Edtech.com's Summary

University of Virginia is hiring a Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science to lead the team that runs academic operations for the school's undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs. The director oversees registrar functions, curriculum flow, and academic advising so students have a consistent experience from orientation through graduation. The role also serves as the school's data steward for enrollment, course demand, and retention reporting.

Highlights

Lead and supervise the academic operations team, which includes the registrar, academic advising, and program managers, across both residential and online programs.
Oversee day-to-day academic operations, including curriculum flow, course assignments, alignment with University timelines, and academic operations budgets.
Provide oversight of registrar functions such as academic records and policies, space management, grading, degree progress, and student appeals.
Analyze and report data on enrollment, course demand, retention, and student success as the school's key data steward.
Support accreditation, assessment, and program review processes while developing and documenting academic policies and compliance requirements.
Partner with SDS Admissions and Recruiting, Career Services, and faculty leadership to communicate accurately about curriculum, program expectations, and career outcomes.
Requires a bachelor's degree, five or more years of related work experience, and at least two years of formal managerial experience.
Preferred candidates hold a master's degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or a related field and have five or more years in academic advising and operations, including course scheduling and policy writing.
Preferred proficiency includes student information systems such as PeopleSoft and Banner, advising platforms such as Starfish, Navigate, and Stellic, Canvas, and Power BI for reporting.
The anticipated hiring range is $100,000 to $110,000, depending on education and experience.

Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science Full Description

The University of Virginia's School of Data Science (SDS) seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking, action-oriented, and student-centered Director of Academic Operations and Student Support to join one of the nation's premier data science institutions. The Director will lead the academic operations team, oversee comprehensive academic operational functions, and partner closely with faculty and staff colleagues to advance SDS's mission and program goals. The Director will oversee and execute academic operations to ensure a high-quality, efficient academic environment that supports the student lifecycle from orientation through graduation, with smooth coordination across programs and operational units aligned with School and University strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and supervise academic operations team, including registrar, academic advising, and program managers to ensure a consistent, high-quality student experience across programs (undergraduate, graduate, PhD) and modalities (residential, online)
Oversee day-to-day academic operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality
Manage curriculum flow, course assignments, and alignment with University timelines
Serve as a strategic partner to faculty and school leadership when advancing academic and operational priorities
Provide oversight of registrar functions such as academic records and policies, space management, grading, degree progress, appeals, compliance, etc.
Serve as a key data steward, analyze and report data related to enrollment, course demand, retention, and student success
Support accreditation, assessment, and program review processes
Develop, oversee, and document academic policies, procedures, operational standards, and compliance requirements
Partner with SDS Admissions & Recruiting, Career Services, and faculty leadership to ensure accurate communication about curriculum, program expectations, student experience, and career outcomes.
Liaise with UVA central offices to align academic and administrative functions
Advance student success outcomes, including retention, persistence, and graduation
Coordinate academic operations budgets and allocate resources effectively

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree
5+ years of related work experience
2+ years of formal managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field
Ability to manage high-performing team of full-time staff
5+ years of academic advising and academic operations (enrollment, course scheduling, policy writing and implementation)
Demonstrated partnerships with faculty and academic leadership
Progressively increased responsible experience in team leadership, student advising, academic policy, academic records, student success, or budget oversight within an educational setting
Background in project management, academic administration, registrar, student records, policy, program management, online programs, digital accessibility, and/or academic advising
Proficiency with university student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, SIS, Terra Dotta, Banner), advising systems (e.g., Starfish, Navigate, Stellic), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard), data reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, UBI), and/or survey tools (e.g., MS Forms, Qualtrics)
Experience with varied student populations such as undergraduate, graduate, and working professionals

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents. They will have a proven ability to manage complex processes, competing deadlines, and confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment. The candidate will thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented, and innovative environments. They will bring creativity, demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, and technological proficiency.

About the School:

The University of Virginia School of Data Science, the first of its kind in the nation, advances discovery, innovation, and societal impact through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in 2019, the School brings together expertise across business, computation, engineering, humanities, law, mathematics, social sciences, and statistics to address complex, real world challenges. Its academic offerings include a B.S. in Data Science, an undergraduate minor, residential and online M.S. in Data Science programs, and a Ph.D. in Data Science.

Physical Demands:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

This is a full-time in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The position may require some weekend and evening work and occasional travel. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, after required training and with the approval of supervisor, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $100,000 - 110,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026 or Spring 2027

This is an exempt-level, benefited position.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0085070. Complete an application with a cover letter to include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position, and a resume or CV. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science

Edtech.com's Summary

Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science Full Description

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