Senior Research Assistant Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Middle Georgia State University (MGA), a multi-campus, baccalaureate and graduate degree-granting public institution, is the most affordable public state university in Georgia. MGA has five campuses-Macon, Cochran, Dublin, Eastman, and Warner Robins, all located in central Georgia-and global outreach through its fully-online campus. Its enrollment of 8,400 students is largely comprised of students from most of Georgia's 159 counties. The University has six academic schools, including Georgia's flagship aviation program, that support its mission to educate and graduate inspired, lifelong learners whose scholarship and careers enhance the state.
Job Summary
The Office of Institutional Research and Data Strategy (OIRDS) collects, analyzes, warehouses, and disseminates institutional data in a timely manner to support strategic and operational planning, policy formation, and effective decision-making. This includes official reporting, ad hoc data requests, internal and external surveys, and maintaining accurate data for the University System of Georgia. OIRDS is also responsible for institutional assessment of academic programs, student support, administrative areas, and supports specialized program accreditation.
This Institutional Research Analyst II position is instrumental to the OIRDS team that provides technical, analytical, and coordinative support for research activities, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and presentation on behalf of the Office of Institutional Research and Data Strategy. This position identifies, collects, maintains, and analyses data from various sources as well as effectively communicates analysis for academic planning, program review, student success, and resource allocation.
Responsibilities
Data Reporting and Analysis (20%) -
Respond to internal and external requests for data and research analysis from the University's schools, departments, and senior administrators, including grant requests, data fulfillment requests, and open records requests.
Ensure data complies with established institutional research standards and protocols.
Serve as a resource to provide data-related technical and analytical support to various stakeholders in the University community.
Institutional Reporting and Assessment (20%) -
Assist with the researching and producing of institutional reports, including the MGA Fact Book, Common Data Set, and others as needed.
Integrate and interpret academic data used to support the assessment and program review process for academic programs, support units, and administrative units.
Project Management and Communication (20%) -
Conduct multiple short- and long-term OIRDS projects, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision as an integral member of the OIRDS team.
Track project timelines and maintain clear documentation of data sources, methodologies, and processes to support continuity and reproducibility of institutional research work.
Attend and function as a positive contributor at check-in and team meetings.
Survey Administration and Stakeholder Engagement (20%) -
Supports the administration of institutional surveys to students, employees, and alumni, including preparing population files, coordinating distribution and response tracking, and summarizing results for stakeholders.
Works closely with stakeholders across the institution to gather input, provide data-related insights, and build effective working relationships that support system-level decision making.
Compliance and Governance (10%) -
Assist in data governance management as it relates to the data element dictionary, system access requests, and other projects related to institutional research.
Facilitate completion of IPEDS, US News, and other required external survey reporting.
Assist in ensuring institutional compliance under regulatory agencies (accreditation, federal, state).
General Duties (10%) -
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in related discipline
Required Experience
One to two years sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the University System of Georgia (USG)
Working knowledge of Banner and Tableau or an ability and willingness to learn
Preferred Experience
Experience in using SPSS or other comparable statistical analysis program for reporting and decision support
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Strategic and analytical thinking skills with ability to solve problems
Excellent documentation skills
High level of experience in Microsoft Excel
Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
Knowledge of programming in SQL
Self-motivated with the ability to learn new concepts
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
Strong customer service skills
Ability to work independently in a fast paced loosely structured environment with competing demand
Knowledge of institutional research principles and practices
Knowledge of current trends and solutions especially related to data reporting and business intelligence
Knowledge of FERPA and ethical uses of student and institutional data
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional Values
Middle Georgia State University is committed to four core values in what we do and represent: CORE VALUES: Stewardship - Engagement - Adaptability - Learning
Equal Employment Opportunity
Middle Georgia State University is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment that supports the dignity of all members of the University community. Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG) and Middle Georgia State University. Pursuant to Board of Regents Policy Section 6.6 , federal and state laws and regulations, and our vision, mission, and values, Middle Georgia State University prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.
Other Information
This is a full-time, 12-month, exempt (salaried) staff position and includes a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance
• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Retirement
• Employee discounts
• Tuition reimbursement

Background Check
Employment offer is contingent upon completing a background investigation, including a criminal background check demonstrating your employment eligibility with MGA, as determined by MGA in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application material, and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check.