Director of Institutional Research

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) provides quality and affordable higher education to empower lives and strengthen communities within Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas.

As the largest community college in Arkansas, NWACC is recognized as a leader in education. NWACC offers a full range of associate degrees, certificates and workforce training programs that prepare students for rewarding futures and careers.

NWACC employees are dedicated to fostering a diverse educational community and cultural learning environment that supports student success.

The Director of Institutional Research (DIR) will lead the College's efforts to (1) categorically define the college's major research needs and questions (2) collect, analyze, and disaggregate data according to needs, (3) align research and data collection within a framework for accountability, and (4) integrate research processes into the college's strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts. The DIR will collaborate with leaders and stakeholders from across the College to achieve these results and bridge existing gaps between groups striving for more frequent use of data driven decisions.

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for ADHE and IPEDS reporting.
• Work with all stakeholder groups to define College research and data needs.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data according to stakeholder needs.
• Prepare reports for dissemination to internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide data and information to support master facility and land use planning.
• Support Institutional Effectiveness initiatives of the college.
• Directly supervise Institutional Research staff and manage all IR functions and budget.
• Cultivate effective working relationships with representatives of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, other state agencies, and all federal agencies that require research/data for annual or special reports.
• Cultivate working relationships with national leaders and organizations representing best practices in institutional research.

Rate of Pay: $80,190 annualized *Higher compensation may be considered based on qualifications directly related to position.

Completed applications received by 10/27/2025 will be assured full consideration. Late Applications will be reviewed as necessary to fill the position

Minimum Qualifications:

• The formal educational equivalent of a bachelor's degree in statistics, general business, or a related field, nine to ten years of experience in research and statistical analysis or a related field and 5 years related management experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree
• 2-3 years working in higher education institutional research office

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of IPEDS and Arkansas Department of Higher Education reporting, or ability to learn
• Knowledge of computers and software applications, including Banner and Workday
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Power BI
• Knowledge of dashboard and KPI concepts
• Ability to create, maintain and query databases in SQL Server Management
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and function independently with agility and flexibility
• Ability to able to handle highly confidential material efficiently and effectively
• Ability to prepare, present, and review oral and written information and reports
• Ability to develop, recommend, interpret, and apply policies and procedures
• Excellent skills in written and verbal communication and customer service
• Ability to build relationships with individuals and teams across the institution and campus
• Should be able to work effectively with employees and all levels of leadership within the institution
• The successful candidate must be a self-starter who takes accountability for performance while requiring minimal supervision

Physical Demands/Work Environment:

The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is:

Frequently:

• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking

Constantly:

• Hearing
• Repetitive motion
• Talking

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; and/or visual inspection at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions:

The following work environment characteristics are representative of those encountered by employees while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

The work environment typically consists of a professional office setting with a moderate noise level, including sounds from conversations, office equipment, and occasional movement of staff. Lighting is standard for office spaces, and the temperature is controlled to remain within a comfortable range. Employees may occasionally need to visit other areas, such as storage rooms, conference spaces, or outdoor locations, where environmental conditions may vary. Infrequently, exposure to louder noise levels or physical activities, such as moving lightweight materials, might be required.

NWACC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, please see our EEO policy.