Associate Dean of Academic Operations and Administration, Masor

American Jewish University • Sherman Oaks, CA

70d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Dean of Academic Operations and Administration, reporting to the Dean of the Masor School, is the senior operational and administrative leader for the Masor School at American Jewish University (AJU). This role provides leadership for academic administration, operational management, and strategic implementation, translating the Dean's vision into effective systems and processes that support academic excellence, faculty success, student success, and institutional effectiveness. The position is primarily responsible for the administration and operations of the Masor School's two doctoral programs, including academic policies, advisement, student progression, dissertation processes, faculty coordination, assessment, and collaboration with university offices. The Associate Dean also supports broader Masor School operations by leading administrative initiatives, improving processes, managing workflows, coordinating communications, and advancing strategic projects. The role includes a limited teaching load (up to three courses per academic year) and potential dissertation committee service. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader with strong organizational, project management, and communication skills, thriving in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• Terminal degree (PhD or EdD) in education or a related field from an accredited institution. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership or administrative experience in higher education.
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience in higher education, including graduate-level instruction in online or hybrid formats.
• Strong knowledge of academic operations, higher education administration, and student lifecycle management.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a collaborative environment.
• Experience using data to support operational planning and continuous improvement.
• Must be able to maintain predictable and reliable attendance.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be able to work occasional evenings and on weekends, including holidays.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience administering graduate or doctoral academic programs, strongly preferred.
• Experience with doctoral program administration, dissertation management, and graduate academic policies.
• Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and student information systems (e.g., Populi).
• Experience supporting accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness initiatives.
• Familiarity with Jewish education, nonprofit higher education, or mission-driven academic organizations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor and operational partner to the Dean, providing leadership and implementation support for the Masor School's strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.
• Provide leadership for the day-to-day academic and administrative operations of the Masor School, ensuring efficient, consistent, and high-quality processes.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve administrative systems, policies, procedures, and workflows that support faculty, staff, and students.
• Lead operational planning for the academic calendar, scheduling, faculty assignments, and other academic processes.
• Collaborate with AJU departments, including Registrar Services, Academic Affairs, Provosts’ Office, Communications, Financial Aid, and Accounting, to ensure seamless support for Masor School operations and student services.
• Create and prepare reports, analyses, and operational metrics to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
• Maintain documentation and records necessary for accreditation, compliance, and institutional reporting.
• Support budget planning, resource management, and operational initiatives in collaboration with the Dean.
• Lead operational administrative projects that improve efficiency, student experience, and academic effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen communication, and enhance administrative services.
• Coordinate Masor School assessment activities, program review processes, and data collection to support continuous improvement.
• Support new program implementation and operational planning for Masor School initiatives.
• Represent the Masor School on university committees and cross-functional initiatives, as assigned.
• Teach up to three courses per academic year and/or chair or serve on dissertation committees, as assigned by the Dean.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the University.
• Provide comprehensive operational leadership for the Masor School's two doctoral programs.
• Oversee and support the doctoral academic advisors, including creating and monitoring key performance indicators for success.
• Liaise with Internal Review Board (IRB) Chair and Committee members on a regular basis.
• Oversee all administrative aspects of the doctoral student lifecycle, including admissions coordination, onboarding, registration, academic advising, academic milestones, dissertation progression, graduation clearance, and student records.
• Ensure consistent implementation of doctoral policies, procedures, academic standards, and timelines.
• Monitor student progress and coordinate timely interventions to promote student success and degree completion.
• Manage dissertation administration, including committee appointments, proposal approvals, milestone tracking, oral defenses, final submissions, and completion requirements.
• Chair or serve on dissertation committees, as assigned by the Dean.
• Serve as the primary administrative resource for doctoral students, dissertation chairs, committee members, and faculty advisors.
• Coordinate doctoral program communications and ensure students receive timely, accurate information regarding program requirements and expectations.
• Coordinate faculty participation in doctoral instruction, advising, dissertation supervision, and committee service.
• Support faculty onboarding, scheduling, workload coordination, and communication related to doctoral program operations.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty and university partners to ensure effective delivery of doctoral programs.
• Ensure doctoral program operations align with university policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the (part-time) Doctoral Academic Advisors.
• Partner with the Masor School’s Associate Director of Academic and Faculty Services for adjunct faculty support and training.
• Coordinate the work for doctoral faculty teaching assignments, dissertation chairing, and committee service in collaboration with the Dean.

Benefits

• health, dental, and vision insurance
• retirement plan participation
• paid time off
• other employee benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree