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Institutional Research and Student Affairs Assessment Specialist- The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning - Office of the Provost

Carnegie Mellon University
vision insurance, paid time off
United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh
5000 Forbes Avenue (Show on map)
Sep 22, 2025
Carnegie Mellon University's Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning is seeking a highly motivated and skilled research analyst and assessment professional to join our research, analysis, and assessment team. This position offers an opportunity to work at the intersection of institutional research and student affairs assessment by supporting evidence-based decision-making, policy development, and program improvement across the university.

This position serves as a strategic link between Institutional Research & Analysis (IR&A) and Student Affairs, advancing initiatives in both areas. The role encompasses designing and implementing research protocols, managing large-scale data collection, conducting statistical analyses, and developing reports and dashboards that inform decision-making at multiple levels of institutional leadership.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Institutional Research and Assessment and with a dotted line reporting structure to the Division of Student Affairs, the position supports all aspects of assessment, conducts targeted studies, and delivers actionable findings to stakeholders across the university. In Student Affairs, responsibilities include evaluating co-curricular programs, assessing student engagement, and leading projects related to student expectations and experiences, health and well-being, climate, and similar areas as needed.

Core responsibilities include:

  • Design and administer data collection instruments (e.g., surveys, focus groups, interviews)
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses
  • Create and disseminate reports and interactive dashboards
  • Present findings to senior leadership, faculty, staff, and other campus stakeholders to guide institutional priorities
  • Design and execute research and assessment projects that address both university-wide and Student Affairs priorities
  • Collaborate with IR&A and Student Affairs leadership to develop integrated data and assessment strategies aligned with institutional strategic plans
  • Maintain coordinated assessment calendars and project timelines for Institutional Research and Student Affairs to ensure timely completion of deliverables
  • Coordinate university-wide assessment projects, focus groups, and interviews to gather insights on student expectations, engagement, experiences, health and well-being, climate, and similar areas as needed
  • Support ad hoc assessment needs for programs across Student Affairs and the broader university
  • Conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses to evaluate institutional performance, academic planning, and co-curricular program effectiveness
  • Design, develop, and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations that effectively communicate insights to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, faculty, staff, and students
  • Present research and assessment findings to key stakeholders to support evidence-based decision-making
  • Manage and analyze data from relational databases and other institutional sources, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with FERPA
  • Serve as the data governance rep for Student Affairs
  • Provide training and consultation to Student Affairs staff on effective assessment methods, data collection techniques, and interpretation of results

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills for translating complex data into accessible formats
  • Proven ability to work independently, managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy in research, analysis, and assessment
  • Proven ability to work effectively and collegially with diverse stakeholders that span academic and student affairs, including faculty, staff, and administrators across campus, to support shared goals in research, analysis, and assessment.

Qualifications:

  • A Master's degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Statistics, or related discipline; a Doctoral degree strongly preferred.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, with experience using statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, STATA) and business intelligence tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
  • Strong ability to present complex data, findings, and recommendations clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences, both in written reports and oral presentations.
  • Ability to learn and apply AI tools to support and develop innovative institutional research and assessment practices.
  • Prior experience in institutional research, student affairs assessment, program evaluation, or related fields preferred.
  • A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered

Requirements:

  • Successful pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

  • Sponsorship: Applicantsfor this positionmustbecurrentlylegallyauthorized to workfor CMUin the United States. CMU will notsponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.Carnegie Mellon is not a qualifying employer for the STEM OPT benefit: only the 12-month OPT may be used to work at Carnegie Mellon.
  • Work Posture: This position is operating on a hybrid schedule, with an on-campus/in-office presence X days a week.
  • The position will split time equally between (1) Institutional Research & Analysis projects that serve the university broadly, and (2) Student Affairs assessment initiatives that directly measure and improve the student experience.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Data Analysis

Position Type

Staff - Regular

Full Time/Part time

Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information:

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits

  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

  • Statement of Assurance

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