University of South Carolina
Director of Research & Planning
🇺🇸
Spartanburg, SC
🕑
Full-Time
💰
$70K - $77K
💻
Other
🗓️
February 18th, 2026
Edtech.com's Summary
University of South Carolina is hiring a Director of Research & Planning. The role involves managing strategic planning goals and institutional research activities by overseeing data collection, analysis, and reporting to support university divisions. The Director collaborates with university leadership and departments to fulfill data needs for planning, accreditation, and reporting, while ensuring data integrity and relevance to institutional priorities.
Highlights
- Manage and direct strategic planning goals, metrics, and institutional research activities.
- Oversee comprehensive data collection, analysis, and interpretation across all university divisions.
- Collaborate with the Executive Team, Deans, and various university departments to meet data needs.
- Ensure accuracy and quality of data warehouse and dashboards in conjunction with USC Columbia IT.
- Conduct predictive and comparative statistical analyses to inform high-level institutional decisions.
- Lead reporting of institutional data to state, federal, and external agencies, including accreditation bodies such as SACSCOC, CAEP, CCNE, AACSB, and ABET.
- Develop and enforce university data policies and serve as the definitive source for university data definitions.
- Required proficiency in Excel, statistical software (SPSS or SAS), and student information systems (Banner).
- Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 3+ years related experience; preferred: doctorate and 5 years in higher education research and planning.
- Salary range $69,913 - $76,656, commensurate with education and experience, with a full benefits package including health insurance, retirement, tuition programs, and paid leave.
Director of Research & Planning Full Description
Director of Research & Planning
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition Program
- Dependent Scholarships
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
Posting Details
Posting Summary
Logo
Posting Number | STA00072PO26
Job Family | Research
Job Function | Statisticians
USC Market Title | Statistical and Research Analyst
Link to USC Market Title | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/133801
Job Level | P3 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) | Director of Research & Planning
Campus | Upstate
Work County | Spartanburg
College/Division | USC Upstate College/Division Level
Department | UPS Institutional Effectiveness & Institutional Research
State Pay Range | G11
USC Market Range | MRI - $69,913 $87,391 $104,870
Anticipated Hiring Range | $69,913 - $76,656; Salary commensurate with education and experience.
Location of Vacancy | USC Upstate, Spartanburg, SC
Part/Full Time | Full Time
Hours per Week | 37.5
Work Schedule | Monday – Friday; 8:30am – 5pm; Some evenings and weekends as needed are required.
Basis | 12 months
Job Search Category | Other Professional
About USC
About University of South Carolina | From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Veterans' Preference Statement | The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary | Director of Research and Planning
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA00072PO26
Spartanburg, SC
Reports to the Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and SACSCOC liaison. Manages and directs activities of strategic planning goals and metrics and institutional research. Oversees comprehensive data collection, integrity, analysis, and interpretation of university data for all divisions of the university. Works with the Executive Team and Deans to meet data needs including for strategic planning scorecards and blueprints, external reporting, program reviews, grants, and accreditation. Works closely with university administration, USC Columbia, USC Upstate Information Technology and Data Services, and USC Upstate Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance to streamline data collection processes; improve data quality; and ensure that data collection, reporting, and analysis processes support university priorities. Ensures accuracy of data warehouse and dashboards in collaboration with USC Columbia Division of Information Technology. Analyzes data for patterns and trends, conducts predictive and comparative analyses, and provides projections to inform decisions at the highest levels of the institution. The Director is expected to be visible across campus and to take an active leadership role in discussing institutional data; to meet with units to clarify and refine their data needs and research questions; and to ensure that all data requests are fulfilled with clear summaries, contextual explanations, and interpretive reporting. Recommends changes in institutional planning based on state and federal policies and external trends. Ensures that data reports are informative, accessible, and aligned with university priorities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Doctorate in a related field and five years of experience in higher education research and planning.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | A successful background check is required. Excellent data management and statistical analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate complex information to end users effectively. Ability to prepare and present information to various groups. Proficiency in excel, statistical programs (e.g., SPSS or SAS), and student information systems (e.g., Banner).
University of South Carolina Upstate
STA00072PO26
Spartanburg, SC
Reports to the Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, and SACSCOC liaison. Manages and directs activities of strategic planning goals and metrics and institutional research. Oversees comprehensive data collection, integrity, analysis, and interpretation of university data for all divisions of the university. Works with the Executive Team and Deans to meet data needs including for strategic planning scorecards and blueprints, external reporting, program reviews, grants, and accreditation. Works closely with university administration, USC Columbia, USC Upstate Information Technology and Data Services, and USC Upstate Institutional Effectiveness and Compliance to streamline data collection processes; improve data quality; and ensure that data collection, reporting, and analysis processes support university priorities. Ensures accuracy of data warehouse and dashboards in collaboration with USC Columbia Division of Information Technology. Analyzes data for patterns and trends, conducts predictive and comparative analyses, and provides projections to inform decisions at the highest levels of the institution. The Director is expected to be visible across campus and to take an active leadership role in discussing institutional data; to meet with units to clarify and refine their data needs and research questions; and to ensure that all data requests are fulfilled with clear summaries, contextual explanations, and interpretive reporting. Recommends changes in institutional planning based on state and federal policies and external trends. Ensures that data reports are informative, accessible, and aligned with university priorities.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience | Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 3 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials |
Preferred Qualifications | Doctorate in a related field and five years of experience in higher education research and planning.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities | A successful background check is required. Excellent data management and statistical analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to communicate complex information to end users effectively. Ability to prepare and present information to various groups. Proficiency in excel, statistical programs (e.g., SPSS or SAS), and student information systems (e.g., Banner).
Job Duties
Job Duty | Managing data reports and recommending changes to strategic planning goals and metrics as articulated on scorecards and blueprints and program review data sheets.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Developing and overseeing systems for gathering, streamlining, assuring quality, analyzing, and reporting institutional data necessary for decision making at all levels.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Performing a variety of statistical analyses using large, complex data sets including predictive analyses to inform institutional planning and budgeting.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Designing and implementing data analysis and visualization, and self-service data tools, including data interpretation and training as needed.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Leading changes in research and planning initiatives based on system, state, federal, and regional forecasts and trends as well as best practices in research and planning.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Managing the reporting of institutional data to state and federal government entities as required (e.g., SCCHE, IPEDS) as well as other external agencies (e.g., U.S. News and World Report) and agencies that provide grant opportunities.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Managing institutional data for various accreditation bodies such as SACSCOC, CAEP, CCNE, AACSB, ABET, and other program level bodies.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Creating and enforcing university policies and procedures to ensure proper access and use of data across the institution.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Creating and serving as the source of university data definitions.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Evaluating departmental priorities and objectives, managing the Research and Planning budget, supervising staff, and performing additional duties as needed.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 20Job Duty | Developing and overseeing systems for gathering, streamlining, assuring quality, analyzing, and reporting institutional data necessary for decision making at all levels.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 15Job Duty | Performing a variety of statistical analyses using large, complex data sets including predictive analyses to inform institutional planning and budgeting.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Designing and implementing data analysis and visualization, and self-service data tools, including data interpretation and training as needed.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Leading changes in research and planning initiatives based on system, state, federal, and regional forecasts and trends as well as best practices in research and planning.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Managing the reporting of institutional data to state and federal government entities as required (e.g., SCCHE, IPEDS) as well as other external agencies (e.g., U.S. News and World Report) and agencies that provide grant opportunities.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Managing institutional data for various accreditation bodies such as SACSCOC, CAEP, CCNE, AACSB, ABET, and other program level bodies.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 10Job Duty | Creating and enforcing university policies and procedures to ensure proper access and use of data across the institution.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Creating and serving as the source of university data definitions.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5Job Duty | Evaluating departmental priorities and objectives, managing the Research and Planning budget, supervising staff, and performing additional duties as needed.
Essential Function | Yes
Percentage of Time | 5
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive | No
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Hazardous weather category | Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies | 1
Desired Start Date | 04/01/2026
Job Open Date | 02/16/2026
Job Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant | The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Program Dependent Scholarships Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/202467
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Desired Start Date | 04/01/2026
Job Open Date | 02/16/2026
Job Close Date |
Open Until Filled | Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant | The application must be completed including all current and previous work history and education. A resume may be attached, but not substituted for completing work history and education sections of the application.
USC Upstate offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:Health and Life Insurance Retirement Programs Paid Tuition Program Dependent Scholarships Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Annual Leave Sick Leave 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday) Paid Parental Leave Professional Development Opportunities
Quicklink for Posting | https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/202467
EEO Statement | The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * This University of South Carolina Upstate position is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Do you wish to continue applying for this position?
- Yes
- No
- * Are you willing and able to submit to a pre-employment background check that may include, but it is not limited to, criminal history, national sex offender search and motor vehicle history as a condition of hire?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a doctorate in a related field and five years of experience in higher education research and planning?
- Yes
- No
- * The salary range for this position is $69,913 - $76,656 based on education and experience. Is this salary range acceptable to you?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Other Supporting Documents
- List of References and Contact Information
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