About the Department:

The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning (OIEP) advances the strategic goals of George Mason University through collaborations focused on engaging partners in data-informed strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making.

About the Position:

The Associate Director independently manages complex reporting and analysis functions including advanced statistical analyses, forecasting, and data modeling that combines multiple sources including sources external from Mason. The Associate Director is also responsible for creating and maintaining data visualizations for campus use. This position partners with colleagues across the institution to develop and test data models focused on strategic priorities including enrollment, competitive positioning, cost and ROI, and student success. Given the duties performed, the Associate Director also plays a critical role in ensuring data accuracy and integrity used for reporting to various internal and external audiences, including accountability related reporting, strategic planning, and monitoring institutional effectiveness. This work will significantly contribute to informing senior leaders.

Responsibilities:

• Engages in Advanced Statistical Research by:
  • Developing forecasting and modeling analytics to foster student success;
  • Identifying, planning, and executing research analyses in support, and in anticipation of, school/college and senior leadership planning initiatives; and
  • Designing and developing data dashboards based on analyses that inform and advance strategic decision-making.
• Ensures Data Integrity by:
  • Developing standardized practices that ensure accuracy of data extracted from base sources to create official reporting data files;
  • Coordinating with Mason Insight Data to Analytics Solutions initiatives that ensure data accuracy and integrity in source data and final census files;
  • Providing technical and analytical expertise to campus end users; and
  • Continuously exploring efficiencies in the development of streamlined data processes.
• Responds to and Complies with Federal and State Reporting Mandates by:
  • Partnering with campus data custodial offices, e.g., Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, to identify critical data needs and processes; and
  • Serving as the Reports Coordinator to the State Council of Higher Education of Virginia.
• Keeps abreast of industry developments and trends through participation in professional development, conferences, and workshops.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in quantitative disciplines such as Business Administration, Public Policy, Statistics, Educational Research, or related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Demonstrated experience in an institutional research related area (generally two or more years);
• Experience using SAS, SPSS, or other comparable program for programming and complex analyses;
• Strong knowledge of advanced multivariate statistical techniques and research design methodologies;
• Working knowledge of ERP such as Banner, PeopleSoft, SAP;
• Knowledge of business intelligence and analytics tools such as MicroStrategy, Tableau, SAS analytics/miner, SAS Viya;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Strong critical thinking skills and ability to convey complex ideas to multiple audiences;
• Ability to manipulate and analyze data from multiple internal and external sources including identifying key variables that allow for the creation of unique and accurate data sets; and
• Ability to work effectively and independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Full-time related professional experience of at least five years; and
• SAS certification preferred.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Associate Director, Data Analytics at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  June 9, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  June 29, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes