Director of Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations | Wheaton College - Military Veterans

The Office of the Provost oversees the operations of the academic affairs units of the college, including faculty and academic departments, Library, Registrar, Academic Advising, Global Education, and Arts and Innovation Spaces. The Office of the Provost provides leadership on matters of curriculum, faculty governance, and academic vision and planning. The Director of Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations reports directly to the Provost to ensure the strategic, efficient, and effective administration of key office operations.

The Director of Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations works closely and collaboratively with constituents across the college. The Director works across these units to strategically and collaboratively define, develop and direct effective and efficient systems, practices, and administrative policies of the Office of the Provost and by extension Academic Affairs. The Director supports faculty surveys ( IPEDS , AAUP , etc.) and collaborating with IR on faculty data. This position is the primary point of contact to ensure the smooth and efficient execution of academic and faculty operations.

The Director takes initiative to shape and administer processes that support academic and faculty affairs, including but not limited to overseeing: day-to-day operations; the faculty appointment process; faculty scholarship and promotions process; reaccreditation efforts as the liaison to the New England Commission on Higher Education; sensitive faculty affairs matters as the Title IX liaison for faculty; and sabbatical and leave process. This position also serves on several key academic and faculty committees and college workgroups, participates as a member of the Presidents Advisory Committee, and is included as a representative of the Office of the Provost on various initiatives, as needed.

This position requires: strategic thinking to drive the smooth and effective operations of the Office of the Provost; dedication to developing successful collaborations with other key departments; capacity to lead, define, develop and drive operational systems practices, protocols, and policies; and project management capability to help the office manage multiple and competing priorities. The Director must be skilled and comfortable operating with discretion and with a high level of confidentiality to effectively manage and resolve sensitive faculty matters. The Director must have the ability to take initiative and make decisions thoughtfully and must share a dedication to inclusion and belonging in all its forms so as to ensure equity mindedness in the operations of the Office of the Provost.

Directs the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Provost; collaborates to define, develop and drive operational systems, practices, protocols, and policies.

Coordinates assessment efforts and reports; serves as the institutions liaison to our accrediting body.

Collaborates with Institutional Research on faculty data and faculty surveys.

Oversees the faculty appointment process; partners with the Associate Provosts to manage staffing and scheduling.

Collaborates with Human Resources with regards to faculty related matters such as appointments, leaves, benefits, etc.

Oversees the faculty Visa process; serves as the primary contact with legal services to effectively manage and execute the application process.

Oversees the faculty scholarship and promotions process; manages Summer Research Award process; collaborates to prepare annual reports.

Manages sensitive faculty affairs matters; addressing and resolving sensitive matters under the direction of the Provost.

Oversees the sabbatical and leave process; maintains records of sabbaticals and sabbatical requests, drafts and distributes sabbatical eligibility and sabbatical awards; collaborates to ensure proper payroll process in response to sabbaticals.

Serves on key faculty and academic committees and any assigned college workgroups.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors degree with a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in an academic organization or management position. Experience successfully managing projects and initiatives is required.

Masters degree preferred. Direct management of academic operations experience at a high-level is desirable.

Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted to meet hiring criteria.

Preferred Qualifications:

Desired candidate is an experienced professional with proven success, capable of independent and strategic work. Presents experience serving as the point person and expert source of information, with a collaborative and flexible style; able to develop trusting long-term relationships with constituents; and create and maintain a team culture with a commitment to service. Displays an ability to manage complex faculty matters and ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organization. Must be detail-oriented with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, tact and discretion. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, and balance shifting priorities.

Working knowledge of academic affairs and related operations.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to interpret and execute complex academic policies and procedures.

Decision making, analytical, problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management skills.

Able to respond promptly and effectively to communications.

Able to plan for and meet critical deadlines and adapt to new information and situations.

Competency in technical and data manipulation skills with the ability to use systems and software applications including MS Office 365, Adobe, Google Drive suite, Adobe and Banner.

Awareness of FERPA regulations is required. Must be capable of maintaining confidential information, and performing a wide range of duties that require developing consensus and maintaining a diplomatic manner.

Experience working with post-award grants is preferred.