No applications will be accepted after the closing date (23 September 2022) Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.
CORE PURPOSE OF JOB
Reporting directly to the Senior Director Institutional Strategy, the core purpose of the post of Director: Institutional Research and Reporting is to provide leadership, direction and management of institutional research and reporting to support evidence-based institutional planning, performance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. The Director is responsible for overseeing the compilation of information-rich reports regarding the effectiveness of institutional strategy, transformation, and sustainability for distribution to internal and external stakeholders.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
• Lead the conceptualisation, development and implementation of institutional research and performance monitoring and evaluation frameworks and systems to holistically report on the efficacy and impact of institutional strategy.
• Direct ongoing policy analyses, benchmarking, environmental scanning and institutional research studies using contemporary analytical techniques to identify current and future trends that inform the strategic positioning of the University.
• Direct and manage cyclical and ad hoc institutional research projects and/or surveys from conception to completion using various research designs, methodologies and analytical techniques.
• Direct the provision of expert advisory services to senior management in analysing and interpreting the implications of institutional research findings and other data to inform evidence-based planning and decision-making.
• Direct and manage the compilation of institutional research reports and statutory quarterly and annual reporting submissions to executive management, Council and external regulatory bodies.
• Direct and manage the dissemination of the outcomes of institutional research and performance monitoring to report on strategy implementation to internal and external stakeholders, both verbally and in writing, using multiple media and communication platforms.
• Provide strategic and transformational leadership and management of the human, financial, ICT and infrastructural resources allocated to the Institutional Research and Reporting unit.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Knowledge of institutional research and reporting regulations and requirements applicable to South African higher education institutions.
• Insights into strategic opportunities, challenges, and trends within the higher education sector nationally and globally.
• Ability to understand, adapt and apply trends in institutional research and data analytics within a higher education setting.
• Knowledge of current practices in institutional research, monitoring and evaluation including the ethical use of data and privacy requirements.
• Proven competence in designing and implementing strategy-aligned institutional monitoring, evaluation and reporting systems, methodologies, and processes.
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to interpret qualitative and quantitative data to inform institutional monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Excellent computer skills and familiarity with higher education enterprise systems, data extraction tools, and data analysis software.
• Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills.
• Excellent project management skills and ability to work under pressure.
REQUIREMENTS
• A relevant Master’s degree (e.g., monitoring and evaluation, higher education, psychology)
• At least five years management experience, preferably within a higher education context.
• Proven experience with conducting data- and research-informed assessments of institutional performance.
Proven experience with data extraction, analysis and interpretation using quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Cover letter
• Equity targeted groups to be specified on the advert
