<< HR Home

Institutional Research Director

POSITION SUMMARY
The Research Director is responsible for designing, conducting, analyzing and presenting accurate law school data and research that respond to the needs of internal and external constituencies.

THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL
With more than 3600 law students, Cooley is the largest and among the most diverse juris doctor programs in the United States. Since its founding in 1975, Cooley has grown from a regional law school to a national and international program. It now offers JD degrees on three campuses in Michigan, two LL.M. degrees, and several joint degrees, all with a focus on preparing students for the effective and responsible practice of law. Cooley Law School is private, independent, nonprofit institution, accredited by the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission, a member of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. www.cooley.edu

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and assist in implementing an annual research agenda related to the mission and strategic plan of the law school.

Design, implement, and report on a variety of assessment measures, including periodic bar passage results. Identify and fill data and research gaps to develop a more comprehensive
understanding of the law school’s students, faculty members and curricula. Query existing student information system database to retrieve, clean, and organize data. Participate in the design of self studies and analysis needed, including those required by accrediting bodies and the Board of Directors. Analyze trends in student and program characteristics. Produce clear and concise written and oral reports.

Coordinate with all departments in conducting analyses and preparing reports.

Assist in implementing a new student information system.

Manage the institutional research function by satisfying federal, state, and other external reporting requirements, as well as the needs of law school administration and faculty.

Maintain currency on policies and reporting requirements of external agencies, such as the U.S. Dept. of Education, American Bar Association, Higher Learning Commission.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
Master's degree with coursework in research methods and statistical analysis, preferably within higher education administration. Advanced degree preferred. Prior experience working in institutional research, with evidence of recent research and data analysis accomplishments. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of statistical techniques and SPSS. Evidence of strong time-management, organizational, human relations and communication skills required.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
This full-time (1.0 FTE) position involves frequent contacts with law school faculty members, administrators, students, law firms, and others in the legal profession. The incumbent receives requests for data and research from a variety of internal sources and schedules its completion according to institutional priorities.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The incumbent reports to the associate dean for planning, programs and assessment and works under that person’s direct supervision.

SALARY
DOE, $50,000 – 60,000 to begin. The generous benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. We also offer life insurance, long-term disability, cafeteria plan benefits, retirement plan benefits (403(b) plan), free parking, and a generous personal leave day plan for our full-time employees.

LOCATION
Lansing, Michigan. Some travel expected to our Auburn Hills and Grand Rapids campuses.

Send resume, cover letter, and a sample of recent research report to:

Human Relations
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
P.O. Box 13038
Lansing, MI 48901

Electronic submissions may be directed to hr@cooley.edu. Please include "Institutional Research Director" in the subject line.

EEO/AA: Cooley Law School is an equal opportunity employer, and complies with applicable Federal and state laws and school policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment.

Position open until filled.