Director of Institutional Assessment

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Director of Institutional Assessment provides strategic leadership and oversight for the college’s institutional assessment processes, ensuring a culture of continuous improvement that supports student learning, operational effectiveness, and institutional mission fulfillment. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing assessment systems that leverage advanced data analytics — including artificial intelligence (AI) — to provide actionable insights for decision-making across academic and administrative units.

The Director collaborates with teammates and leadership to develop assessment strategies, analyze institutional data, and translate findings into practical recommendations that drive quality enhancement and accreditation compliance.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Institutional Assessment & Planning

• Lead the design, implementation, and management of comprehensive assessment systems for academic programs, co-curricular activities, and administrative units.
• Ensure assessment processes align with accreditation standards, strategic plan goals, and institutional priorities.
• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of learning outcomes and key performance indicators.
• Facilitate the use of assessment results for continuous improvement at all levels of the institution.
  
  
  

Data Analytics & AI Integration

• Utilize advanced statistical and data analytics techniques to extract actionable insights from institutional data.
• Lead the integration of AI tools to enhance data collection, predictive modeling, trend analysis, and reporting.
• Develop AI-driven dashboards and visualization tools for leadership, faculty, and staff to monitor progress and outcomes.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in AI and analytics for higher education assessment.
  
  
  

Accreditation & Compliance

• Prepare institutional reports and documentation for regional and specialized accreditation agencies.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation and governmental reporting requirements.
• Serve as a primary liaison for institutional assessment-related accreditation visits and audits.
  
  
  

Collaboration & Training

• Partner with team leads to develop measurable outcomes and effective assessment plans.
• Provide training and workshops on assessment best practices, data interpretation, and AI-assisted analytics.
• Communicate assessment results and recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders.
  
  
  

Other Duties:

• Participate in ministry at Church of the Highlands and Highlands College by leading small groups.
• Affirm and uphold the Statement of Faith and the Core Values and DNA of the College, exemplifying all by word and lifestyle.
  
  
  

Leadership Requirements:

• Provide leadership to and function as a direct report to the Data Analyst.
• Lead and develop team to effectively reach set goals.
• Influences others using rational arguments. Identifies basis for compromise and reaches an agreement.
• Conveys accurate information effectively using the most appropriate methods to reflect the needs of the audience and ensure mutual understanding.
• Sets clear and challenging objectives, inspiring and encouraging high performance in teams and individuals.
• Reviews progress achieved, publicly and privately recognizing achievement.
• Anticipates the possible demands and outcomes of a particular task or situation – plans and prioritizes appropriately.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Personal Characteristics:

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple complex projects.
• Demonstrates a genuine interest in supporting others, coaching, and training to improve performance.
• Encourages the contribution of others and takes their views into account.
• Highly focused, self-started with an elevated level of energy and positive outlook.
• Ability to remain resilient under pressure and effectively adapt to multiple demands, ambiguity, and rapid change.
  
  
  

Essential Traits:

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Analytical Skills.
• Action-orientated.
• Initiative.
• Customer Service.
• Attention to Details.
  
  
  

Abilities & Skills:

• Analytical Expertise – Ability to design and execute robust data analysis, applying advanced statistical methods and AI-driven techniques to produce actionable insights.
• AI & Technology Proficiency – Skilled in using AI and machine learning tools for predictive analytics, natural language processing, and trend forecasting in higher education contexts.
• Data Visualization – Proficiency in creating interactive dashboards and visual reports using platforms such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools.
• Assessment Design – Strong ability to develop and implement effective learning outcomes assessment plans and performance measurement systems.
• Strategic Thinking – Capability to connect data insights to institutional goals, accreditation requirements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaboration & Facilitation – Skilled at working with diverse stakeholders, facilitating cross-functional discussions, and building consensus on assessment priorities.
• Communication Skills – Ability to translate complex data findings into clear, accessible narratives for varied audiences including leadership, faculty, and staff.
• Project Management – Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Training & Development – Ability to design and deliver professional development on assessment, data literacy, and AI tools for faculty and staff.
• Compliance Awareness – Understanding of higher education accreditation standards, data governance, and FERPA compliance.
  
  
  

Knowledge:

• Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, Python) and data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Demonstrated experience applying AI tools and machine learning models for data analysis, predictive modeling, and trend forecasting.
• Strong knowledge of assessment methodology, survey design, and educational research practices.
  
  
  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Higher Education Administration, Educational Research, Statistics, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in Data Analytics, Higher Education Administration, Educational Research, Statistics, or a related field preferred.
  
  
  

Experience:

• Required: Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research, assessment, or related fields.
• Preferred: Experience with regional and programmatic accreditation processes.
• Preferred: Familiarity with student information systems (SIS), learning management systems (LMS), and CRM platforms in higher education.
  
  
  

Extent of Public Contact:

• Minimal.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Physical activity is limited.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time at a desk/computer.
  
  
  

Direct Reports:

• This position is a team lead for the Data Analyst role.