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Institutional Research Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Directs and manages the university's Institutional Research (IR) function, including the collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of institutional data to support strategic planning ...

$60 - $80/hr

... management. Experience At least two years of research experience (data collection, retrieval ... departmental and institutional needs. While it is not a remote position, the college has ...

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Institutional Research Manager information

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$50K

$98.6K

$173.5K

How much do institutional research manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for institutional research manager in the United States is $98,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $114,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an institutional research manager do?

An Institutional Research Manager oversees the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to a college or university's operations. They support decision-making by providing insights on student enrollment, retention, graduation rates, and program effectiveness. Their work ensures that the institution meets accreditation requirements, complies with government regulations, and improves overall institutional effectiveness. These professionals often lead a team and collaborate with various departments to fulfill data requests and strategic planning.

How does an institutional research manager typically collaborate with academic and administrative departments to support data-driven decision making?

Institutional Research Managers regularly work with both academic and administrative departments to gather, analyze, and interpret data that informs strategic planning and policy development. They facilitate data requests, present findings to key stakeholders, and often lead training sessions on data literacy. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills, as the manager must translate complex data into actionable insights tailored to each department’s needs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

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

To thrive as an Institutional Research Manager, you need strong analytical, statistical, and data interpretation skills, typically supported by a master’s degree in education, statistics, or a related field. Proficiency with data analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, or Tableau, and familiarity with institutional databases and reporting systems, is usually required. Excellent communication, project management, and critical thinking skills help you present findings clearly and collaborate across university departments. These abilities are vital for providing accurate data-driven insights that support institutional planning, accreditation, and strategic decision-making.

What is the difference between Institutional Research Manager vs Institutional Research Analyst?

AspectInstitutional Research ManagerInstitutional Research Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in Education, Data Analysis, or related field; experience in research rolesBachelor's or Master's degree in Education, Data Analysis, or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentLeads research projects, manages teams, collaborates with administrationPerforms data collection, analysis, and reporting under supervision
Employer & IndustryColleges, universities, higher education institutionsColleges, universities, higher education institutions

The Institutional Research Manager oversees research initiatives, manages staff, and collaborates with university leadership, while the Institutional Research Analyst focuses on data collection and analysis tasks. Both roles are essential in higher education settings, but the manager has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

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What cities are hiring for Institutional Research Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Institutional Research Manager 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 Institutional Research Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Institutional Research Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Institutional Research Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,569 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Director of Institutional Research

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Description:

At Carroll University, we are committed to identifying and employing strategies to support our goal to be and remain a socially just organization. Rooted in the Presbyterian (U.S.A.) heritage, we respect all aspects of diversity, embrace the practice of equity, expect inclusion, and embrace belonging throughout our community. Therefore, we seek applicants who can demonstrate their understanding of justice and who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population.

The Director of Institutional Research will lead the University's efforts in data management and dissemination, continuous improvement and effectiveness. This includes providing data that shares the institution's strengths and contributes to planning, research, effectiveness, evaluation, and assessment. Collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators, the director provides meaningful, legible reports for a variety of audiences, including external agencies, drawing on a range of studies, data sources, and survey research.

Reporting

Ensure that equity, integrity, accuracy, and transparency are embedded in all institutional research activities, methodologies, and reporting practices.

Administer nationally normed surveys and assessments (e.g., HERI, NSSE, FSSE) and design, implement, and analyze institutional, alumni, and ad hoc surveys that support accreditation, strategic planning, and data-informed decision making.

Prepare, validate, and submit required institutional data to external agencies, including IPEDS, U.S. News, College Board, Common Data Set, and other mandated or voluntary surveys.

Compile, analyze, and disseminate comprehensive reports based on institutional surveys and studies, clearly interpreting findings for campus stakeholders.

Collect, analyze, and distribute institutional data relevant to enrollment, retention, student success, recruitment, marketing, academic quality, and institutional performance.

Maintain current, expert-level knowledge of federal and state compliance requirements, accreditation standards, and emerging best practices in institutional research and effectiveness.

Use a combination of written reports, dashboards, and data visualization tools to present complex information in clear, digestible formats tailored to campus audiences.

Data Collection and Storage

Develop, maintain, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data collection, validation, reporting, and documentation to ensure consistency and data integrity.

Collaborate with the Office of Information Technology and Registrar to design, implement, and maintain a secure, comprehensive institutional data warehouse that supports periodic reporting, longitudinal analyses, and cross-functional data needs.

Institution-wide collaboration

Design, conduct, analyze, and present complex research studies, dashboards, and assessment projects that support institutional effectiveness, strategic planning, and continuous improvement.

Provide statistical consultation and methodological support to administrators, faculty, and staff to enhance data-driven decision making, academic assessment efforts, and outcomes evaluation.

Partner with academic and administrative units to develop effective survey instruments, assessment tools, and data collection processes aligned with institutional priorities.

Support departments and programs in completing required external reports, including program reviews, accreditation self-studies (institutional and specialized), academic assessment reports, and benchmarking analyses.

Respond to ad hoc data and analysis requests from internal and external stakeholders, including the development of datasets and narratives to support grant proposals, accreditation requests, board reports, and strategic initiatives.

Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and data literacy by regularly engaging with campus partners to interpret findings, identify trends, and advise on evidence-based solutions.

May teach up to two courses per year with permission of supervisor

Perform other duties as assigned

Preferred Experience:

Master's degree required; Ph. D degree preferred.

Minimum five (5) years' experience in higher education Institutional Research

Experience with applied social science research, statistical theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods

  • Willingness to learn and understand university-wide and regional accreditation

Experience designing and maintaining web-accessible, on-demand data reporting systems

Knowledge of curriculum, academic policies and procedures, and the functions of the registrar's office

Familiarity with student information and administrative computing systems

Technology Skills:

  • Analyze and visually present data using PowerBI, Tableau, and other tools

Write descriptions of data that enable users to locate, understand, and use data and reports

Use enterprise information systems and software packages such as SPSS, SAS, and SQL programming.

Prepare spreadsheets and related reports and visualizations

Human Relations Skills:

Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, ability, socio-economic background, or job type

Collaborate with faculty and staff within the institution and with outside constituencies

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Oversee work being done by, and with, campus staff

Work independently while prioritizing simultaneous and sometimes competing tasks and meeting deadlines

Maintain a high level of confidentiality

Exercise excellent professional judgement

Candidates must be willing and able to support and advance the University mission

Compliance:

  • Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at the Department of Public Safety, at 208 Wright St., Waukesha, WI 53186.