Director of Institutional Research

Viterbo University is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our team as the Director of Institutional Research (DIR). Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, the DIR will play a pivotal role in overseeing the Office of Institutional Research, providing strategic direction, and leading key initiatives that support institutional effectiveness and student outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in data analysis, interpretation, and dissemination, with a focus on supporting accreditation, compliance, planning, and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a comprehensive program of institutional research activities that drive data-informed decision-making at all levels of the institution. This is a full-time, 12-month, salaried position.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the vision and direction, priorities, operations, resources, and staff of the Office of Institutional Research.
• Manage the integrity, timeliness, and accuracy of reporting required by federal agencies, states, associations, accrediting bodies, and grant makers; function as IPEDS Keyholder.
• Support institutional planning and evaluation processes, including strategic planning and monitoring, assessment, program review, administrative quality review, and accreditation.
• Serve as the university's location coordinator and data update coordinator with the Higher Learning Commission.
• Prepare analytical and statistical reports to facilitate responsive and informed organizational decision-making, assist stakeholders in developing and refining research questions, and provide data access through university dashboards and reports.
• Lead an institution-wide data governance strategy, including policy, standardized definitions, data accuracy, data literacy, use of systems for reliable data, and accessibility of data for analysis and decision making.
• Coordinate an institution-wide approach to survey research, including administering national surveys and providing survey research support.
• Provide technical support for Watermark, Qualtrics, and Tableau.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in social sciences, statistics, data science, higher education administration, education policy, or related field.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience within higher education, institutional research, accreditation, or related field.
• Knowledge and proficiency in data analysis, research methodologies, and survey design, with the ability to apply techniques using SPSS, Python, R, or other data analysis tools.
• Experience in creating and visualizing reports using intelligence software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and extracting data from student information systems, preferably utilizing SQL.
• Excellent people leader, communication, project management, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Successful record of collaborating with multiple stakeholders, implementing new methods or processes, improving systems integration, and leading organizational change efforts.
• Capacity to think strategically in setting and achieving institutional goals using a data-informed approach, including the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
• Adaptable to rapidly changing organizational structures, internal and external trends, and reporting requirements.
• High degree of integrity, reliability, confidentiality, and discretion.

To Apply: Please complete the online employment application form and upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, and three references.

Review of Application: The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

About the University: Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan, liberal arts institution located in scenic La Crosse, Wisconsin, which has been rated as one of the top places to live in the US. The region features an attractive cost of living, beautiful bluffs and coulees, three major rivers including the Mississippi River, world-class health care and education systems, and easy access to major cities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: At Viterbo University, we value our inclusive climate and understand that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, constituencies, and those who will help us advance our diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at creating a university that values student, staff, and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Viterbo University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, encourages nominations and candidacy of historically underrepresented groups, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Viterbo University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages nominations and candidacy of historically underrepresented groups.