Associate Director of Doctoral Program Operations

Associate Director of Doctoral Program Operations

Department: School of Education

Reports to: Chair, Department of Educational Leadership

Effective Date: June 1, 2026

# of Direct Reports: 1

# of People Supported: 2

Job Description:

The Associate Director of Doctoral Program Operations manages and continuously improves the operational infrastructure supporting the School of Education's Educational Leadership EdD program. Key areas of responsibility include admissions coordination, initial enrollment and transfer credit processes, event planning and execution, student progression and milestone tracking, transition to candidacy, and advancement and alumni outreach. The role partners closely with the department chair, doctoral program director, administrative assistant, program coordinators, faculty, and university administrative units to ensure a cohesive, data-informed, and high-quality doctoral student experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Administrative Assistant (1)

Duties/Responsibilities:

Admissions

• Partner with faculty and program leadership to manage and continuously improve the doctoral admissions process
• Coordinate application review workflows, timelines, and communications to ensure an efficient and equitable selection process
• Analyze admissions data to inform recruitment strategies and yield optimization

Initial Enrollment & Transfer Credits

• Alongside program coordinators, oversee onboarding processes for newly admitted students, ensuring a smooth transition into the program
• Collaborate with program coordinators and registrar to assist with transfer credits
• Ensure timely and accurate initial enrollment and clear communication of academic requirements that are reflected in student information systems.

Events Support

• Plan and execute key program events, including recruiting initiatives, orientations, residencies, and milestone-related experiences
• Collaborate with faculty, administrative units, and external partners to ensure events align with program goals and student needs
• Assess event effectiveness and implement improvements based on feedback and participation data

Student Progression & Milestone Attainment

• Work with pathway coordinators to monitor student progress across coursework and program milestones using tracking systems and data dashboards
• Collaborate with faculty and program coordinators to organize timely interventions for at-risk students
• Coordinate clear, consistent communication with students regarding expectations, timelines, events, and requirements
• Oversee the on-boarding and project assignment of the program's Graduate Assistants

Transition to Candidacy

• Oversee processes related to dissertation proposals and advancement to candidacy
• Coordinate timelines, documentation, and approvals in partnership with dissertation committees
• Work with faculty and program coordinators to ensure students are well-prepared and supported through advisement and key academic transitions

Advancement & Alumni Outreach

• Support engagement initiatives that connect current students with alumni and broader professional networks
• Partner with advancement and alumni relations to strengthen long-term engagement pipelines
• Track alumni outcomes and leverage data to inform program improvement and storytelling

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Familiarity with technological platforms commonly used in higher education
• Work collegially with collaborators from across the University
• Superior organizational and communication skills

Education: Master's degree

Experience:

• Working across operational areas in a higher education environment
• Familiarity with doctoral programs and the student lifecycle.
• Collaborating with partners external to higher education programs

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Salary:

The annual salary for this position is $66,300 to $68,300

Hours Expectation:

Full-time, 35 hours per week, hybrid

Housing:

Housing is not provided.

Benefits:

Manhattanville University also offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including tuition remission. For more information regarding benefits, please visit our benefits page.