Job Description

Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support:
Research Associate in the Office of Institutional Research
Ball State University

Are you a data enthusiast with a love for databases and analysis? Do you have strong SQL skills and experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, SPSS, or R? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We are seeking a Research Associate to join our Office of Institutional Research at BSU. In this role, you will support a variety of activities that sustain the department’s development of a comprehensive institutional research function including, development of database schemas to support analysis and analytics, providing analysis of data from all sectors of the university for use in reporting on strategic metrics, program performance, and institutional effectiveness. You will also work closely with Decision Support to provide data sources needed for statistical analysis and visualization. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with team members across the institution on exciting projects that are building a data-informed culture. If you have a passion for research and analysis and are excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact on Ball State, we encourage you to apply.

At Ball State University, Inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Inclusive Excellence Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

Position Function: Reporting to the Director of Institutional Research, the Research Associate in the Office of Institutional Research will support a variety of activities that sustain the department’s development of a comprehensive institutional research function at BSU. The incumbent will be responsible for important portions of the development of database schemas to support analysis and analytics in one or more of the following areas. Provide analysis of data from all sectors of the university, for use in reporting on strategic metrics, program performance, institutional effectiveness, various committees, etc. Prepare and present summary reports for campus decision-makers and information consumers. Complete federal, state, and other external reporting requirements. Support the research and data analytic agenda of the Office of Institutional Research and Decision Support.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferably in Computer Science, Statistics, Math or a related field – (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Data Analytics, Library Sciences) or, in lieu of Bachelor’s degree: Associate’s degree plus an additional combination of education or experience equivalent to two years or high school diploma or GED plus an additional combination of education or experience equivalent to four years. Demonstrated skill using SQL for querying data, use of data analysis tools (such as SPSS, SAS, or R for data analysis), and software applications such as Excel and PowerPoint to interpret and present information. Knowledge of the concepts, development, management, and use of relational databases.
Minimum Other: Demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail. Work as a team member with other college research staff.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree. Knowledge or experience using various relational databases (e.g. Banner, Slate, Redshift). Familiarity developing data dashboards (with Tableau or a similar BI tool).
Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.


Apply online at: https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/35131
Include the following documents with your application: resume and cover letter addressed to: Hiring Manager. The option to upload transcripts is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earner is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted.
Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted through January 18, 2023.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. Ball State aspires to be the model of the most student-centered and community-engaged of the 21st century public research universities, transforming entrepreneurial learners into impactful leaders – committed to improving the quality of life for all.

The Ball State way is rooted in the Beneficence Pledge – a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, honesty and integrity, social responsibility, gratitude and valuing the intrinsic worth of each member of our community. Ball State students, faculty and staff are empowered in a culture that believes in them and demands they believe in themselves. They are partners in an innovative, immersive approach to education. They are supported by living and learning facilities that enable intellectual curiosity. We graduate scholars who are changing the world, and we’ve dedicated our University to do the same.

The university offers an excellent wellness program and extensive benefits offerings to include a generous paid time off package and paid parental leave. For further information regarding benefits please visit:
https://cms.bsu.edu/About/AdministrativeOffices/HumanResources/Jobs/Benefits-and-Community/professional-staff

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.


At Ball State University, we recognize inclusive excellence as an integral endeavor to fulfill our University’s mission and our strategic plan. We recruit, support, and retain a diverse population of students, faculty, and staff. We encourage and reward diversity of thought. We promote a work environment that encourages and rewards innovation and creativity. We pledge to keep Inclusive Excellence at the highest level of institutional importance and as a foundation in all that we strive to do. Our over-arching goal for Inclusive Excellence is to adopt a university-wide Inclusive Excellence approach to academic, administrative support, and service functions of the university. We believe Inclusive Excellence must be infused in every step we take.