Academic Operations Manager

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.

Position Summary

The Academic Operations Manager provides operational leadership and administrative support for academic affairs functions, ensuring the efficient execution of academic policies, procedures, scheduling, faculty appointments, curriculum workflows, accreditation reporting, and institutional initiatives. The position serves as a central coordinator between academic departments and administrative offices to promote effective communication, compliance, and student success.

This role requires strong project management, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic higher education environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Academic Operations

• Coordinate academic affairs processes and workflows across schools, colleges, and departments.
• Manage academic calendars, scheduling timelines, and key operational deadlines.
• Monitor compliance with institutional policies and accreditation requirements.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and documentation.

Faculty Administration

• Coordinate faculty appointment, reappointment, and contract processing.
• Track faculty workload assignments and instructional staffing needs.
• Assist with adjunct hiring workflows and documentation.

Curriculum and Governance Support

• Support curriculum review and approval processes.
• Coordinate documentation for curriculum committees and academic governance bodies.
• Maintain official records of approved curriculum actions.
• Track implementation of approved academic program changes.

Scheduling and Enrollment Operations

• Coordinate course scheduling processes and production timelines.
• Review schedules for compliance with institutional policies.
• Collaborate with academic departments to optimize course offerings.

Data Management and Reporting

• Generate reports related to enrollment, faculty workload, course scheduling, and academic operations.
• Maintain data integrity within student information systems.
• Support preparation of accreditation, state, federal, and institutional reports.
• Analyze operational data and provide recommendations for process improvement.

Accreditation and Compliance

• Support accreditation activities and documentation management.
• Maintain records required for regulatory and accrediting agencies.

Project Management

• Manage assigned academic affairs projects from initiation through completion.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Develop project timelines and monitor progress toward deliverables.
• Recommend process improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible administrative or operational experience, preferably in higher education.
• Experience managing complex processes and multiple deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with databases and enterprise systems.

Preferred

• Master's degree.
• Experience with Ellucian Colleague, Banner, Jenzabar, or similar student information systems.
• Experience supporting accreditation or regulatory compliance activities.
• Knowledge of curriculum management and academic governance processes.
• Experience with project management methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of higher education operations and academic administration.
• Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and regulations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across departments.
• Demonstrated customer service orientation and professionalism.

Full-Time Employee Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• 401k employer match
• Employee & dependent life insurance
• Great tuition benefits for employee, spouse & dependents
• PTO program
• Flexible work schedules

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.