Job Description
The Associate Director for Institutional Research is a key member of the University who makes strategic recommendations to executive level leadership across the institution. In collaboration with colleagues such as the Associate Provosts and VPs for the Student Experience and Enrollment, they develop, administer, and direct mission-critical campus-wide surveys; such as the Admitted Students Questionnaire, Orange Survey, and dean’s review surveys. After directing their team of researchers to analyze both survey results and other University data, they regularly present findings and make strategic recommendations to Deans and other executives. The Associate Director’s team also creates advanced analytics presenting their findings through data visualization and other communication techniques that are meant for widespread distribution to faculty, staff, and executive leadership.
Qualifications
A master’s degree with extensive research experience is required; a PhD is preferred.
Seven (7+) plus years of experience in a research role in an institutional research office with increasing leadership responsibility is required.
Job Specific Qualifications
Ability to manage and deploy both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques, including regression modeling, factor analysis, and thematic coding.
Ability to formulate strategies based on complex data and analysis and present these strategies and recommendations to senior leadership.
Knowledgeable of the higher education research base.
Demonstrated ability, experience, and effectiveness working with large-scale relational databases and integrating data from multiple sources.
Effective analytical, quantitative, and communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical information in verbal, written and visual manners to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated ability to be tactful, discreet, diplomatic, and able to deal with confidential information.
Experience with survey design, administration, and software (Qualtrics preferred).
Demonstrated experience with student information systems.
Strong background in survey and social science research.
Responsibilities
Oversee and manage institutional research projects, including collaborating cross-functionally with leadership and colleagues within Academic Affairs, Student Experience and with others throughout the University. Projects include collecting, preparing, and disseminating data for Dean’s reviews that the Provost uses for reappointment decisions, analyses of populations and programs around retention and graduation that the Director of Student Retention and Success uses to inform strategy, and providing committees with data and analysis that are used to make final recommendations and reports for senior leadership.
Lead, coordinate, and supervise campus-wide survey projects, including the Admitted Students Questionnaires, Orange Survey, Deans Review surveys, and additional one-off surveys as they arise each year. Present the results of the ASQs to each of the Deans at the yearly enrollment management meetings. Collaborate with Marketing and Communications as well as the Student Experience Director of Communications to present the results to the campus community. Provide expertise in the formulation of new survey administrations and how the resulting data might be used to enhance the student experience.
Manage the research team within IR that consists of five positions that require data science and research backgrounds and skillsets. Direct them to create advanced analytics and present findings through data visualization and other communication techniques. Develop members of the team into strategic thinkers that inform the office’s evolution over time. Create pathways for professional development for each team member that advances their skill sets and can ultimately be used to improve the products and services delivered to the campus community.
Manage University rankings reporting, simulations, and recommendations for improving our rankings. Deliver monthly rankings updates to the Provost and Chief of Staff for the Chancellor that are ultimately communicated to the Chancellor. Create rankings simulations that include advanced statistical techniques and optimization scenarios. Work with schools and colleges to help them track, understand, and develop strategies for improving their rankings.
Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
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Tools/Equipment
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Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community
Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity.