Job Description:
Department: Office of Institutional Research
Reports To: Director of Institutional Research
Job Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Work Mode: Potential hybrid work arrangement (combination of on-campus and remote work); 10-month annual schedule
About Fairfield University:
Fairfield University is a Jesuit Catholic institution committed to academic excellence, service, and ethical leadership. Our mission is to foster a vibrant learning community that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a commitment to social justice. The Office of Institutional Research supports the university’s mission through integrity-driven reporting, evidence-based planning, and stewardship of institutional data. The plays a pivotal role in supporting data-informed decision-making and ensuring compliance with research regulations and standards.
About the Office of Institutional Research (OIR):
Established in 2007 and reporting to the Provost, Fairfield University’s Office of Institutional Research supports the University's mission and strategic goals through data-driven insight and planning. OIR ensures the integrity of institutional data to guide decision-making, enhance the student experience, and foster institutional growth. The office leads data collection, analysis, and reporting efforts for internal and external stakeholders, supports compliance with federal, state, and accreditation requirements, and provides advanced analytics, survey design, and strategic research consulting to the campus community.
Position Summary:
The Office of Institutional Research at Fairfield University’s Compliance Analyst will manage institutional reporting requirements for federal, state, and accreditation agencies. This full-time position is essential to ensuring that Fairfield remains in good standing by overseeing the preparation and submission of timely, accurate, and complete data, while supporting the University’s broader commitment to regulatory transparency and data integrity. Serves as a key liaison between internal departments and external regulatory bodies, the Compliance Analyst plays a vital role in upholding Fairfield University’s commitment to data integrity, regulatory compliance, and institutional transparency.
Areas of Knowledge and Essential Functions:
Prepare, validate, and submit mandated federal and state compliance reports (e.g., IPEDS, state education reports, accreditation data submissions) in compliance with deadlines and regulatory requirements.
Office of Institutional Research
Monitor evolving federal and state regulations, and accreditation standards related to institutional reporting and recommend process updates as needed.
Collaborate with key departments (e.g., Registrar, Financial Aid, Enrollment, HR, Finance) to collect, verify, and format data for compliance reports.
Maintain internal reporting schedules, process documentation, and audit trails to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
Assist in the development and implementation of institutional policies and procedures related to compliance.
Review historical data for consistency, accuracy, and compliance with longitudinal reporting expectations.
Contributes to the expansion of data literacy across the institution by supporting the creation of training resources and guidance materials.
Skills & Competencies:
Strong knowledge of data compliance regulations, including FERPA, and best practices in institutional research.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with sharp attention to detail.
Proficiency in data tools such as Excel, SQL, Tableau, or similar platforms.
Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information accurately.
Strong project management abilities; capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Proven discretion and professionalism when handling confidential or sensitive information.
Demonstrated ability to produce accurate, well-formatted, and consistent documentation.
Commitment to quality control and thorough review processes to ensure data integrity and compliance.
Qualifications:
Required-
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Higher Education, Public Policy, Information Systems, Business, or related discipline).
Demonstrated experience working with data in Excel; familiarity with databases and query/reporting tools.
Strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to meet strict deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred-
At least 2 years of experience in compliance, institutional research, data reporting, or a related field.
Experience with IPEDS or NECHE accreditation reporting.
Familiarity with higher education administrative systems (e.g., Ellucian Banner, Workday).
Understanding of FERPA, state data privacy, or other regulatory frameworks in higher education.
Experience preparing government-mandated reports or working in a compliance-heavy environment.
Please note: Duties, responsibilities, and competencies may evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the University and the Office of Institutional Research.
Category:
Academic - Admin
Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.
*Disclaimer
The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
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