What does a director of institutional research do?
A director of institutional research oversees and leads the research programs of an organization or institution. They primarily take the lead in developing research plans, setting goals and standards, establishing timelines, securing fundings, organizing and managing research teams, recruiting new members of the workforce, and conducting regular assessments to ensure optimal operations. Moreover, a director of institutional research monitors all activities, addressing and solving issues should any arise. It is also their responsibility to empower research teams while implementing the organization's policies and standards.
Director of institutional research responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real director of institutional research resumes:
- Lead the overhaul of Amgen's small molecule lead optimization effort.
- Achieve and maintain the standardization of IRB and research activities and compliance across the CHS.
- Manage investment reports flow, and maintain financial models of list equities to assist in the investment process.
- Achieve superior customer results by improving and integrating proprietary chemistry tests.
- Complete research requests and comprehensive reports institution-wide using SQL, SPSS, and survey results.
- Create mathematical models of currency exchange rates using linear regression and co-integration.
- Research high frequency quantitative trading algorithm and statistical arbitrage strategy for equities and fix income ETF.
- Conduct quantitative analyses using statistical techniques including but not limit to ANOVA, simple, multivariate and binary logistic regression analysis.
- Develop a generic smart order execution library in Java and C++.
- Submit information to external sources as required by the governing body associate with NY community colleges.
- Participate in face-to-face and written negotiations with both the FDA and EMA to reach agreement using principle negotiation tactics.
- Perform predictive analyses on student retention probability of first-time entering freshmen using SPSS software.
- Develop and implement numerous Mathematica and Matlab base tools for trading and risk management.
- Provide integration of library with Matlab and java-base desktop environments and the trading and risk management platform.
- Support Amgen San Francisco (ASF) toxicology efforts and serve on the ASF IACUC
Director of institutional research skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Directors Of Institutional Research are proficient in Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Statistical Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Time-management skills, Problem-solving skills, and Leadership skills.
We break down the percentage of Directors Of Institutional Research that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Data Collection, 9%
Managed all mandatory data collections and created consistency in definitions of institutional measures.
- Data Analysis, 7%
Support university-planning efforts with institutional research including data gathering, data analysis, and outcome assessment.
- Statistical Analysis, 7%
Performed statistical analysis to determine such things as optimum space allocation and student satisfaction.
- SPSS, 7%
Performed predictive analyses on student retention probability of first-time entering freshmen using SPSS software.
- Institutional Effectiveness, 5%
Served as Database Administrator, managing all data related to institutional effectiveness.
- Visualization, 5%
Partner with consultants in creating interactive data visualization dashboards utilizing the association's critical data.
Common skills that a director of institutional research uses to do their job include "data collection," "data analysis," and "statistical analysis." You can find details on the most important director of institutional research responsibilities below.
Time-management skills. One of the key soft skills for a director of institutional research to have is time-management skills. You can see how this relates to what directors of institutional research do because "natural sciences managers must be able to perform multiple administrative, supervisory, and technical tasks while ensuring that projects remain on schedule." Additionally, a director of institutional research resume shows how directors of institutional research use time-management skills: "managed client relationships and consulted with clients to determine needs, define project objectives and negotiated project deadlines. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling director of institutional research duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "natural sciences managers use scientific observation and analysis to find answers to complex technical questions." According to a director of institutional research resume, here's how directors of institutional research can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "certificated as microsoft certified solutions associate (mcsa) and sas certified base programmer"
Leadership skills. directors of institutional research are also known for leadership skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to director of institutional research responsibilities, because "natural sciences managers must be able to organize, direct, and motivate others." A director of institutional research resume example shows how leadership skills is used in the workplace: "provide leadership and direction for the college's system of accountability and institutional effectiveness. "
Communication skills. For certain director of institutional research responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of a director of institutional research rely on this skill, as "natural sciences managers must be able to communicate clearly with a variety of audiences, such as scientists, policymakers, and the public." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what directors of institutional research do: "prepared written and oral communications of research findings. "
See the full list of director of institutional research skills
The three companies that hire the most director of institutional researchs are:
- Nicklaus Children's Hospital3 directors of institutional research jobs
- The City University of New York3 directors of institutional research jobs
- Columbia University in the City of New York2 directors of institutional research jobs
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Director of institutional research vs. Study coordinator
Study coordinators oversee the entire process of clinical research from its inception to its completion. The coordinators make certain that human subjects are safe and well-protected. They identify the eligibility of the subject through clinical record screening and medical information extracting. It is their responsibility to maintain the regulatory documents based on the requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They should develop skills and knowledge in clinical trials, study protocol, and patient care.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between directors of institutional research and study coordinator. For instance, director of institutional research responsibilities require skills such as "tableau," "statistical analysis," "institutional effectiveness," and "visualization." Whereas a study coordinator is skilled in "patients," "informed consent," "fda," and "clinical trials." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Study coordinators really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $50,589. Comparatively, directors of institutional research tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $114,283.study coordinators tend to reach lower levels of education than directors of institutional research. In fact, study coordinators are 8.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 4.8% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Director of institutional research vs. Senior program coordinator
A senior program coordinator is primarily in charge of spearheading and managing programs, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Their responsibilities revolve around participating in setting goals and objectives, securing funding and sponsors, overseeing the workforce, and even establishing guidelines. They may also facilitate communication within the company and liaise with external parties. Furthermore, as a senior program coordinator, it is essential to lead and encourage the teams to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, director of institutional research responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "data analysis," "tableau," "statistical analysis," and "spss." Meanwhile, a senior program coordinator has duties that require skills in areas such as "alumni," "excellent organizational," "sr," and "data entry." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Senior program coordinators earn lower levels of education than directors of institutional research in general. They're 7.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 4.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Director of institutional research vs. Clinical trial coordinator
A clinical trial coordinator is responsible for assisting in medical trials and clinical research studies. Clinical trial coordinators support the whole operational process of medical research from its conceptualization until the final outputs. They manage the adequacy of tools and equipment, ensuring the cleanliness and orderliness of the facilities to prevent potential hazards and delays in laboratory testing. A clinical trial coordinator must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing progress reports and securing the acquired laboratory samples.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a director of institutional research is likely to be skilled in "tableau," "statistical analysis," "spss," and "institutional effectiveness," while a typical clinical trial coordinator is skilled in "clinical trials," "patients," "informed consent," and "meeting minutes."
Clinical trial coordinators earn the highest salary when working in the health care industry, where they receive an average salary of $57,791. Comparatively, directors of institutional research have the highest earning potential in the finance industry, with an average salary of $114,283.When it comes to education, clinical trial coordinators tend to earn lower degree levels compared to directors of institutional research. In fact, they're 12.8% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 4.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Director of institutional research vs. Clinical coordinator
A clinical coordinator is responsible for monitoring a healthcare facility's daily operations, ensuring the best quality services for the patients. Clinical coordinators perform administrative and clerical tasks as needed, such as organizing patient files, communicating with other departments and healthcare organizations for validating patients' information and insurance documents, prepare medical reports, assist medical professionals in medical procedures, and observe sanitary and hygienic standards. A clinical coordinator must have excellent time-management skills to perform duties under minimal supervision.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between directors of institutional research and clinical coordinators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a director of institutional research might have more use for skills like "data analysis," "tableau," "statistical analysis," and "spss." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of clinical coordinators require skills like "patients," "customer service," "cpr," and "rehabilitation. "
Clinical coordinators enjoy the best pay in the health care industry, with an average salary of $56,227. For comparison, directors of institutional research earn the highest salary in the finance industry.The average resume of clinical coordinators showed that they earn lower levels of education compared to directors of institutional research. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 7.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 5.5%.Types of director of institutional research
Updated January 8, 2025











