Employment opportunities at the Minnesota Private College Council

Research Associate

Posted Aug. 15, 2008

The Minnesota Private College Council, Fund and Research Foundation seek a Research Associate to join our team of higher education professionals and work closely with colleagues from our member colleges and universities, the corporate and foundation worlds and other civic and educational organizations on exciting, forward-looking research agenda. The MPCC, located in downtown St. Paul, serves members through government relations, research and policy analysis, cooperative marketing and fund-raising, and collaborative grant acquisition and administration.

PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Research Associate participates in planning and carrying out the research agenda of the Minnesota Private College Research Foundation.  This agenda includes (1) data collection, analysis and report preparation undertaken on a regular basis for our 17 member institutions; (2) legislative policy analysis and policy development support for the Minnesota Private College Council; and (3) directed research and analysis relevant to the needs of the organization, member colleges and the State of Minnesota. A significant part of the position involves the management of a student unit-record financial aid database, designed to improve understanding of how Minnesota institutions award financial aid and how students and families pay for college.  The Research Associate also coordinates and manages externally-funded research projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Baccalaureate degree in appropriate field and two years’ of quantitative research experience required. Graduate degree in statistics, higher education research, survey methodology, or other quantitatively oriented field desirable.
2. Strong quantitative and computer skills, including appropriate experience with statistics packages (e.g., SPSS), relational databases and data retrieval (e.g., Access), report building, presentation graphics and Microsoft Excel.  Familiarity with SQL preferred.
3. Ability to collect, manage, organize, analyze, summarize, interpret, and report data and information for multiple audiences. Strong analytical skills.
4. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
5. Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing.
6. Ability to handle confidential materials discreetly and professionally on a routine basis.
7. Proven project management, ability to work on multiple projects, to organize workflow, and to meet deadlines.
8. Interest in higher education, familiarity with the purposes and functions of institutional research and comfort with public policy research desired.
9. Accuracy, attention to detail and high standards for quality output.
10. A positive and proactive attitude.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinate research projects: Perform regular membership surveys, data collection, analysis, query/retrieval, manipulation and reporting functions of the Research Foundation, including reports on admissions, enrollments, graduate surveys and other areas, as assigned. Maintain relationships with campus research partners.
2. Manage and maintain security of student unit record data warehouse including timely data collection from member institutions, data accuracy verification, storage, query, and reporting.
3. Maintain and monitor the quality of research-related databases and provide research- based information in support of the MPCC’s communications, legislative and fundraising functions.
4. Assist, facilitate and exercise lead responsibilities as directed for funded research projects.  Examples include:  planning projects and monitoring progress; managing communications with project partners, including funders, vendors, research collaborators, committees and advisory bodies; collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports, budgets and other products.
5. Assist with monitoring and tracking demographic and economic trends, education and social needs, and other areas as these impact member institutions and the State of Minnesota.
6. Contribute toward a positive and professional work environment.
7. Assist with other projects as requested. (The MPCC reserves the right to change job responsibilities or duties based on the needs of the MPCC.)

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Research Associate reports to the Vice President for Research and Policy Development. The Research Associate works closely with other team members to support their research-related needs.

COMPENSATION 
Competitive salary and benefits (health, dental, retirement, flexible benefit plan, four weeks vacation, parking provided).

TO APPLY
Send cover letter outlining basis of interest, resume, synopsis of related research and project experience, salary requirements, and three references to: Research, Minnesota’s Private Colleges, Bremer Tower, 445 Minnesota St. STE 500, St. Paul, MN 55101 or email to research@mnprivatecolleges.org.  Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the position is filled. Equal Opportunity Employer

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