Director, Academic Programs and Operations

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Academic Programs and Operations is an in-person position based in Oro Valley and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) Academic Programs unit and supporting the effective administration of curriculum-related activities. This position oversees staff, academic program operations, scheduling processes, and related administrative functions to ensure compliance with university, accreditation, and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will administer and evaluate program operations, develop operational improvements, and collaborate with leadership, faculty, students, and university partners to support the successful delivery of the veterinary curriculum. This role provides operational leadership for multiple projects and initiatives while ensuring continuity of academic program services and outcomes. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
Minimum of 7 years related work experience in higher education academic operations, including 3+ years of managerial/supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Advanced Database Literacy: Robust, practical knowledge of database management; ability to audit, manage, and leverage platforms such as Kintone and Chobiit seamlessly.
Complex Spatial & Temporal Problem Solving: Exceptional aptitude for complex, multi-variable scheduling; ability to resolve strategic, complex, and multi-faceted operational issues without clear precedent.
Group Architecture & Troubleshooting: Operational understanding of academic group formation and resource constraints.
High Emotional Intelligence & Conflict Resolution: Proven ability to navigate delicate interpersonal issues and maintain clarity and team morale during periods of rapid institutional change.
Active Persuasion & Stakeholder Diplomacy: Ability to communicate direction and use active persuasion to gain cooperation from various stakeholders.
Strong writing and oral communication skills.
Ability to examine, evaluate, and re-design administrative operations and procedures.
Ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
Ability to use independent judgment and maintain records containing confidential student information.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a fast-paced, demanding, and complex work environment.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a relevant field.
Experience working in a veterinary medicine program and AVMA accreditation processes.
Experience with curriculum management and academic program development.
Experience managing large, multifaceted teams (25+ staff members).
Experience with database management systems and academic scheduling software.
Experience in clinical program operations and coordination.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, and oversee the daily operations of the Academic Programs team, including supervision of 6 direct reports and 28 total staff members; conduct performance evaluations, support recruitment and onboarding activities, provide training and development opportunities, and contribute recommendations regarding staffing and compensation decisions.
Provide guidance and support to staff in resolving operational issues, prioritizing work activities, and addressing program-related concerns.
Foster a collaborative and productive work environment by supporting staff through organizational and operational changes and promoting effective communication practices.
Communicate leadership decisions, operational updates, and policy changes to staff and ensure consistent implementation of established procedures.
Maintain a working knowledge of Academic Programs functions and provide operational support and problem-solving assistance when needed.
Evaluate academic program operations and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and service delivery.
Assist the Sr. Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Faculty Affairs in monitoring program expenses, budget activities, and resource utilization.
Review and approve routine curriculum-related purchases in accordance with established guidelines and budget parameters.
Coordinate operational communications and information sharing among staff, faculty, students, and university partners.
Develop, maintain, and update standard operating procedures, operational documentation, handbooks, and administrative guidelines to support consistent program operations.
Identify operational gaps and recommend process improvements that support compliance and effective program administration.
Prepare written procedures, reports, and documentation to support Academic Programs operations and compliance requirements.
Monitor curriculum timelines, course information, contact hours, and program records to support compliance with accreditation standards, university policies, and registrar requirements.
Coordinate and manage course catalog update processes in collaboration with faculty, leadership, and the University Registrar.
Ensure records management and retention practices are followed in accordance with university policies and established procedures.
Compile, analyze, and prepare reports and metrics to support institutional reporting and accreditation activities.
Review curriculum schedules and timelines and recommend adjustments to support coordination between pre-clinical and clinical program components.
Provide operational recommendations regarding future scheduling structures and curriculum implementation needs.
Support the Academic Programs team in resolving scheduling issues and operational challenges requiring detailed knowledge of curriculum processes.
Oversee the distribution of programmatic student communications to ensure timely and accurate information sharing.
Manage processes related to the formation of student groups, team-based learning assignments, and other curriculum-related cohort assignments.
Coordinate and oversee academic lottery processes, including the collection of required information, administration of established procedures, and communication of outcomes.
Oversee scheduling resources, facility access permissions, and operational logistics associated with academic program activities.
Coordinate vehicle fleet administration activities and ensure compliance with applicable university operational procedures.
Collaborate with faculty, students, university departments, clinical affiliates, and vendors to support Academic Programs operations and initiatives.
Work with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the acquisition, allocation, and coordination of resources required for program operations.
Review curriculum information and coordinate with the University Registrar to support accurate academic records and reporting.