High School Completion Academic Manager

Madison College • Madison, WI

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The School of Academic Advancement at Madison College is seeking a High School Completion (HSC) Academic Manager. This role provides leadership for key programs, including GED, HSED, Spanish HSED, and Comp Law, and works closely with faculty and staff to support recruitment, student completion, program operations, and compliance with state and federal regulations. HSC programs serve a diverse student population, including traditional-age students, adult learners, and institutionalized individuals (e.g., local jails). Success in this role requires leading a team of staff, coordinating student services, managing grants, and maintaining partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations. The Academic Manager also supports student transitions, retention, and academic success through advising, case management, and data-informed decision-making. Madison College believes every team member brings unique perspectives and experiences that enhance our ability to understand and engage with the world, tackle challenges, and develop innovative solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2 - 4 plus years of relevant, progressive, professional experience.
• Ability to effectively lead and supervise staff in a collaborative, team-based environment to achieve institutional objectives.
• Ability to make sound operational, management and financial decisions that support institutional goals, budget accountabilities and an effective work unit.
• Knowledge of educational policies and regulations related to high school or alternative completion programs, student transitions, and state and federal compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of program administration including course planning, budget management, and performance tracking.
• Skill in advising and case management, including assisting students with academic planning and financial aid.
• Skill in developing and maintaining partnerships with educational institutions, community organizations and state agencies to support student success.
• Ability to analyze and use data to assess program performance, track student outcomes, and inform decision-making.
• Skill in engaging positively with all populations and communities, contributing to a safe and inclusive learning and work environment.
• Skill in effectively and respectfully communicating with others.

Nice To Haves

• Leadership and/or managerial experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads, supports and develops teams to ensure accountability of institutional objectives and operational excellence. This includes effective deployment of human resources practices such as inclusive hiring, performance management principles, development opportunities and employee support.
• Contributes and engages in budgetary, financial and procurement decisions that ensure fiduciary responsibility while meeting operational and institutional goals.
• Manages program operations related to educational completion programs, including planning course offerings, coordinating daily activities tracking performance outcomes and overseeing student intake, orientation and assessment process to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with community-based organizations, school districts and state agencies to enhance program effectiveness and student support.
• Collaborates on program budgets, including preparing cost estimates, justifying budget requests, monitoring expenditures and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Advises students on academic and career pathways to assist with transitioning students from high school or educational completion programs to secondary education by assisting with applications, financial aid, course selection, registration and transitions to further education or employment.
• Supports student retention efforts by providing case management, early alerts and proactive outreach to address challenges and improve student success.
• Creates an inclusive, equitable and supportive environment where everyone at the institution feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential.
• Adheres to college policies, directives and work rules while maintaining a commitment to the college’s mission, vision and values.
• Performs other related duties within the scope of the position as required for the efficient operation of the division and to support institutional objectives.

Benefits

• Madison College offers an excellent benefits package including vacation, holidays, health/vision/dental/life insurance options and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager