Academic Operations Manager

Position Title Academic Operations Manager Job Summary Under the direction of the Dean of the Communication Arts, Humanities and Fine Arts Division, the Academic Operations Manager is responsible for communicating and expediting operational procedures within the division, organizing and coordinating special activities and work projects, compiling reports and assisting in the orientation and support of faculty, and coordinating academic advisement for the division. The Academic Operations Manager’s work schedule may be adjusted to include other days and times to meet changing needs during the year. Job Description Curriculum/Scheduling/Student Service – 60% Support the Dean, Associate Dean, and division staff in maintaining key operational processes including schedule development, academic advising, data analysis and reporting, special projects and initiatives, and managing day‑to‑day operations. Serve as the liaison from the division to Information Technology Services, Facilities, Payroll, and Educational Affairs on PeopleSoft and Workday (effective Fall 2027) and room assignment issues. Serve as the division resource for academic advising issues, evaluation of student records, prerequisites, credentialing process, and graduation requirements. Develop and maintain forms for internal division use. Work with the Associate Dean on faculty class assignments, course workloads, and salary adjustments. Manage the class schedule and room assignments using PeopleSoft and Workday (effective Fall 2027). Facilitate the catalog development process for the division using Coursedog. Maintain department SharePoint site and the division website. Maintain in‑depth knowledge of all division curricula and programs; respond to questions from students, potential students, and others regarding curricula as needed. Serve as a resource in de‑escalating and resolving staff, faculty, and student‑related issues and concerns. Build and maintain all division courses in alignment with strategic scheduling priorities and student demand. Collaborate closely with Student Advising, Educational Affairs, Records, the Bookstore, and the Welcome and One‑Stop Center to implement college‑wide policies and strategic initiatives. Serve as a resource to students and faculty regarding CLC support services. Work with English Department faculty chairs, Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) coordinator, and other stakeholders to build, test, and staff co‑requisite English courses; serve as liaison for ALP students, faculty, and advising staff. Work with faculty and testing center staff to facilitate placement testing as needed, including support for Directed Self Placement. Serve as the main resource for course substitutions, late enrollments, prerequisite waivers, and section switches. Reference student data as necessary; use the degree audit component to assist students in class selection and graduation. Actively participate in on‑ and off‑campus recruitment and outreach efforts to increase student and community awareness of division programs. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean. Strategic Leadership and Project Management – 25% Implement the strategic plan; develop a collaborative student‑ and community‑focused culture; assure fiscal viability of the department; uphold policy and procedures; proactively lead talent performance and talent development; and build community relations as a collaborative partner on the Leadership Council and within shared governance structures. Champion the values of excellence, purpose, integrity, compassion, unity, and inclusion; support student and employee success by demonstrating a commitment to equity, inclusion, and respectful interactions with persons of diverse ethnic, cultural, socio‑economic, or educational backgrounds. Take a lead role in developing new processes and systems to improve division operations and workflow. Analyze student enrollment and course data and provide chairs and the Dean with recommendations for creating a student‑centered schedule. Assist chairs and the Dean in making course cancellation decisions and provide recommendations regarding schedule development and enrollment management. Exercise discretion and judgment; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and documents; avoid conflicts of interest and report issues as they arise. Serve as a point of contact to support Associate Dean duties in their absence. Personnel Management – 5% Coach, mentor, and develop employees across all departments, divisions, and units in collaboration with leaders throughout the College. Assist in orienting staff and part‑time faculty to the division. Encourage and support personal and professional development, learning, well‑being, and work‑life integration. Participate in and support cross‑functional training among division staff to ensure operational continuity. Coach and mentor office staff to provide high‑quality customer service and accurate information. Supervise student employees as needed, including assigning duties and overseeing assignment completion. Other – 10% Participate on strategic and/or functional cross‑departmental teams, committees, and councils at the request of division or unit leaders. Participate in professional associations/organizations and educational activities that enhance subject matter expertise, leadership competencies, knowledge, and interpersonal skills. Remain knowledgeable of current state and federal laws, regulations, and best practices; ensure College policies, procedures, and programs conform to laws and align with the mission, vision, values, and strategic goals of the College. Participate in diverse College committees. Serve on task forces related to technical areas of the job. Perform any other duties that support the mission, vision, values, and strategic initiatives of the College of Lake County and the goals of the department, division, and unit of appointment. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree. Minimum of five (5) years of higher education–related experience. Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience. Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Desired Qualifications Master’s degree in a Communication Arts discipline. Experience working in higher education; experience with faculty and student advising preferred. Project management experience in a fast‑paced, highly technical environment. Bilingual in Spanish and English. Benefits Competitive salary, excellent benefits that include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year. Some benefits will not be available for Part‑Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance). Work Schedule 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday Pay $64,400/year Full‑Time/Part‑Time Full time Position Type Staff Job Family Professional Posting Date 06/15/2026 Expected Start Date 08/25/2026 Compensation Grade C43 Location Grayslake Campus Department Communication, Arts, Humanities & Fine Arts Division EEO Statement College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non‑discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history). #J-18808-Ljbffr College of Lake County