For full details, see posting at HigherEdJobs.com.

Institution: Lane Community College
Location: Eugene, OR
Application Due: 09/12/2011
Type: Full Time

Notification:
Lane Community College is seeking an Institutional Researcher for a two-year temporary faculty assignment. Continuation of the position will be dependent upon college funding and institutional requirements.

THE POSITION
The Institutional Researcher will focus on institutional research projects with the intent to identify and improve practices that support students progressing to completion and achieving their educational goals. This position designs studies, analyzes data, and reports research findings related to student success and student outcomes. This position will provide comprehensive research support for: institutional effectiveness and student success strategies and initiatives.

Lane is seeking a participative, resourceful and creative researcher to work with college leaders in the measurement of progression and completion efforts. This position requires a high level of independent judgment and collaboration skills which will foster the growth and understanding of student success. The work environment will require the ability to work independently while facilitating multiple research requests. The days and hours of this full-time position are flexible and can be negotiated, but will require year-round collaboration (summer included) on institutional research projects.

Anticipated Start Date:
On or about December 2012

EDUCATION MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EDUCATION
Master’s degree required in related field such as education, social sciences, or policy analysis and planning, with an emphasis on research methods and statistics

PREFERRED EDUCATION

Ph.D or equivalent.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Three years of current research experience, including research design; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; verbal, written, and statistical reporting. Equivalent experience including these elements will be considered. See equivalency statement below.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience in an educational environment
Experience at a community college
Expertise with qualitative as well as quantitative methods

Bilingual/Multicultural Statement:
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish/Asian languages and multicultural experience is preferred. A demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity is expected.

Equivalency Statement:
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered for meeting minimum qualifications. Applicants are responsible to show how their personal training and experience would qualify them for the position.

POSITION PURPOSE
To support the college, student success and the strategic directions through appropriate research, design and analysis of progression and completion data.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Support the College’s academic mission and provide strategic direction in planning and execution of technology support needs: (http://www.lanecc.edu/rese arch/planning/visionmissioncore0408.html)

Incorporate emerging technology and maintain current knowledge of software utilities; use data gathering and analysis software packages (such as, Access, Excel, SQL, TOAD, SPSS, SAS, STATA)
Lead and provide tactical direction for studies and development of resources
Support and educate research requesters using clear communication that defines significant research queries and data use
Identify, collect and process data from multiple sources
Perform detailed analysis; prepare and report findings for stakeholders
Track and document detailed research results; translate complex information for stakeholders
Maintain compliance with established college policies and procedures.

Support of Student Success:

Design and perform research using methods that appropriately assess student success and outcomes, including progression and completion, matriculation and employment
Develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with college staff and faculty; actively inquire into, and help ensure accurate understanding of, student programs and services as related to research

Support of Student Progression and Completion:

Participate in activities related to assessment of P&C effectiveness
Maintain currency of progression and completion standards and trends

CULTURAL COMPETENCY
Demonstrate Lane’s core value of Diversity by modeling and ensuring diversity and cultural competency (respect, inclusiveness, reflecting, valuing and welcoming of cultural differences) in all position responsibilities regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, social class, marital status, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, nationality, age, language, origin or employment status.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong quantitative research skills including: identifying and clarifying research questions for specific information needs, designing appropriate research methodologies, developing complex data sets for analysis and reporting, analyzing and interpreting findings, and reporting findings.

Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint software.

Fluent in one or more programming, querying, or scripting languages.

Understanding of relational database systems and processes, mastery of techniques used to extract data subsets and perform statistical analyses on those subsets, strong skills in transferring data from one software application to another.

Strong writing and verbal communication skills.

Effective organizational skills.

Ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality

Writing queries and joining tables using Access or SQL.

Experience working with data from a variety of internal and external sources, including: extraction from a centralized data system like SCT Banner; surveys; state and national data sets such as the National Student Clearinghouse, IPEDS, and the Oregon State Employment Department

Ability to work independently and to be self-directed.

Working understanding of good survey design, survey administration, and survey analysis practices.

Ability to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, both orally and in writing.

Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and meet work schedules and goals.

To apply, please visit: http://jobs.lanecc.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=51818