Director for Survey Research and Evaluation
Villanova University
Director for Survey Research and Evaluation
Posting Details
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Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:20260252SPosition Title:Director for Survey Research and EvaluationPosition Type:StaffLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:full-time/12-monthsAvg Hours WeekDepartment:704-Office of Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness Position Summary:
The Director for Survey Research and Evaluation will lead a highly respected team that drives insights for strategic planning and institutional priorities. In addition to serving in a leadership role within survey research, this position is an opportunity to transform how data informs decisions and contributes to a university committed to igniting change.
This position will oversee the design, administration, and analysis of campus-wide surveys, ensure rigor and integrity, and bring results to life through dynamic dashboards, compelling infographics, and clear, actionable narratives. The Director’s work will empower leaders, faculty, and staff to make informed choices that will help shape the student experience and advance Villanova’s mission.
Why work at Villanova?
Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.
Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead the development, administration, and analysis of surveys within Villanova’s Systematic Survey Cycle (e.g., Entering Student Survey, Senior Survey, Climate Surveys, HERI Faculty Surveys).
Lead the development, administration, and analysis of commissioned surveys for academic and administrative units, aligning survey initiatives with institutional and strategic goals.
Supervise and mentor survey research staff, fostering professional growth and collaboration.
Deliver compelling presentations and reports that translate data into actionable insights for senior leadership and campus stakeholders.
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Advance reporting practices by:
Incorporating visualization tools and dashboards to complement traditional reporting.
Using infographics and narrative techniques to make findings more accessible and actionable.
o Supporting secure, streamlined data sharing through university-approved platforms.
Ensure methodological rigor and compliance with data privacy standards.
Perform other duties and assist with projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Formal Education
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Survey Research, Statistics, Educational Research, Data Analytics, etc.).
Work Experience
5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in survey research, institutional effectiveness, or a related field, including team leadership and supervisory responsibilities.
Track record of effective people leadership—mentoring, coaching, prioritizing workload, and managing performance.
Work Skills
Sophisticated project management skills, with the ability to scope, sequence, and deliver multiple initiatives – likely in different phases – simultaneously on time and to a high standard.
Strong applied statistical analysis using modern software platforms (e.g., significance testing, regression, factor analysis, clustering, reliability/validity testing, weighting, benchmarking, etc.).
Mastery of survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics)—complex logic, embedded data, panel management, integrations/APIs, and governance.
High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel (e.g., complex formulas, nested logic, pivot tables, Power Query, data modeling, and data transformation).
Comfort working with large, complex datasets, including data pipelines, joins/merges, documentation, and quality control.
Strong data visualization capability using Tableau and/or Power BI, including data modeling, calculated fields/measures, parameters, drill-through, row-level security, and dashboard UX.
Exceptional data storytelling and communication, producing infographics and narrative-driven summaries tailored to diverse audiences.
Polished presentation skills with the ability to brief senior leadership succinctly and persuasively.
Knowledge of cloud-based collaboration and secure data sharing platforms.
Ability to maintain strictest levels of confidentiality working with often highly sensitive data and information.
Specific Job Knowledge
Strong expertise in survey methodology, including instrument design, sampling, bias assessment, scale construction, and measurement validation.
Preferred Qualifications:
Formal Education
Master’s or Ph.D. in Survey Research, Statistics, Educational Research, or related field.
Work Experience
Experience working in higher education, preferably in Institutional Research or Institutional Effectiveness, with knowledge of higher education data standards.
Work Skills
Advanced proficiency in SPSS and/or R, including use of syntax/scripts to support advanced survey analysis methods and development of reproducible, well‑documented analytic workflows.
Demonstrated experience designing and maintaining a standardized dashboard system for survey reporting, including recurring refresh cycles, role‑based access, and support for longitudinal and comparative analysis.
Experience communicating with senior stakeholders on methodological tradeoffs, assumptions, and interpretation of complex statistical findings.
Specific Job Knowledge
Awareness of emerging technologies, including AI tools for data analysis and visualization, and the ability to evaluate their potential for institutional research.
Familiarity with accreditation and compliance reporting.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours: Special Message to Applicants:Posting Date:05/21/2026Closing Date (11:59pm ET):Salary Posting Information:
This position falls within salaried grade 18 and the range is $94,700-118,400. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.
Salary Grade:18Job Classification:exempt
References Needed
References Needed
Minimum Number of References Needed3Maximum Number of References Needed3
Supplemental Questions
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Please describe in detail how your background and experience would be applicable for this position in a College/University setting.
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Documents needed to complete your application:
Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
Letters of Reference (uploaded by applicant)
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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