Academic Programs Manager

Virginia Tech • Blacksburg, VA

1d • $75,000

About The Position

The Academic Programs Manager (APM) serves as the lead ambassador, point of contact, and administrative facilitator for academic programs in the Department of Engineering Education. This position reports to the Department Head, supports the Assistant Department Heads (ADHs) and Advising team, and facilitates operation of all academic programs (both undergraduate and graduate). The APM: (i) collaborates with the Head to establish teaching schedules, and works with other university personnel to build the schedule of classes for each term; (ii) works with the ADHs to manage curricular reviews and revisions, including governance documentation and processes; (iii) collaborates with department leadership on graduate student recruiting, on-boarding, retention, and other functions with the goal of expanding the size of the PhD student population; (iv) collaborates to implement new graduate programs/pathways that add value for students while generating revenue for the department; (v) maintains a data structure in collaboration with other university personnel/offices that enables data-driven decisions about departmental academic programs; and (vi) collaborates across the department to expand industry engagement in the department’s academic and research programs. The APM also serves as the liaison between the department of other key university offices, including the Registrar, the Graduate School, and others.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business, Communications, or a related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to service consistent with Virginia Tech’s Ut Prosim mission, with the ability to cultivate strong, trusted partnerships with faculty, graduate students, and interdisciplinary stakeholders.
• Proven experience independently managing complex, long-term academic projects with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment, accountability, and exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with university data systems and data analysis tools, particularly UDC and Slate, along with advanced Excel skills (e.g., data analysis, reporting, pivot tables) to support data-informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments with competing deadlines in a dynamic academic environment while maintaining a service-oriented mindset.
• Experience handling sensitive student and institutional data with discretion, professionalism, and integrity.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with graduate policies, procedures, and compliance requirements within a university environment including admissions coordination, enrollment management, academic progress tracking, and student support services.
• Experience supporting graduate recruitment initiatives and collaborating with faculty and external partners to strengthen pipelines and enrollment outcomes.
• Experience maintaining program data, and supporting assessment or accreditation-related activities.
• Demonstrated ability to support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic programs in alignment with departmental and college priorities.

Responsibilities

• collaborates with the Head to establish teaching schedules, and works with other university personnel to build the schedule of classes for each term
• works with the ADHs to manage curricular reviews and revisions, including governance documentation and processes
• collaborates with department leadership on graduate student recruiting, on-boarding, retention, and other functions with the goal of expanding the size of the PhD student population
• collaborates to implement new graduate programs/pathways that add value for students while generating revenue for the department
• maintains a data structure in collaboration with other university personnel/offices that enables data-driven decisions about departmental academic programs
• collaborates across the department to expand industry engagement in the department’s academic and research programs
• serves as the liaison between the department of other key university offices, including the Registrar, the Graduate School, and others

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees