Summary National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world. This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 2 years with the possibility for extension. Duties INTRODUCTION: National Defense University (NDU) is the premier national security institution focused on advanced joint education, leader development, and scholarship. NDU is composed of five Colleges: National War College (NWC), Dwight Eisenhower School (ES), Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC), College of International Security Affairs (CISA), and the College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC). Institutional research, assessment, and accreditation are critical academic support functions within NDU to facilitate evidence-based decisions and foster a culture of continuous assessment, evaluation, and planning for institutional improvement and effectiveness. Specifically, the following university- and program-level requirements are met by institutional research, assessment, and accreditation personnel: data management and analysis, reporting, accreditation compliance, and assessment. MAJOR DUTIES: Under the supervision and mentorship of the director, the Institutional Research, Assessment, and Accreditation Assistant/Associate is responsible for supporting data collection and analysis of student, faculty, and program performance. Specific duties include creating, distributing, and aggregating data from student and faculty surveys; assisting with data entry and manipulation; creating, editing, and data entry in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and various software programs; and providing customer service to faculty and students. The primary functions are described below: Institutional Research / Institutional Effectiveness Collect, organize, clean, and access data to support decision-making; Manage institutional data by ensuring completeness of data and validating data quality; Analyze, present, and report (primarily Microsoft tools) data; Interpret data trends and other statistical results; Summarize and present complex statistical data and results, appropriate to audience and purpose; Utilize NDU technology systems for information management, data analysis and data visualization; Maintain currency in and consistently implement best practices in institutional research; Provide technical and analytical guidance to others, including institutional research staff, faculty and leadership. Assessment Conduct assessment planning and implementation, including instrument design and data collection; Analyze direct and indirect assessment data; Utilize NDU technology systems for learning and assessment management; Interpret assessment results and consult with stakeholders on appropriate response; and Provide assessment guidance to others, including institutional research staff, faculty and leadership. Accreditation Assist with data used for compliance with accreditation standards and requirements. Qualifications REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree from an institutional accredited college or university in a discipline related to institutional research, assessment, higher education, research methodology, data analysis, or a related discipline. 5 total years of experience in institutional research, assessment, and accreditation in a higher education environment. Advanced statistical knowledge and skills. Ability to fulfill institutional reporting requirements using appropriate data and complying with all timelines and reporting specifications. Experience designing and administering surveys in an academic environment. Record of independent analytic research and writing. Strong analytical, written and verbal communication skills. Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, faculty, and senior administration. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Proficiency in training others in relevant software. Demonstrated creative approaches to data visualization or presentation. Knowledge of JPME and MSCHE educational standards, programs, curricula, and outcomes. Proficiency in PowerQuery, PowerBI, Qualtrics, SalesForce, and Blackboard/Canvas. CRITERIA FOR ACADEMIC LEVEL: Associate II: A Master's degree from an institutional accredited college or university in a discipline related to institutional research, assessment, higher education, research methodology, data analysis, or a related discipline. In addition, applicants must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in institutional research, assessment, accreditation, or closely related functions in higher education. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Education Requirement: A Master's degree from an institutional accredited college or university in a discipline related to institutional research, assessment, higher education, research methodology, data analysis, or a related discipline. Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if the position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment, if selected for the role. * An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence PRIOR to appointment. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education.