Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science
About The Position
The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science (SDS) seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking, action-oriented, and student-centered Director of Academic Operations and Student Support to join one of the nation’s premier data science institutions. The Director will lead the academic operations team, oversee comprehensive academic operational functions, and partner closely with faculty and staff colleagues to advance SDS’s mission and program goals. The Director will oversee and execute academic operations to ensure a high-quality, efficient academic environment that supports the student lifecycle from orientation through graduation, with smooth coordination across programs and operational units aligned with School and University strategy.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- 5+ years of related professional experience
- 2+ years of formal managerial experience
Nice To Haves
- Master’s Degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field
- Progressively increased responsible experience in team leadership, student advising, academic coaching, academic policy, faculty affairs, academic records, program management, student success, budget oversight, or a related field within a higher education setting
- Experience with project management, academic administration, registrar, student records, policy, program management, online programs, digital accessibility, and/or academic advising
- Proficiency with university student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, SIS, Terra Dotta, Banner), advising systems (e.g., Starfish, Navigate, Stellic), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard), data reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, UBI), and/or survey tools (e.g., MS Forms, Qualtrics)
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents.
- Proven ability to manage complex processes, competing deadlines, and confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Creativity, excellent written and oral communication skills, and technological proficiency.
Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise academic operations, including registrar, advising, and program managers to ensure a consistent, high-quality student experience across programs (undergraduate, graduate, PhD) and modalities (residential, online)
- Advance student success outcomes, including retention, persistence, and graduation
- Oversee day-to-day academic operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality
- Manage curriculum flow, course assignment, and alignment with University timelines
- Serve as a strategic partner to faculty leadership when advancing academic and operational priorities
- Coordinate academic operations budgets and allocate resources effectively
- Provide oversight of registrar functions such as academic records and policies, space management, grading, degree progress, appeals, compliance, etc.
- Serve as a key data steward, analyze and report data related to enrollment, course demand, retention, and student success
- Support accreditation, assessment, and program review processes
- Develop, oversee, and document academic policies, procedures, operational standards, and compliance requirements
- Partner with SDS Admissions & Recruiting, Career Services, and faculty leadership to ensure accurate communication about curriculum, program expectations, student experience, and career outcomes.
- Liaise with UVA central offices to align academic and administrative functions
Benefits
- UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans
- Vision Coverage
- Dental Plan
- Benefit Savings Plans
- Life Insurance
- Disability Benefits
- Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year
- 12 or more holidays
- 8 weeks parental leave
- Use of up to $5250 per calendar year towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program
- Use of up to $2000 of the total $5250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
