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Director of Institutional Effectiveness

The University of Lynchburg, a private, regional university in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Central Virginia, is seeking applicants for full-time Director of Institutional Effectiveness position in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

This position reports to, is supervised by, and evaluated by the Vice President & Chief of Staff. The evaluation of work performance will be ongoing and will include the specific duties and responsibilities outlined in this position description, as well as employee attitude and general working behavior.

Job Type: Full-time (Benefits Eligible)

Job Purpose:

The Director of Institutional Effectiveness leads the Office of Institutional Effectiveness (formerly University Data Analytics and Effectiveness) and is responsible for accreditation, institutional research, assessment, and data governance functions that support University of Lynchburg decision-making, planning, and compliance. The Director works closely with the Vice President & Chief of Staff and academic and administrative leaders across campus to ensure the University's data is accurate, well-governed, and used effectively to inform strategy.

Specific Job Duties:

• Coordinates and supports the University's regional accreditation processes, reporting, and documentation, working in partnership with the University's Institutional Accreditation Liaison.

• Oversees the collection, analysis, and dissemination of institutional data to support planning, assessment, and evaluation of academic programs and University effectiveness.

• Ensures timely and accurate completion of federal, state, and other external reporting requirements (e.g., IPEDS, SCHEV, NCAA).

• Supervises the Coordinator of Institutional Research and other Institutional Effectiveness staff; participates in the recruitment, selection, and performance evaluation of unit personnel.

• Partners with the University Chief Information Officer (CIO) on data governance standards, data definitions, and the integrity of data feeding institutional dashboards and reports.

• Coordinates the development of program goals, objectives, policies, and standards for institutional data and effectiveness.

• Manages and maintains institutional dashboards and reporting tools used by University leadership.

• Responds to ad hoc requests for institutional data from campus leadership and external constituents.

• Serves on appropriate University standing and ad hoc committees.

• Manages the budget and daily operations of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Starting Salary:
$85,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Generous paid vacation, personal days, paid sick time and family leave, comprehensive insurance (medical, dental, vision, etc.) and retirement plans, flexible spending account, tuition remission, life and long-term disability insurance, and more. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg. Learn more about employment benefits at the University of Lynchburg.

Schedule:

• 8:30 am - 5:00 pm (7.5 hours/day) with some evenings and weekends to meet needs of the department.

Experience/Skills:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to identify and use appropriate and compelling data to contribute to effective decision-making.

• Ability to analyze and leverage data to promote institutional effectiveness, and to explain the use of data for the non-technical user.

• Awareness of trends in higher education that assist in strategic decision-making.

• Familiarity with multiple research and assessment platforms; understanding of data governance and data quality practices.

• Demonstrated ability to lead teams and collaborate across university units.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting/standing and computer use.

• Frequent wrist and hand movement (typing, document handling).

• Ability to lift 15 lbs.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a related field of study.

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience with data management, institutional research, or institutional effectiveness, preferably in higher education.

• Experience with accreditation processes and external compliance reporting.

• Proven ability to develop and maintain data architecture and dashboards across diverse institutional units.

• Familiarity with data visualization or query tools.

Preferred qualifications:

• Terminal degree (e.g., PhD. or Ed.D.) in a related field such as higher education administration, institutional research, data science, or educational leadership.

• Direct experience with The Commission on Colleges and Universities (formerly SACSCOC) or another regional accrediting body.

• Experience supervising staff and managing a departmental budget.

Education:

• Master's degree required

Work Remotely:

• No

We seek candidates who are committed to the University of Lynchburg’s efforts to create an environment that fosters a student-centered environment, develops the breadth of knowledge associated with liberal education, respects and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion, values and celebrates diverse faith traditions, and sustains close working relationships among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners.

Candidates must successfully pass a background check that is satisfactory to the University. 

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to: 

Human Resources Jobs Page

The University of Lynchburg is dedicated to inclusive excellence. We celebrate the diversity of our common life, affirming our different histories, realities, and identities. All belong here. 

As a testament to our strong commitment to accessibility, diversity, and inclusion, we will attract, celebrate, and retain a community of diverse students, staff, and faculty; foster belonging; and create a campus environment that embraces civil discourse and accountability for our words and actions. 

The University of Lynchburg embraces diversity in its broadest sense. We will cultivate an inclusive, equitable, and safe campus climate grounded in mutual respect and understanding, where all members of our diverse learning community - alumni, employees, learners, visitors, and volunteers- can thrive. 

The University of Lynchburg is an equal-opportunity employer.