Research Analyst (Institutional Effectiveness)
Department: Institutional Planning and Assessment
FTE: 1.0 FTE
Status: Permanent
Competition No.: 13082-M
Salary Information: The salary range is $58,350 to $91,173 per annum (Specialist/Professional, Phase 2). The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Primary Purpose: As part of the institutional planning team, this position plays an integral role in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of data in support of institutional planning and decision-making. The areas of analysis undertaken by the team include institutional planning models, processes and frameworks; environmental scanning and trends analysis; quality assurance; performance metrics, benchmarks and achievement records; institution-wide planning studies; and financial strategy and planning. In addition to conducting a wide array of evaluative and analytical tasks, including the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, this position will be primarily responsible for completing evaluations and assessments of programs, units, or functions within the university at the request of the Provost’s Committee on Integrated Planning (PCIP).
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and working closely with the team of research analysts and specialists within the office of Institutional Planning and Assessment (IPA), the Research Analyst (Institutional Effectiveness) supports institution-wide research and evaluation projects in benchmarking, in key performance indicators and metrics, in national and international ranking instruments/surveys, in evaluation of institutional and unit performance against goals, in design, execution and communication of institution-sponsored research projects, and the annual process for the development of the university’s Achievement Record. This position requires specialized knowledge in program evaluation and assessment, as well as breadth of knowledge of various evaluation tools and techniques (such as surveys and focus groups). The incumbent exercises discretionary decision-making and manages multiple tasks with competing timelines in a fast-paced environment while applying analytical and problem solving skills in an environment where the potential impact of error is significant. Priorities may vary depending on the sensitivity and urgency of assignments. This position is expected to establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborations both within the IPA, with senior university leadership and with the general university community. This position is an essential element of a compact team where the combination of skills and abilities is critical to success.
Accountabilities:
- Provides accurate and appropriate analysis and interpretation of data and results to inform decisions of senior university leaders
- Ensures consistent, holistic and comprehensive summaries of data to allow for informed and unbiased dissemination and communication of results
- Facilitates and conducts reviews of units, programs or functions to ascertain performance against goals and plans
- Facilitates and conducts research with respect to institutional performance against goals, including benchmarks, key performance indicators, metrics, dashboards, scorecards
- Provides professional support and technical expertise in the development of questionnaires, sample design, survey disposition codes and dataset formats as well as coordinates and oversees their implementation
- Understands and leverages university rankings information and survey outcomes to provide recommendations for changes to programs in institution-wide areas of priority and planning
- Manages, coordinates and oversees project activities, including the survey synthesis and the Achievement Record
- Ensures quality control of projects and processes
- Increases awareness of outcomes of institutional effectiveness activities through effective communications strategies
- Works collaboratively within the IPA and with selected senior administrative offices
- Ensures best-practice research strategies, programs and support systems are in place to meet the constantly changing needs of users by maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
- Provides input into plans as part of the multi-disciplinary IPA team
- Represents the IPA on cross-functional committees and provides appropriate evidence and information to assist the priorities of these committees
- Completes projects in a timely manner, within budget, and in a format consumable by the specific target audience
- Creates healthy, fun, respectful, collegial and productive work and learning environments
Qualifications:
Education: A minimum of a Master’s
degree (MA, MSc or MEd or equivalent) with specific training in program
evaluation and in qualitative research and quantitative statistical methods is
required.
Experience: Five years of experience with analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, including experience with program evaluations, and formulating this data into planning information, is preferred.
Skills: Must be skilled in
use of established metrics, key performance indicators, and dashboard
indicators and have experience in making recommendations that will influence
resource allocation. Must have a strong
focus in the following areas:
institutional research and continuous improvement; interpreting data and
statistical information; conducting and interpreting surveys, reports, and
outcomes; and analyzing statistical and qualitative data. The ability to coordinate information,
understand and present/communicate data is a requirement for this
position. Must be skilled with
quantitative and qualitative data analysis and research design. Familiarity with current and exemplary
practices in higher education quality assurance including program evaluation is
required. Must have effective written
and verbal communication skills.
This position is in scope of the
Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association.
Applications will be accepted until the
position is filled.
Inquiries regarding this
position can be directed to Lindsay Galpin at 966-2489.
Be sure to apply online as emailed
applications will not be accepted.
The University of Saskatchewan is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced. The university welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
