Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) - Asst VP for Institutional Re
Academic Career & Executive Search, Boston, MA, United States
Overview Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) – Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research and Assessment
Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist MassArt in its search for the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research & Assessment (AVPIRA).
For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled, and applications may be considered after the priority date.
MassArt seeks a highly collaborative and analytically sophisticated leader to serve as AVPIRA. This role will drive institutional decision-making, continuous improvement, and student success at the nation’s only independent public college of art and design. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the AVPIRA works with senior leadership to translate data into insight and action with measurable impact.
This is a time of momentum for MassArt, following a successful accreditation review cycle, the completion of a refreshed Strategic Partnership Plan, and stable senior leadership. MassArt aims to use data in more intentional, creative, and transparent ways to inform enrollment strategy, academic planning, program development, and resource allocation. The AVPIRA will engage with external partners and professional networks, including membership in the Colleges of the Fenway and ProArts consortia, statewide data collaboratives, and other higher education and arts organizations, strengthening MassArt’s benchmarking and influence. This is a hands-on, campus-based role for a systems thinker and trusted advisor who can build effective data practices, communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences, and foster a culture of evidence-informed decision-making.
This is a fully on-site position and offers a generous benefits package.
Key Responsibilities and Job Duties Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of a system of integrated planning, assessment, and evaluation across the institution, including research and analysis, environmental scanning, peer comparisons, benchmarking, trend analysis, key performance indicators, and reporting of initiative progress to inform institutional decision making.
Provide guidance and support to the President, Provost, and senior leadership in planning, strategic initiatives, and institutional improvement.
Develop statistical models and/or customized analyses to support enrollment and retention goals for the College.
Collaborate with Information Technology, Finance, Student Success and Enrollment Management, and other College departments to ensure data integrity from all sources.
Provide predictive analytics in support of the Strategic Plan.
Coordinate reporting efforts to eliminate redundancy and increase effectiveness.
Prepare data and communications for review, submission, and information sharing with internal and external stakeholders including the Department of Higher Education, Board of Trustees, accrediting entities, and government agencies.
Support planning, goal setting, and assessment work with an equity lens across academic departments, student success services, and other administrative areas.
Support academic departments in data needs for end-of-year reports and program reviews.
Serve as the College’s primary accreditation liaison.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Demonstrated experience identifying appropriate assessment methods and process surveys, and directing the analysis of assessment data documentation processes and results.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously; design, organize, and manage complex projects.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly to a lay audience.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to data collection and research in higher education or not-for-profit organizations.
Ability to motivate, manage, and supervise a team to achieve goals.
Expertise in creating an inclusive approach and working effectively with a diverse constituency on-campus and in the community.
Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree
Seven or more years’ senior-level experience in business intelligence/data analysis, data-driven decision-making, quality improvement, institutional research, or related fields in higher education or not-for-profit organizations
Professional experience in experimental design, building sophisticated statistical models (multivariate/path analysis, regression, segmentation, decision trees, time series)
Superior proficiency in spreadsheet, word-processing, and database software; functional knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Qualtrics)
Excellent communication skills and the ability to clarify and simplify data for non-experts
Preferred Qualifications Higher education experience
Massachusetts or other public higher education experience
Creativity, flexibility, tenacity, optimism, high energy, and sense of humor
About the Institution Founded in 1873, MassArt is the nation’s first and only independent, public college of art and design. MassArt is an inclusive community where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration define the culture. Located in Boston, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, along with continuing education and youth programs.
MassArt is a diverse and inclusive campus that prepares artists, designers, and educators to shape communities, economies, and cultures for the common good. The College offers twenty-two areas of concentration in fine arts, design and art education, and awards multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college is accredited by NECHE, NAAB, and DESE, and is a member of AICAD, ProArts, and the Colleges of Fenway.
Living in the Area Boston offers cultural diversity, a rich arts scene, and proximity to world-class schools, employers, and health care. The city features a modern downtown, historical sites, and outdoor recreation along the Charles River. The surrounding areas provide access to education, culture, and a range of leisure activities.
Why Work at MassArt? MassArt offers a dynamic, inclusive, and creative work environment with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health Insurance: Medical, life, and long-term disability through the GIC; MetLife dental and vision
Retirement Plans: Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System; 403b and 457b options
Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care
Employee Assistance Program: AllOne Health
Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, sick, and personal
Other Leaves: FMLA, PFML, and other programs
Commuter Transit and Parking Benefits: Pre-tax transportation benefits and related subsidies
Professional Development: Access to training and resources
Campus Perks: Free admission to MassArt Art Museum and employee discounts
Work-Life Balance: Wellness programs and flexible scheduling (where applicable)
Collaborative Culture: A mission-driven community committed to equity, innovation, and the arts
To Apply For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled and applications may be considered after the priority date.
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Ideally, cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially. Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to MassArtAVPIRA@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information to nominations@acesrch.com
Salary range for this position: $150,000-160,000.
Institutional Information
MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or related condition, or membership in any legally protected class. MassArt complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location MassArt operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
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Academic Career & Executive Search is pleased to assist MassArt in its search for the Assistant Vice President for Institutional Research & Assessment (AVPIRA).
For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled, and applications may be considered after the priority date.
MassArt seeks a highly collaborative and analytically sophisticated leader to serve as AVPIRA. This role will drive institutional decision-making, continuous improvement, and student success at the nation’s only independent public college of art and design. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the AVPIRA works with senior leadership to translate data into insight and action with measurable impact.
This is a time of momentum for MassArt, following a successful accreditation review cycle, the completion of a refreshed Strategic Partnership Plan, and stable senior leadership. MassArt aims to use data in more intentional, creative, and transparent ways to inform enrollment strategy, academic planning, program development, and resource allocation. The AVPIRA will engage with external partners and professional networks, including membership in the Colleges of the Fenway and ProArts consortia, statewide data collaboratives, and other higher education and arts organizations, strengthening MassArt’s benchmarking and influence. This is a hands-on, campus-based role for a systems thinker and trusted advisor who can build effective data practices, communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences, and foster a culture of evidence-informed decision-making.
This is a fully on-site position and offers a generous benefits package.
Key Responsibilities and Job Duties Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of a system of integrated planning, assessment, and evaluation across the institution, including research and analysis, environmental scanning, peer comparisons, benchmarking, trend analysis, key performance indicators, and reporting of initiative progress to inform institutional decision making.
Provide guidance and support to the President, Provost, and senior leadership in planning, strategic initiatives, and institutional improvement.
Develop statistical models and/or customized analyses to support enrollment and retention goals for the College.
Collaborate with Information Technology, Finance, Student Success and Enrollment Management, and other College departments to ensure data integrity from all sources.
Provide predictive analytics in support of the Strategic Plan.
Coordinate reporting efforts to eliminate redundancy and increase effectiveness.
Prepare data and communications for review, submission, and information sharing with internal and external stakeholders including the Department of Higher Education, Board of Trustees, accrediting entities, and government agencies.
Support planning, goal setting, and assessment work with an equity lens across academic departments, student success services, and other administrative areas.
Support academic departments in data needs for end-of-year reports and program reviews.
Serve as the College’s primary accreditation liaison.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Demonstrated experience identifying appropriate assessment methods and process surveys, and directing the analysis of assessment data documentation processes and results.
Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously; design, organize, and manage complex projects.
Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly to a lay audience.
Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertaining to data collection and research in higher education or not-for-profit organizations.
Ability to motivate, manage, and supervise a team to achieve goals.
Expertise in creating an inclusive approach and working effectively with a diverse constituency on-campus and in the community.
Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree
Seven or more years’ senior-level experience in business intelligence/data analysis, data-driven decision-making, quality improvement, institutional research, or related fields in higher education or not-for-profit organizations
Professional experience in experimental design, building sophisticated statistical models (multivariate/path analysis, regression, segmentation, decision trees, time series)
Superior proficiency in spreadsheet, word-processing, and database software; functional knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Qualtrics)
Excellent communication skills and the ability to clarify and simplify data for non-experts
Preferred Qualifications Higher education experience
Massachusetts or other public higher education experience
Creativity, flexibility, tenacity, optimism, high energy, and sense of humor
About the Institution Founded in 1873, MassArt is the nation’s first and only independent, public college of art and design. MassArt is an inclusive community where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration define the culture. Located in Boston, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, along with continuing education and youth programs.
MassArt is a diverse and inclusive campus that prepares artists, designers, and educators to shape communities, economies, and cultures for the common good. The College offers twenty-two areas of concentration in fine arts, design and art education, and awards multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college is accredited by NECHE, NAAB, and DESE, and is a member of AICAD, ProArts, and the Colleges of Fenway.
Living in the Area Boston offers cultural diversity, a rich arts scene, and proximity to world-class schools, employers, and health care. The city features a modern downtown, historical sites, and outdoor recreation along the Charles River. The surrounding areas provide access to education, culture, and a range of leisure activities.
Why Work at MassArt? MassArt offers a dynamic, inclusive, and creative work environment with a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Health Insurance: Medical, life, and long-term disability through the GIC; MetLife dental and vision
Retirement Plans: Massachusetts State Employees’ Retirement System; 403b and 457b options
Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care
Employee Assistance Program: AllOne Health
Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, sick, and personal
Other Leaves: FMLA, PFML, and other programs
Commuter Transit and Parking Benefits: Pre-tax transportation benefits and related subsidies
Professional Development: Access to training and resources
Campus Perks: Free admission to MassArt Art Museum and employee discounts
Work-Life Balance: Wellness programs and flexible scheduling (where applicable)
Collaborative Culture: A mission-driven community committed to equity, innovation, and the arts
To Apply For full consideration, please apply by March 16, 2026. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled and applications may be considered after the priority date.
Please apply through the application link and do not email applications. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Ideally, cover letters should not exceed two pages. All applications are treated confidentially. Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are also treated confidentially.
Inquiries and questions: Please send to MassArtAVPIRA@acesrch.com
Nominations and referrals: Please send the nominee’s name, title, and contact information to nominations@acesrch.com
Salary range for this position: $150,000-160,000.
Institutional Information
MassArt provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or related condition, or membership in any legally protected class. MassArt complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location MassArt operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.
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