Provost Office - Research and Benchmarking Assistant

Department
Contact
Prof. Daniel Klinghard

Job Description

The Research and Benchmarking Assistant will work directly with the Associate Provost for Academic Finance, Strategy and Planning and the Dean of Education and Academic Experience to conduct research and benchmarking projects that support strategic priorities aimed at enhancing academic and co-curricular experiences for students and faculty.

This role is ideal for a self-starter who is curious, dependable, and comfortable asking questions to ensure clarity and accuracy in their work. Students in this position will contribute to projects that align with the college’s mission of fostering a supportive and vibrant academic community, while developing valuable skills in research, data organization, and institutional reporting.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct benchmarking research on peer institutions or relevant organizations to gather and analyze data for strategic planning and decision-making.

  • Review and synthesize information from reports, websites, and other sources to provide actionable insights.

  • Assist in designing and distributing basic surveys using tools such as Qualtrics or Google Forms, including drafting questions and organizing raw survey data.

  • Compile research findings into clear, organized formats (e.g., tables, charts, written memos) for review and institutional use.

  • Support the creation of internal reports or presentations related to institutional priorities and projects.

  • Occasionally participate in meetings with campus stakeholders to share findings or gain feedback on research work.

  • Take initiative to ask clarifying questions and propose solutions when encountering challenges.

  • Other duties as assigned, based on office priorities and the evolving needs of the institution.

Hours Per Week:

5-10 hours per week during the academic semester, with flexibility to accommodate class schedules and academic commitments.

Benefits to the student:

  • Opportunity to actively contribute to the college's mission by supporting strategic initiatives that enhance the academic and campus experience for students and faculty.

  • Hands-on experience conducting benchmarking and institutional research that is directly tied to the priorities of higher education administration.

  • Development of transferable skills in research, data analysis, survey methodology, and professional communication.

  • Opportunity to enhance your resume and build connections with campus leadership in a professional setting.

To apply, please submit a brief resume and a short statement of interest (150-250 words) that describes why you are interested in this role and how your skills, coursework, or experiences relate to the position. Applications should be sent to Daniel Klinghard, Dean of Education and Academic Experience (dklingha@holycross.edu).