Associate Dean of Academic Operations

The Associate Dean of Academic Operations has principal responsibilities for academic operations within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a strong focus on faculty and student support. This position is responsible for the supervision of staff in academic operations. The Associate Dean of Academic Operations provides vision and leadership in program and course management, accreditation, faculty support, recruitment, evaluation, and records, student success and engagement initiatives. The position interprets and implements academic policies; and partners with college leadership on data-informed planning and continuous improvement. The Associate Dean of Academic Operations collaborates with the Executive Dean, Deans, fellow Associate Deans, department chairs, and university leadership to ensure compliance with accreditation standards and policies, foster innovation in teaching and learning, promote research and scholarship, and provide support in the development and implementation of school, college, and university-wide initiatives. The AD represents the college to internal and external stakeholders, including strategic partners, accrediting bodies, and professional organizations.

Using advanced technical and professional knowledge and sound judgment, the Associate Dean of Academic Operations manages projects and identifies, clarifies, and resolves highly visible and complex issues with substantial significance that impact and span multiple areas.

This is a full-time position with benefits based in Albany, NY, with the potential for travel throughout the United States. The AD is expected to be at Excelsior's home office of 7 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY at least 2 days a week. When the AD is working remotely, they are expected to be available during business hours, actively participate in virtual meetings, and respond to emails/calls in a timely manner.

Duties and responsibilities:

Strategic leadership and academic oversight:

• Support the Executive Dean in identifying, prioritizing, and implementing strategic initiatives aligned with college and university strategic plans.
• Supervise operational staff within the college, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and professional development.

Operational Program and Course Management:

• Provide strategic operational program and course management for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
• Coordinate the advanced planning of course schedules, part-time faculty scheduling, course offerings, including the course catalog and handbooks, course quality revisions, program closures, and new program development in collaboration with department chairs, deans, and other units and offices across the university.

Faculty Affairs and Support:

• Collaborate with deans, department chairs, and Human Resources in faculty recruitment, evaluation, and the organization of faculty documentation.

Student Success, Experience, and Engagement:

• Coordinate and liaise with other roles and units to ensure a seamless student experience, lead student success and retention initiatives, and promote a culture of student and alumni engagement.
• Monitor project management and related systems for Honor Society management and other student engagement and co-curricular activities.

Policy, Governance, and Institutional Alignment:

• Interpret, coordinate, and provide guidance on the implementation of academic and administrative policies and procedures.
• Represent the college on university-wide councils, task forces, and groups as assigned.
• Ensure compliance with regional, state, and specialized accreditation standards. Lead accreditation activities, including systematic evaluation plans, data collection, and reporting. Serve as a liaison to accrediting agencies and regulatory bodies.

Data, Assessment, and Continuous Improvement:

• Collaborate with key units to prepare meaningful, accurate data and supporting documentation to guide evidence-based decision making and reporting needs of the college leadership and faculty.
• Manage metrics and data trends via the operational dashboard and provide strategic recommendations and actions based on those trends and contribute to the development of business practices to improve processes and workflow.

Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (earned doctorate) in leadership, higher education administration, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Candidates actively pursuing a terminal degree may be considered.
• A minimum of seven years of progressive leadership experience in academic operations and implementing online learning environments in higher education is required.
• Demonstrated success in accreditation processes and compliance management.
• Experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, and program evaluation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and foster a collaborative environment.
• Experience utilizing database software, technology, and various learning management systems is essential.
• Additionally, the candidate must be able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and prepare accurate and detailed reports.