TUS - Director of Institutional Research & Data Analytics

BackgroundTechnological University of the Shannon (TUS) is Ireland’s third technological university and home to 15,000 students and a staff complement of approximately 2,000, full-time and part-time, across seven campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Thurles, Clonmel, and Ennis.Established on October 1, 2021, TUS has a strong regional focus and is a key driver of development and investment across the Midlands and Midwest. The new networked university, linked by the River Shannon, borders on almost half of Ireland's 26 counties and will provide unprecedented levels of access to higher education. In February 2024 TUS became a QS* 5 Star university, having achieved the highest possible number of stars to become one of the top-rated universities in the world . We are committed to developing a contemporary and vibrant technological university - a higher education TU that reflects the educational and economic needs of our region and the communities we serve. Our TU connects knowledge creation with industry partnerships to grow and support collaboration. The technological university will be the home of academic leaders, knowledge creators and cutting-edge researchers who will positively affect people's lives now and in the future.Role SummaryThe Director will guide the overall vision of the function by implementing effective strategies for data management and data analytics to support the centralised collection, management, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data. The outputs of this function will enable greater data-informed decision making across the TU.Key responsibilitiesThe role of Director of Institutional Research & Data Analytics will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Strategy & OperationsBe responsible and accountable for the strategic and operational delivery of the Institutional Research and Data Analytics function at TUS developing a collaborative approach to the development of the functionCoordinate the TU’s institutional research activities, including collecting, analysing, interpreting and reporting data Lead out on comprehensive data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement across TUS Provide analysis and reporting to inform and support an evidence-based approach to organisational planning, decision-making and quality enhancement Support the coordination, implementation, analysis and reporting of staff and student surveys Create compelling and informative data visualizations and dashboards to enhance stakeholder engagement, understanding and usabilityBe responsible for supplying data to university ranking agencies and analysis of results Be responsible for statutory reporting of TUS data Ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency by implementing data cleansing and validation processesEnsure the alignment of the Institutional Research and Data Analytics functions with the TUS Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026Support the VP Strategy, Implementation & Regional Engagement in monitoring the implementation of the TUS Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 with particular reference to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Be responsible for the analysis of the external higher education sector environment, including benchmarking activities Support the implementation of Business Intelligence Systems to deliver user-friendly reporting across the universityWork collaboratively with TUS stakeholders to create a culture of data and data-informed decision-makingPeople ManagementProvide direction and guidance to the staff within the Institutional Research and Data Analytics functionPromote an environment that is conducive to the development of best practice, enhance staff retention and promotes good industrial relationsMaintain a high level of staff morale, promoting good communication, team spirit and job satisfaction among members of the multidisciplinary team. Strive to ensure that staff are accountable, responsible and have authority to practice and manage within their rolesComply with all HR policy requirementsCreate working environments and cultures where every individual can feel a sense of belonging and is empowered to achieve their full potentialLearning and EducationProvide professional and personal development opportunities for all staff working with the function to develop an appropriate programme of learning and education based on a planned (individual, department and organisation) training needs assessmentTake personal responsibility for own professional development and keep up to date with evidence-based practice and researchAttend and participate in relevant staff development programmes on an ongoing basis and share knowledge with other staff membersAssist in the training of colleagues where requiredQuality Improvement, Risk Management & GovernanceEngage in all governance processes across the organisation as appropriateEnsure compliance with all relevant guidelines, policies, procedures and relevant legislation and regulatory requirements Promote a culture of continuous quality improvement across the organisation Be aware of the core objectives, standards and key performance indicators for the operations of the TU and contribute to the monitoring of performance against these standardsParticipate in the requirements of the organisation’s risk management programmeThe PersonEssential Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of:Postgraduate qualification in business management, data science, mathematics, economics, statistics or relevant field and / or relevant professional qualificationMinimum 5 years of demonstrated relevant experience in data analytics and / or research or related field in a high-level, academic or executive level settingAdvanced knowledge of database software and/or statistical softwareExperience with data governance to ensure accurate, reliable, and consistent institutional data Demonstrable ability to lead organisational change and maintain positive working relationships Demonstrable ability to lead a team with excellent interpersonal and communication skillsStrong stakeholder management experienceRelevant sectoral experience Desirable Requirements The successful candidate may demonstrate evidence of:Excellent organisational and analytical skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to identify solutions.A positive, enthusiastic, flexible and proactive approach to work allied with an ability to deliver. Ability to prioritise and manage workloads and to cope with conflicting demands.Key skills and competenciesTechnical & Professional Expertise Has a command over the technical/ professional skills and knowledge required within the job holder’s role and continues to upskill to maintain high professional standards and continuous professional development requirementsLeadership & ManagementManages performance to deliver team goals; demonstrates accountability for leading, directing, monitoring and evaluating organisation / function services. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best. Promotes confidence and positive attitude; influences others to follow a common goal.Communication & Interpersonal Skills Speaks and writes clearly, fluently and effectively to both individuals and groups; communicates in a manner that will persuade, convince and influence others, in order to motivate, inspire or encourage them to follow a particular course of action.Strategic Thinking Capable of lifting their thinking and applying their efforts outside of daily tasks to prepare strategies that take account of issues and trends and how these link to the objectives of the organisation.Building & Maintaining Relationships Builds and maintains relationships with a network of people. Recognises the two way nature of relationships and works to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Interacts with others in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.Driving Innovation Possesses the ability and desire to improve organisation performance by developing or creating innovative solutions.Results Driven & Accountable Focuses on delivering results; always concerned with achieving or surpassing goals and/or recognised standards of performance.Commitment to Quality and Risk ManagementThe ability to focus on understanding stakeholder’s needs and expectations and to respond effectively and efficiently to them. Has a good knowledge of and is committed to offer a quality service through the achievement of goals, accreditation standards, other organisation/department standards and risk management frameworks and guidelines.