This is a high-impact leadership role reporting to the Provost, where you’ll help shape how data informs strategy, planning, and student success across the institution. From leading institutional research and accreditation efforts to building a more data-informed culture, this role sits at the intersection of analytics, strategy, and mission.  Please note:  A cover letter is required for this role.

Another Source’s client, University of Puget Sound, is recruiting a Director of Institutional Research to join their team onsite in Tacoma, Washington.   

Here’s a little about University of Puget Sound and the position they are recruiting for:  

Located in a vibrant port city of University Place, in the Pacific Northwest, Puget Sound is a leading national liberal arts and sciences university preparing students for success since 1888. In an ever-evolving world, we believe that the best preparation for the future is an education that exposes you to multiple perspectives, engages you in work that makes a difference in the world, and helps you discover who you are and what you have to offer. It’s an education that transcends boundaries, teaches you to adapt to changing circumstances, and prepare for careers that might not yet exist. 

Their beautiful 97-acre campus supports connections with the world it serves, from the tide flats and urban energy of the entrepreneurial city of Tacoma, Washington to nearby Seattle, the Pacific Rim and beyond. A Puget Sound education is rooted in an inspiring confluence of histories and cultures and ideas and centered on 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students who are open-minded, outward-reaching, and actively put their educations to work. 

Learn more about the University of Puget Sound here:  

https://www.pugetsound.edu/about-puget-sound-0 

What’s in it for you: 

University of Puget Sound offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. You can learn more about the full range of benefits here: 
https://www.pugetsound.edu/sites/default/files/file/final_summary-of-2020-benefits-for-exempt-staff_ju_0.pdf 

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is up to $140,000, depending on experience and qualifications. 
 
Please note:  A cover letter is required for this role. 

About the role:  

Reporting to the Provost, the Director of Institutional Research and Assessment plays a central role in shaping how data informs strategy, planning, and student success at  the University of Puget Sound. 

This is a high-impact opportunity for a collaborative and analytically minded leader to modernize and elevate institutional research and assessment practices across campus. You will lead efforts to integrate data into decision-making at all levels, strengthen accreditation and compliance processes, and partner closely with faculty and leadership to improve student outcomes. 

With oversight of institutional research, assessment strategy, and accreditation, this role sits at the intersection of data, strategy, and mission - helping guide the university’s future through actionable insights and continuous improvement. 

Your day to day will likely include: 

• Under the direction of the Provost, support campus-wide institutional planning and assessment in support of mission and strategic goals.  

• In partnership with faculty and staff, manage and implement the institutional assessment strategy, including learning outcomes, instructional effort, campus climate, and institutional effectiveness. Consult with campus stakeholders to develop assessments, collect data (e.g., through focus groups, surveys, and rubrics) and report findings. 

• Promote efficient and effective data informed decision-making processes based on analysis, visualization, and reporting of timely and relevant data and information to evaluate effectiveness, identify trends, forecast outcomes, and provide actionable recommendations. 

• Develop and  implement effective data and information management strategies and infrastructure, including the university data warehouse and institutional dashboards, in collaboration with Technology Services, Marketing & Communications, and other campus stakeholders. 

• Manage all federal, state, and other external reporting and the accreditation process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and institutional compliance. Serve as the accreditation liaison officer, convene the Accreditation Review Committee, and coordinate all accreditation efforts. 

• Collaborate with the faculty and academic support offices to coordinate structural, policy, procedure, and/or program improvements in support of student retention, persistence, and successful graduation. 

• Manage the Institutional Research office and oversee its budget. Supervise and mentor IR staff and student workers, fostering their professional development. 

• Work with the Enrollment and Finance divisions to provide analysis of enrollment trends and forecasting for use in institutional budget development. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Master's Degree required, in an applicable field. Doctoral degree (EdD or PhD) preferred. 

• 5 years of relevant experience. This includes institutional research or related fields, and candidates should be proficient with both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection and analysis.  

• Experience with the accreditation process is required; work with accrediting bodies highly desirable.  

• Supervision experience or evidence of increasing leadership responsibilities. 

Experience You Will Bring: 

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into strategic, actionable insights  

• Proficiency with statistical analysis and visualization tools (e.g., R, SPSS, Tableau, Power BI)  

• Experience working with enterprise systems such as PeopleSoft and data platforms like Snowflake  

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior leadership, faculty, and staff  

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive projects forward in a dynamic environment  

• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups  

• Proven ability to work well with a diverse population; informed and competent with regard to issues of diversity, equity, and individual differences; ability to contribute meaningfully to objectives of the university’s diversity strategic plan.   

University Diversity Statement 

We Acknowledge 

The richness of commonalities and differences we share as a University community; the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here; and that education is enhanced by investigation of and reflection upon multiple perspectives. 

We Aspire 

To create respect for and appreciation of all persons as a key characteristic of our campus community; to increase the diversity of all parts of our University community through commitment to diversity in our recruitment and retention efforts; and to foster a spirit of openness to active engagement among all members of our campus community. 

We Act 

To achieve an environment that welcomes and supports diversity; to ensure full educational opportunity for all who teach and learn here; and to prepare effectively citizen-leaders for a pluralistic world. 

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.  

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