Associate Director, Assessment
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. The University's entrepreneurial spirit lives in people from every academic discipline who see opportunities to create something new in the world - and work hard to bring their innovations to life. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for our students, faculty and alumni to make a global impact. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department:

Simply stated, assessment tells the story of how well we do what we do. It is the process by which we measure the level of achievement at SMU. Assessment allows us to articulate student learning outcomes and/or program goals, collect data using varied assessment methods, and use the findings to improve student learning and all administrative, academic and student support services. It is an important driver of continuous improvement and data-based decision making for the institution.

The Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness at SMU is charged with helping the university maintain compliance with all principles, requirements, standards, and policies of SACSCOC and the U.S. Department of Education. Assessment is "the systematic collection, review, and use of information about educational programs undertaken for the purpose of improving student learning and development."

SMU employs a three-pronged process that assesses our University Curriculum, Educational Programs, and University Support Programs. SACSCOC measures the institution's performance on the Institutional Effectiveness component by observing how well we use our assessment findings to accomplish continual improvement. This repeated and full cycle of setting goals, assessing progress and strategic planning is absolutely integral to continued accreditation and key to continuous improvement in every area of SMU.

About the Position:

The Associate Director, Assessment will provide analytical support to projects within the Office of Institutional Planning and Effectiveness and assist with facilitation of faculty assessment working groups. Primary analyses will be of the Common Curriculum's student learning outcomes as well the university's Graduation and Alumni surveys.

The Associate Director, Assessment will present detailed findings to inform and aid continuous improvement. The position will also assist with developing website content and identifying assessment resources for faculty and staff.

The Associate Director, Assessment will team with other members of the office to assist with faculty and staff training on skills necessary for assessment of student learning and administrative effectiveness.

Essential Functions:

• Collect data and assist in the analysis of student learning outcomes for general education. Validate data and manage data integrity issues and resolutions. Identify errors and inconsistencies in data and implement process for improvements.
  
• Provide support and assist with the development and distribution of university surveys.
  
• Assist with faculty and staff training in creating assessment assignments and exams. Organize and prepare material for post hoc assessment committees.
  
• Develop and present comprehensive summaries, complete reports with graphs and/or charts, and other appropriate results that provide interpretation of assessment findings. Complete adhoc reports or data gathering as needed.
  
• Manage and update web content.
  
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Master's degree is required, preferably in Education, Higher Education, Statistics or related field from a regionally accredited institution. Doctoral degree is preferred.

A minimum of five years of professional work experience analyzing and/or providing interpretive results from large data sets is required.

Experience with surveys, research and assessment methodology is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with both internal (e.g. faculty and staff) and external constituents. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. The ability to conceptualize and produce verbal and written messages appropriate for broad distribution to all levels of university faculty and staff is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify, analyze, and evaluate issues and devise appropriate solutions. Must also possess strong organizational and project management skills to effectively meet deadlines on multiple simultaneous projects. A strong focus on attention to detail and accuracy is essential.

Candidate must demonstrate an ability to work with large datasets (merge, clean, analyze and present).

Candidate must possess a strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) and survey tools, including Qualtrics). Must also have experience with use of business intelligence and statistical analysis tools, particularly SPSS and Tableau.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Bend, stand, kneel
• Handle objects (dexterity)

Deadline to Apply:

October 21, 2022

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by October 10, 2022.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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