SUMMARY: 

Reporting to the AVP for SDCL Operations and Strategic Initiatives, the Director of Data and Assessment, Student Development and Campus Life is a strategic leader responsible for advancing a culture of evidence-based decision-making to enhance student development and success across Montclair State University and Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. The Director leads the design, execution, and continuous improvement of comprehensive assessment strategies that measure and support key aspects of student engagement, belonging, retention, and persistence.

This role is critical to developing data-driven insights that inform divisional priorities, programmatic enhancements, and strategic initiatives aimed at improving the student experience. The Director collaborates closely with senior leadership, department heads, and staff to assess co-curricular programs and services, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and the holistic development of students. By utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data, the Director will evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and connection to the university community, thereby directly contributing to student retention and academic persistence.

Through leadership in assessment practices, this position plays a vital role in positioning SDCL as a key driver of student success, leveraging data to refine programs, inform policy development, and optimize resource allocation to ensure the best possible outcomes for students.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive assessment strategy aligned with divisional and institutional objectives.

• Work with senior leadership to establish key performance indicators and metrics that assess programmatic and operational goals.

• Lead the creation of divisional assessment plans and oversee their execution across departments within SDCL.

• Establish systems for collecting, analyzing, and using assessment data to improve student learning, satisfaction, and development.

• Collaborate with IT and analytics staff to manage data collection tools and ensure efficient data reporting through dashboards and other communication tools.

• Maintain the integrity of data collection processes to align with institutional and divisional priorities.

• Provide consultation to departments on assessment design, data analysis, and reporting.

• Convene and lead the SDCL Assessment Committee to foster collaboration across departments on assessment-related initiatives.

• Assist departments in developing and executing annual assessment plans that align with student development goals.

• Oversee the development and implementation of program reviews for SDCL departments to ensure continuous improvement.

• Support accreditation efforts by providing data and reports that align with external standards and institutional requirements.

• Lead workshops and training sessions on assessment best practices for divisional staff.

• Organize ongoing professional development opportunities and consultation sessions to enhance staff capacity in assessment.

• Prepare and present annual reports summarizing key assessment findings and their implications for program improvement and resource allocation.

• Present findings at internal, regional, and national conferences.

• Develop a communication plan to share assessment data with key stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administrators.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Management retains the right to change or add job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Educational Research, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with assessment processes and data analysis in higher education.

• Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

• Proficiency in data management tools (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Qualtrics, Tableau).

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

PREFERRED:

• Doctoral degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related field

• Experience with accreditation processes and knowledge of CAS standards.

• Familiarity with student engagement and learning platforms.

• Understanding of student development theory and student success trends.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse student, staff, and faculty populations.

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