Data Management & Strategy - Manager Jobs in Iowa

Position Number: 100045

Unit/Department: Access and Success

FTE: Full-time

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate

Department Summary:

The Office of Access & Success provides the tools and support Drake University students need to be the best they can be academically. This includes academic coaching, accessibility services, tutoring, and other forms of support.

Job Summary:

The Student Success Data & Systems Manager supports institutional student success initiatives through the administration, optimization, and assessment of student success technologies and related data systems. This position serves as the primary administrator for student success platforms including Starfish and Handshake and assists in the development of student success reporting, retention analysis, communication strategies, and coordinated care initiatives.

The manager collaborates with academic affairs, student affairs, advising, career services, institutional research, and other campus partners to support data-informed decision-making, improve student success operations, and advance institutional persistence, engagement, and post-graduate success efforts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, or systems administration
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex information to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data/reporting tools

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in higher education, educational leadership, analytics, information systems, or related field
• Experience working in higher education, student success, advising, career services, or institutional research
• Experience with student success platforms such as Starfish, Handshake, EAB Navigate, CRM systems, or related technologies
• Experience with reporting and visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, SQL, or similar platforms
• Knowledge of retention, persistence, advising, and coordinated care models
• Experience with assessment, survey administration, or student success analytics

Job Duties:

• 35% - Student Success Systems Administration —
• Manage daily administration, maintenance, and optimization of student success systems, such as Starfish and Handshake
• Coordinate system updates, testing, enhancements, and implementation of new features
• Provide user support, troubleshooting, and training for faculty, staff, and students
• Develop and maintain documentation and campus procedures related to system use
• Monitor system utilization and recommend improvements to increase effectiveness and engagement
• Collaborate with campus partners and vendors regarding integrations, upgrades, and functionality
• Support administration of the First Destination Survey and related career outcomes reporting

• Assist in the development of coordinated care and intervention workflows within student success systems.

• 30% - Student Success Analytics & Reporting —

• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and data visualizations related to retention, persistence, progression, and student engagement
• Assist with development and refinement of institutional retention and persistence models
• Identify trends, equity gaps, and areas of opportunity through analysis of student success data
• Support proactive monitoring efforts related to student outreach, intervention effectiveness, and student engagement indicators

• Analyze utilization and effectiveness of student success initiatives, campaigns, and support services.

• 25% - Communication, Collaboration, & Special Projects —

• Prepare reports, presentations, summaries, and communication materials for campus stakeholders and leadership
• Translate complex data into accessible and actionable information for diverse audiences
• Assist in developing recommendations related to student success strategies, interventions, and operational improvements
• Contribute to campus conversations related to student success metrics, initiatives, and coordinated care efforts
• Assist with implementation of student success initiatives, outreach campaigns, and retention efforts
• Support special projects related to persistence, engagement, and student success operations
• Participate in student success committees, working groups, and planning initiatives
• Contribute to development of coordinated student support and communication strategies

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of institutional student success goals.

• 10% - Research, Assessment, & Best Practices —

• Research emerging best practices in student success, advising, retention, career readiness, and coordinated care models
• Monitor national trends and innovations in student success technologies and analytics
• Benchmark institutional practices against peer and aspirational institutions
• Share findings, recommendations, and opportunities with campus stakeholders
• Support continuous improvement initiatives through assessment and evaluation
• Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, conferences, and professional organizations.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

For consideration, you must apply online. Please include a resume and cover letter. If you have any questions about this job posting or the application process, please email jennifer.tran@drake.edu.

Review of Applications Begins:

A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.

ABOUT DRAKE

Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.

STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY

At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.