Academic Assessment Specialist

The Academic Assessment Specialist supports the college’s assessment initiatives to enhance student learning, program effectiveness, and accreditation compliance. Reporting to the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, the specialist works closely with faculty, academic leadership, and administrative staff to ensure assessment practices are meaningful, data-driven, and aligned with institutional goals. This role is ideal for a professional with expertise in learning outcomes assessment, data analysis, and survey design who enjoys collaborating with faculty and academic programs to improve student success.

Assessment Support and Implementation

• Assist faculty and academic departments in developing and refining student learning outcomes and assessment plans.
• Provide guidance on assessment of best practices, including direct and indirect measures of learning.
• Support academic program review processes by collecting, analyzing, and presenting relevant assessment data.
• Ensure assessment efforts align with accreditation standards and institutional priorities.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

• Assist in gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data related to student learning and academic effectiveness.
• Support the administration and analysis of student, faculty, and alumni surveys related to learning and institutional performance.
• Develop reports and visualizations to make assessment findings accessible to faculty, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Integrate assessment and institutional research data with broader institutional effectiveness efforts.

Collaboration and Communication

• Provide workshops, training, and one-on-one support to faculty and staff on assessment methodologies.
• Partner with Student Affairs, Academic Affairs, and other units to support co-curricular assessment initiatives.

Administrative and Compliance Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing assessment-related reports for accreditation and external agencies.
• Ensure adherence to data integrity, security, and ethical guidelines in assessment practices.
• Stay current with best practices in assessment and higher education research, representing the college at relevant conferences and professional organizations.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in educational research, higher education administration, social sciences, or a related field required; doctorate preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in assessment, institutional effectiveness, or related fields in higher education.
• Knowledge of assessment best practices, accreditation standards, and outcomes-based learning models.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, SPSS, Qualtrics, or Tableau.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty and administrators.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a liberal arts college environment.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and compliance reporting.
• Experience in faculty development or academic support.

Key Competencies:

• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity

Once you create an applicant account, you should upload your cover letter, resume, and a list with contact information for three references to the applicant database.