DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH

Description

DEPARTMENT: 100 – Academics / STATUS: Full-Time / CLASSIFICATION: Exempt /RANK: Manager / DATE LAST UPDATED: January 2026

PURPOSE

The Director of Institutional Research (DIR) supports the institutional effectiveness of the University by conducting research leading to data-informed decision making and improved efforts to achieve the institutional mission through high quality educational offerings and effective departmental services. Areas of direct oversight include institutional research (IR), assessment efforts, and institutional compliance. The DIR facilitates the collection and distribution of institutional and higher education data to support both the academic and departmental components of the institution. The DIR assesses institutional needs, produces studies, suggests improvement in key processes, and recommends actions while supporting institutional groups such as the   Administrative Council, Provost Council, and the Strategic Planning   committee.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Director of Institutional Research is the institution’s chief quality assurance manager. The DIR supervises the Office of Institutional Research. The DIR oversees the maintenance of an environment that promotes and supports the use of research and data analysis to guide decision making and institutional improvement. He/she leads development of a comprehensive, integrated system of data collection, research, assessment, evaluation, and reporting that supports strategic, academic and operational   planning. The DIR is responsible for proactive questioning and targeted research and analyses on a wide range of institutional and academic issues and synthesizing diverse data points into a coherent set of actionable findings and recommendations. The DIR reports to the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve on the Enrollment, Retention, and Student Success Committee, and other faculty/institutional committees as requested by Provost.
• Oversee institutional research efforts supported by the IR Work Group.
• Maintain the Institutional Assessment Plan facilitating the collection, analysis, dissemination, storage, and retrieval of institutional and higher education   data;
• Administer cyclical and ad hoc institutional surveys and assist personnel in survey design and administration.
• Pull data from the student information system and other sources and perform statistical analyses in response to institutional needs and requests from administration, faculty, and external entities.
• Interpret and make meaning of data and research findings to inform key institutional issues, identify problems and solutions, instill best practices, and inform decision making. 
• Produce reports for various internal constituents including administration, faculty, board, and various committees.
• Assure accurate and timely institutional reporting to external agencies such as IPEDS, US News, and accrediting agencies. 
• Develop and disseminate dashboards, reports, and other means of appropriate data sharing. 
• Ensure the maintenance and archiving of historic institutional data. 
• Assist department heads and program chairs/directors in developing assessment plans and completing the annual assessment cycle.
• Compile data for faculty conducting academic program reviews. 
• Assist the Accreditation Liaison Officer in maintaining the institution’s relationship with external accreditors providing oversight of institutional alignment with standards.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal agencies, including state authorization to offer online programs.
• Maintain membership in organizations that enhance performance of responsibilities. 
• Additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in relevant research-based  field (Ed.D. or Ph.D. preferred). 
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible higher education experience including effective management of   professional staff and collaboration with faculty.
• Strong analytical skills and quantitative and qualitative research knowledge and experience.
• Ability to manage detail and simultaneously see the big picture.
• Significant experience with educational assessment and IR strategies and needs.
• Strong written and oral communication and organizational skills.
• Orientation towards constant improvement in processes, strategies, and outcomes.
• Current knowledge of federal and state higher education policies, issues, regulations, and trends.
• Ability to work with and train faculty, staff, and other constituents.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office product suite including proficiency with Excel, MS Access, and statistical analysis software. 
• Must be able to sign the University’s Statement of Faith.
• Evidence of Christian commitment, active church involvement, and a strong allegiance to the University mission and vision.

NOTE: Though not required, this position is optionally eligible for appointment as a Foursquare minister under certain conditions. If appointed as a minister, the employee will be available to provide pastoral care and prayer. In addition, s/he may be called upon to perform sacerdotal duties upon request of the University.

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to revision when necessary.

Candidates must be Christian believers holding a Pentecostal/charismatic perspective and will be required to adhere to the University’s statement of faith and mission.

No person shall be denied employment at Life Pacific University on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, except as may be permitted by law.