Director, Institutional Research & Analytics
The University of California, San Diego
About this position
Position Description
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies serves as a catalyst for positive change by advancing global access, equity, and social and economic mobility through educational enrichment across the lifespan. As a fully self-supporting division under UC San Diego Academic Affairs, Extended Studies operates year-round (12 months of active instruction) with a budget of $50 million annually. A team of 260 academic and staff employees and more than 1,200 instructors fulfill the mission of delivering exceptional educational experiences and services that reflect our standing as part of a top-tier globally renowned public research University. Extended Studies operates in 200,000 square feet of managed space, including a headquarters building with classrooms, training spaces and key administrative offices adjacent to the UC San Diego campus, as well as off-campus classroom facilities in nearby University City. The division maintains a robust online learning platform, operating 24/7 with webcasting and video-conferencing capabilities, while also maintaining a strong web presence with e-commerce operating 24/7. There are over 90,000 enrollment transactions annually, supported by a robust network of representatives, agents, and students. Focused on community engagement and enrichment, the division operates two television stations, UCTV and UCSD-TV, and a variety of public lecture programs, while staying active in federal, state, local, and private research and technical assistance programs and activities. Extended Studies is also responsible for the management and financial, operational, and programming oversight of UC San Diego Park & Market, a 66,000-square-foot, four-story, multi-purpose office building located in the East Village neighborhood of downtown San Diego. Park & Market supports and hosts a wide variety of civic, community, corporate, and campus events, meetings, conferences, and programs. POSITION OVERVIEW The Director, Institutional Research, Assessment & Analytics provides strategic direction for institutional research, assessment, enrollment analytics, market research, reporting, and compliance activities in the Division of Extended Studies (DES) and translates complex data into insights that inform strategic planning and decision-making. Develops data-driven enrollment management and retention strategies to improve student conversion, progression, persistence, and completion. The position establishes priorities, methodologies, analytical frameworks, and standards to ensure the quality, accuracy, and strategic relevance of research, reporting, and data products that support divisional decision-making. Working across academic, enrollment, marketing, student services, technology, finance, and leadership functions, the Director translates institutional, financial, student, labor market, and marketing data into actionable information and recommendations that support program performance, student outcomes, enrollment and retention, and organizational effectiveness.
Qualifications
Requires thorough knowledge in data collection and analysis techniques; statistics or social science research techniques; knowledge of organization-specific computer application programs (for example, query tools and relational databases); knowledge of organizational principles and procedures involved in handling sensitive data (for example, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA). Advanced knowledge of institutional research, applied research, program evaluation, and mixed-methods research methodologies. Advanced analytical skills to evaluate complex data, information, problems, and research questions and identify appropriate methodologies and analytical approaches. Advanced ability to translate complex research findings and data into clear conclusions, recommendations, and actionable information for diverse audiences, including senior administrators. Advanced skill in integrating, analyzing, interpreting, and validating data from multiple sources to produce accurate and meaningful institutional insights. Advanced active listening, critical thinking, good interpersonal skills and ability to multi-task. Advanced ability to present complex findings and recommendations in a clear concise manner verbally and in writing. Understanding of organizational rules and regulations. Knowledge of higher education, workforce, social science, and educational research concepts, including enrollment, student outcomes, program performance, and labor market trends. Able to provide good judgment and decision-making, problem solving. Advanced knowledge of institutional data systems, key metrics, reporting requirements, data governance, and standards for data quality, integrity, and confidentiality. Advanced oral, written, presentation, interpersonal, and consultation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate research goals, methodologies, findings, and limitations. Ability to exercise independent judgment and formulate evidence-based solutions, alternatives, and recommendations in response to complex institutional research and planning needs. Advanced project and program management skills, including planning, prioritizing, coordinating, and completing multiple complex research and analytical projects within established timelines. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders and build productive working relationships across academic, enrollment, marketing, student services, technology, finance, and leadership functions.