Director of Academic Operations - Office of the Provost - Azusa Pacific University

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ-like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

The Director of Operations manages the fiscal, personnel, and communications functions of the Office of the Provost while also supporting the Provost in major project management and long-term planning. As a highly engaged staff member who works across multiple units within Academic Affairs, they are tasked to actualize academic initiatives and financial stewardship across all Provost areas. This includes both academic budget-related matters and program development, maintenance, and closure, as well as supporting the Provost in implementing and managing strategic initiatives, including those related to the institution’s strategic plan. They will liaise with various stakeholders and committees to ensure highly complex academic plans are executed efficiently and thoroughly. The Director will utilize in-depth knowledge of higher education systems, structures, and operations, which will be employed to support the university's strategic plan, ultimately contributing to enhanced academic strength.

Required Education

• Master’s Degree; demonstrated commitment to higher education.

Required Experience

• Seven to ten years of related experience, preferably with increasing responsibility in higher education.

Primary Duties/Essential Functions

• Cultivates a positive working relationship with internal and external partners, representing institutional values as well as those specific to Academic Affairs academic excellence, support for faculty and staff flourishing, and responsiveness to student communications. Ensures the cultivation of relationships and accountability on matters requiring the attention of the Office of the Provost.
• Leads operations management (systems and processes) for the Office of the Provost, ensuring delivery of high-quality work, in collaboration with campus partners. Serves as a reference point for deans, chairs, and related staff in their implementation of University operations.
• Addresses and processes student-related issues and institutional recognitions.
• Oversees, improves, and implements the following:
  
  • Manages a broad range of institutionally significant projects as assigned by the Provost, including project research, design, development, coordination, and implementation.
  • Manages personnel requisitions and provides oversight of budgets across Academic Affairs, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and fiscal priorities, with emphasis on the work of academic and fiscal program viability.
  • Analyzes activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives and communicates processed data via reports and visual representations.
  • Oversees contract management, such as memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with community partners, external vendor services, memberships, etc.
  • Oversees overload payment process.
  • Partners with the Executive Assistant to the Provost in updating records, files, and forms that support the work of the Academy, including the development and maintenance of digital file system(s) for personnel and other records.
  • Partners with the Office of Human Resources in the annual distribution of faculty contracts. Oversees the processes for faculty overloads and adjunct contracts.
  • Partners with the Budget Office, including performing an annual audit of all Academic Affairs division budgets, while monthly reviewing financial performance against budget. Lead College and School budget managers in annual planning and auditing procedures.
• Assists the Provost in preparation for significant meetings and events, including Academic Cabinet, President’s Cabinet, and Board meetings.

Skills

• Lead diverse teams through the completion of projects.
• Align daily and annual goals with the University's Strategic Plan within Academic Affairs.
• Analyze multiple data sources to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Experience with data analysis, research, and budget modeling.
• Previous experience with project management.
• Highly relational and positive demeanor among diverse audiences.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage details and follow through.
• Must be collaborative and an effective team member and team builder.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage confidential information.
• Ability to work cooperatively with internal and external campus partners
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with upper administration, budget managers, and other stakeholders regarding both program development and budget.
• Effectively represent priorities and initiatives of university leaders.

Mental Demands

• Ability to engage in critical thinking and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• In agreement with the purpose and goals of Azusa Pacific University in providing a Christian-based higher education for its students.

Physical Demands

• Intermittent sitting and standing.
• Requires keyboard and 10-key work.
• Extensive telephone usage.
• Ability to lift, pull, grasp, bend, and reach.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

Visual Demands

• Computer monitor and reading.

Environment

• Pleasant office, comfortable temperatures.
• Multiple conversations and transactions occurring simultaneously.

Technologies

• Proficient in Google Apps., Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel.

Compensation

• Grade 16: $85,197 to $97,977 is the annual salary for this role and reflects what Azusa Pacific University reasonably expects to pay for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on the qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition to compensation, APU offers a competitive benefits package.

Azusa Pacific University is a Christ-centered, multicultural community that values and seeks faculty and staff who are committed to diversity, work effectively with diverse populations, and engage others in ways that honor our rich cultural mosaic and biblical foundation. Please click the links to learn more about 'what we believe', our 'mission statement', and our 'statement of faith'.

You can learn more about APU by watching the stories of faculty, staff, and alumni as they carry out our mission here: http://www.apu.edu/stories/

Azusa Pacific University will conduct a background check on all final candidates.

Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled unless otherwise stated. Azusa Pacific University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.