Qualitative Research and Survey Analyst

Position Summary

The Qualitative Research and Survey Specialist focuses on survey design, data collection, and analysis, contributing to research that directly impacts student success. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in both traditional and AI-driven survey methodologies, and the ability to work independently while representing the team in cross-functional collaborations.

Essential Functions:

Survey Design and Development for Student Success

• Develop and implement advanced survey instruments that capture key metrics related to student engagement, retention, and academic performance, with the support of AI tools.
• Use AI-driven techniques to design adaptive surveys that cater to diverse student populations, ensuring inclusivity and accuracy.
• Apply AI methodologies to refine question wording and detect biases, enhancing the overall validity and reliability of survey instruments.
• Develop interview guides and focus group facilitation guides.

Data Collection and Integration

• Oversee the integration of survey data with institutional data sources, including student information systems and learning management systems.
• Utilize AI to optimize survey distribution strategies, aiming to achieve high response rates and meaningful participation from various student groups.
• Manage real-time monitoring of survey data to ensure high-quality data collection and to make adjustments as necessary during the data collection phase.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate focus groups with students, faculty, and staff to gather qualitative data. Develop detailed focus group facilitation guides that ensure comprehensive exploration of relevant topics.
• Conduct one-on-one and group interviews using interview guides you develop, aimed at exploring in-depth perspectives, experiences, and insights that complement quantitative survey data.
• Ensure that focus groups and interview sessions are conducted inclusively and confidentially, providing all participants with the opportunity to share their views.

Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement

• Develop methodologies (i.e., AI) for the pre-testing and validation of surveys, ensuring they effectively measure the intended student success metrics.
• Continuously evaluate and improve survey processes to enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve data quality.
• Ensure compliance with university policies on data privacy and ethical research practices, particularly concerning student data.

Independent Work and Team Representation

• Work independently on assigned projects, managing time effectively and ensuring high-quality outputs without constant supervision.
• Represent the survey research team in cross-functional collaborations with university departments, effectively communicating insights and recommendations.
• Provide expert advice on survey methodologies to faculty, staff, and other stakeholders as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Masters in Survey Methodology, Educational Research, Data Science, or a related field, required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in survey research within a higher education context required.
• Experience in student success research, institutional research, or related fields within higher education required.
• Familiarity with survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics) commonly used in higher education research required.
• Experience in institutional research or a similar role within higher education preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating focus groups and interview guides within an educational or research setting preferred.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to independently manage complex research projects.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of effectively representing the team in collaborative projects with university departments.
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver high-quality results in a dynamic academic environment.
• Commitment to ethical research practices, with a deep understanding of data privacy and confidentiality in the context of student data.
• Vision for implementing AI enhanced processes within a university or research institution.

Location: Remote

Travel: Some Travel Required; less than 5% travel required

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Candidate receiving offers will be offered a salary/pay rate commensurate with experience that vary based on a candidate’s qualifications, skills, and competencies. Absent exceptional circumstances, candidates will be offered a salary within this range for this position. The minimum salary will be offered based on the minimum exemption threshold based on state of residency. Base pay is one component of National University’s total rewards package, as we are dedicated to supporting the needs of the “whole you” with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family. For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit benefits.nu.edu. For Part-time benefits, please click here.

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: $56,890.00 - $76,800.00

National University is committed to maintaining a high-quality, diverse workforce representative of the populations we serve. National University employs more than 5,000 faculty and staff and serves over 41,000 students. We are united in our mission to meet the global education demands of the 21st Century and are dedicated to creating a supportive academic and work environment that allows students, faculty and staff to develop their interests and talents while experiencing a sense of community and a commitment to diversity. With programs available both online and at our many campus locations, National University is a leader in creating innovative solutions to education and meeting the needs of our diverse student population, including adult learners and working professionals.

National University offers an opportunity to work in an innovative environment that supports diversity.

National University (NU) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant per applicable federal, state and local laws. At NU, a diverse mix of highly talented, innovative and creative people come together to make the impact of a lifetime for each of our student learners. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment, education, and admission at National University. We are focused on equality and believe deeply in diversity of race, color, ancestry, age, family care status, veteran status, marital status, creed, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and other legally protected group status.