovate, and advance the aspirations of athletes, brands, academic institutions, and sports fans across the U.S. Playfly Sports is Powered by Partnership. Visit Playfly Sports online at playfly.com
WHAT WE STAND FOR
At Playfly, we know that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive company is a more innovative and successful one, but more importantly, we believe it's just the right thing to do. Through conversations, company initiatives, community events and partnerships, policy changes, data analysis, workshops, and support groups, we are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. We are here for the long haul and to do the meaningful work that creates true institutional change within our workplace, with our partners, and in the communities we serve.
EEOC & DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Playfly Sports affirms that inequality is detrimental to our associates, our clients, and the communities we serve. Our goal is to impact lasting change through our actions. Together, we unite for equality and equity. Playfly Sports is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of any protected characteristic, including race, color, genetic information, creed, national origin, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, lawful alien status, ancestry, age, marital status, or protected veteran status and will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of a disability. We support an inclusive workplace where associates excel based on personal merit, qualifications, experience, ability, and job performance.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Playfly Sports is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals, and as part of this commitment, Playfly Sports will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact recruiting@playfly.com.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at this time
Equal Opportunity Employer
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