Director of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness

Job Summary:

The Director of Institutional Planning & Effectiveness provides leadership in institutional planning, data analysis, and continuous improvement efforts that support Lancaster Bible College’s mission and strategic priorities.

This role equips institutional leaders with accurate data, institutional insights, and performance indicators that inform decision-making across the college. The director coordinates strategic planning, institutional research, accreditation processes, and program evaluation efforts to strengthen institutional effectiveness and promote a culture of mission-driven improvement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, guidance, and accountability for assigned departments and direct reports.
• Ensures team alignment with the college’s mission, strategic priorities, and operational goals.
• Supports the development, coaching, and performance evaluation of team members.
• Fosters a collaborative, healthy team culture that promotes clarity, stewardship, and organizational effectiveness.

Personal Qualities:

• The desire to grow, develop, and mature, both spiritually and professionally.
• The ability to create and maintain a Christian professional atmosphere in all internal and external relationships.
• A spirit of cooperation and willingness to serve others.
• The desire and ability to disciple and mentor students.
• A professional appearance.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Institutional Alignment

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the institutional strategic plan, ensuring all phases are executed and evaluated according to established timeline. 
• Track progress toward institutional goals and provide regular updates to leadership
• Align institutional surveys and data collection with strategic priorities
• Assist leadership in evaluating institutional initiatives and outcomes

Institutional Research & Data Analytics

• Consult with units to help them interpret institutional data and apply insights to planning, assessment, and improvement efforts.
• Conduct research and analysis related to enrollment, retention, graduation, and student success
• Provide benchmarking and comparative institutional analysis
• Translate institutional data into clear insights for leadership

Program Evaluation & Institutional Effectiveness

• Direct the institutional program review cycle, including scheduling, data provision, report review, and documentation of follow-up actions, ensuring alignment with key institutional initiatives such as Academic Program Prioritization, Athletic Program Prioritization, and other strategic efforts.
• Assist academic and administrative units in using data to improve programs and services.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement across the institution.

Accreditation & Compliance

• Provides guidance to academic and administrative units on accreditation requirements and best practices, supporting their preparation for reviews and reporting.
• Support programmatic accreditation efforts across academic programs.
• Ensure institutional documentation aligns with accreditation standards.

Institutional Reporting & Decision Support

• Provide data analysis and reports for Cabinet and institutional leadership.
• Develop visual dashboards and reports for key institutional metrics.
• Present institutional insights that inform leadership discussions and decisions Other Responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission, operation, and overall welfare of the College.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a master’s degree in higher education, education, assessment, institutional research, or related field; terminal degree (PhD or EdD) preferred.
• 5 years of progressive professional experience in higher education as senior administrator or faculty member.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing, managing, and creating processes and programs, particularly related to institutional planning, assessment, accreditation and compliance.
• Knowledge of and experience with regional and professional accreditation processes and standards.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in Office 365 applications and institutional effectiveness, assessment, or data management platforms.
• Preferred experience in database, assessment software, and survey tools.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present data using dashboards, reports, and visualizations for diverse audiences.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Self-starter, flexible, and able to handle highly confidential matters.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Attention to long range and short range plans.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.