Assistant Director - Academic Operations

About The Opportunity

The Assistant Director of Academic Operations assists in providing outstanding program management for graduate, undergraduate and global learner programs, as well as operational leadership for program management team. Recruit, retain, coach. and evaluate program managers. Coordinates curriculum and academic offerings; manages partner relations related to academics; produces curriculum guides and plans; oversees course equivalencies and course matching; manages course registration procedures; and monitors student academic performance. Assists in program development and ensures quality program delivery, excellent customer service and support to students and faculty, provides guidance for program management staff, to support first class student experience and life-long learning connection. Recommend efficiencies and improvements for portfolio quality, delivery, and operational practices.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Program Administration

• Build and maintain course schedule accounting for program growth, campus expansion, instructor availability, student need, course modality and other relevant data points (i.e., headcounts, projected new students, applicant pipeline).
• Operate Banner scheduling system to maintain college best practices in course caps, waitlists, degree program attributes, and meeting times and dates.
• Collaborate with Lead faculty to staff and contract teaching assignments in alignment with academic operational deadlines, collective bargaining protocols best practices. Coordinate with partner institutions.
• Collect, review, and post to web course syllabi for assigned courses within program portfolio. Monitor and maintain accurate program curriculum on website, catalogue, and marketing materials.
• Maintain accurate records of part-time faculty credentials, teaching contract history, and availability. Field their inquiries regarding Program, College, and University policies and best practices.
• Track and monitor faculty engagement via Blackboard reporting.
• Collect and analyze course evaluations to identify and present areas of exemplary performance and areas of concern around faculty performance.
• Coordinate, track and monitor the operational process for each domain including ensuring all textbook “adoptions,” syllabi postings, 2x2 readiness, grade submissions, and online courses are posted to meet the deadlines for each Semester.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute logistics for assigned program special events.
• Collaborate with Academic Quality Assurance team to maintain up-to-date information on each degree program's assessment data. Manage pathway mobility program surveys, student progress reports, course evaluations, and program evaluation.
• Ensure full time faculty worksheets are kept up to date, accurately reflecting courses taught, work with Sr Director on worksheet reconciliations.
• Process Program Change requests and facilitate their implementation.
• Generate monthly payroll report and conduct initial review for accuracy.
  
  
  

Staff Oversight

• Directly manages program management staff to ensure operational efficiencies, navigate business processes, resolve issues, and serve as their coach/mentor.
• Actively support a positive team culture. Manage change by providing the needed structure and transparent environment. Provide an effective process for performance management and development that provides measurable goals, clear expectations, and solid direction to each team member. Address unsatisfactory employee performance including developing, delivering, and monitoring performance improvement plans.
• Lead and support employee/team professional development, including design, develop, and/or deliver training programs.
• Administer and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Review staffing needs including developing job descriptions and recruitment plans. Lead the selection and onboarding process.
  
  
  

Program / Unit Liaison

• Act as the first point of contact for faculty issues and elevate to a senior level when appropriate.
• Serve as first point of contact and program representative for internal stakeholders such as Career and Academic Coaches, Learner Services, administrative offices, and regional campus staff.
• Serve as point of contact for departments across the University and within the College, to ensure unit's practices are in alignment with policies.
  
  
  

Participate in special projects, such as coordination of experiential learning projects across pathway mobility programs, which may include grant/cohort programs, workshops, digital badges, and bootcamps

Minimum Qualifications

Must be highly collaborative and able to work well with multiple constituencies: students, faculty, academic coordinators, and program offices from Deans to support staff. Teamwork and strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential. Strong Microsoft Office skills required. Experience with Salesforce and

Banner a plus. Demonstrated ability to manage rapidly evolving priorities. Proven track record of effective and results driven problem solving, and decision-making. Strong leadership and effective communication skills. Knowledge and skills typically acquired through the completion of a Bachelor's degree (or

equivalent) with a minimum of one year of experience in higher education, preferably with adult learners or in a high customer service environment. Master's degree preferred.

Position Type

Academic Administration

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To learn more about Northeastern University’s commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see www.northeastern.edu/diversity.