Director of Academic Operations

Indiana Wesleyan University•Marion, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Academic Operations supports the Dean by providing operational leadership for the School of Integrated Learning and Development (SILD) and coordinating the school’s day-to-day academic and administrative operations. The Director serves as a primary liaison between SILD and other National & Global (N&G) and IWU departments. The Director ensures that school-level academic processes, policies, and approved program changes are implemented consistently and effectively. Responsibilities include oversight and coordination of licensure and regulatory compliance; clinical experiences and placements; academic calendars and program information; curriculum and program-change implementation; partnerships; Concurrent Education; STEP-UP/apprenticeship initiatives; and other assigned school-level projects. The Director supervises the school's Assistant Directors and Academic Program Managers and provides secondary supervision for other office staff as assigned. The Director oversees onboarding for faculty and staff as needed; investigates and mediates escalated student concerns; represents SILD and/or the Dean in institutional meetings and on operational matters as delegated; and provides the Dean with operational information, analysis, and support for decision-making.

Requirements

Master's degree or higher in an education-related, higher education, leadership, administration, or related field preferred
Minimum of three (3) years' experience in academic operations, higher education administration, supervision, project management, or a related area
Experience working in higher education or an education-related environment preferred
Experience supervising employees and coordinating complex projects across organizational units preferred
Experience with academic programs, educator preparation, licensure/regulatory compliance, or student services preferred
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with colleagues who represent a diversity of work and conflict resolution styles
Excellent organizational skills and ability to set priorities in a multi-task environment
Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative, people-centered environment requiring frequent and ongoing verbal and written communication with faculty, staff, students, university leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to deal with diverse personalities and complex situations professionally
Accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to maintain confidential information
Demonstrated ability to compose correspondence, reports, and documents with minimal direction and at a high level of proficiency
Working knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet programs, project management software, learning management systems, and Internet-based systems
Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment within delegated authority
Strong problem-solving, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills
Ability to lead cross-functional operational work and manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
Self-starter with the ability to anticipate operational needs and follow projects through to completion
According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Responsibilities

Provide operational leadership for the School of Integrated Learning and Development (SILD)
Coordinate the School’s day-to-day academic and administrative operations and establish operational priorities
Supervise Assistant Directors and Academic Program Managers and provide secondary supervision for other office staff as assigned
Oversee onboarding and training for faculty and staff as needed
Identify operational issues, risks, and opportunities and coordinate solutions with the Dean and appropriate University offices
Oversee academic operations, program compliance, and student-related processes
Oversee licensure and regulatory requirements to support program compliance and candidate eligibility
Coordinate clinical experiences, field placements, and student teaching in collaboration with the Office of Clinical Experiences and academic programs
Oversee school-level program processes, including admission reviews, eligibility questions, and exceptions
Investigate and mediate escalated student matters, including petitions, grade changes, academic appeals, admission reviews, dismissals, and suspensions
Coordinate implementation of institutional, academic, school, and regulatory policies and procedures within SILD
Oversee program information, curriculum implementation, and academic processes
Maintain accurate program information, including catalog information, program requirements, cost sheets, academic calendars, marketing materials, and course sequencing
Coordinate the operational implementation of approved curriculum and program changes
Work with curriculum management, academic leadership, and operational departments to ensure changes are implemented accurately and consistently
Coordinate school-level academic calendars, program requirements, and other operational processes that support candidate progression
Oversee strategic programs and external partnerships
Oversee all aspects of the Concurrent Education Program, including partnerships, MOUs, course offerings, faculty support, enrollment, invoicing, curriculum alignment, grade submissions, and partner communication
Develop, support, and maintain relationships with school districts, PLS, and other external organizations
Support STEP-UP and apprenticeship-related partnerships and program operations
Coordinate MOUs and other partnership-related operational requirements
Serve as an IWU/SILD liaison with external partners and troubleshoot partnership and program issues
Serve as a key operational advisor and representative for the Dean and SILD
Serve as a primary liaison between SILD and other IWU and N&G departments
Represent SILD and/or the Dean in institutional meetings and cross-functional operational discussions as assigned
Act within delegated authority and coordinate follow-through on decisions and action items
Gather and analyze operational, program, and enrollment information to support decision-making
Coordinate school-level projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the Dean