Academic Operations Manager

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive wages

Professional development opportunities

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for an Academic Operations Manager who will lead scheduling, data integrity, and workflow optimization across CourseDog, PeopleSoft, and related platforms. The role reports to the Director of Academic Operations and Student Services and supports accurate degree planning and seamless registration.

This 100% time position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement and requires expertise in SIS systems, enrollment analytics, and cross-team

Qualifications

• Experience in academic administration, registrar operations, or data management.
• Experience performing complex data entry and troubleshooting in SIS systems.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven workflows using project management software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the scheduling cycle for undergrad and graduate programs to meet registration deadlines.
• Ensure data integrity for course attributes and catalog data in SIS systems.
• Manage Asana workflows to link deadlines with team tasks and prevent delays in course production.
• Coordinate payroll and instructional staff workflows from faculty assignment to pay processing.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Data entry

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

PeopleSoft

Asana

Trello

Smartsheet

CourseDog

Schedule Builder

Canvas LMS

Job description

About the Job

The Academic Operations Manager serves as the primary projectmanager for the college’s academic cycle, ensuring the structuralintegrity of undergraduate and graduate curricula through thetechnical management of CourseDog and PeopleSoft. Reporting to theDirector of Academic Operations and Student Services, this rolebridges high-level strategy and operational reality by leveragingenrollment analytics for capacity planning and developingstreamlined workflows using integrated digital platforms such asAsana. From synchronizing instructional logistics and facultyassignments to serving as the final gatekeeper for data accuracy,the operations manager ensures a seamless, reliable registrationexperience that meets all institutional deadlines.

Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin onAugust 19, 2026.

This is a 100% time position. This position offers a flexiblehybrid work arrangement. The University of Minnesota is committedto fostering local talent through employment opportunities. Whilethis position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicantsmust be located either in the state of Minnesota or near theWisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Cardsponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT trainingprogram.

Key Responsibilities:

ACADEMIC SYSTEMS AND CURRICULUM INTEGRITY (50%)

• Lead the execution of the academic scheduling cycle, ensuring undergraduate and graduate schedules are fully implemented, vetted,and published in alignment with University registrationdeadlines.
• Guarantee data integrity for all course attributes, requirementgroups, and student groups within PeopleSoft and CourseDog,ensuring students have access to accurate information for degreeplanning and registration.
• Orchestrate the student-ready environment by managing thetechnical synchronization between the academic catalog and the liveschedule, ensuring all prerequisites and course details areaccurate before registration opens.
• Maintain and optimize the Asana project management environmentto bridge high-level institutional deadlines with team-level taskexecution, preventing delays in the course productionlifecycle.
• Manage the technical transition of instructional spaces toensure a seamless start-of-term experience for students andfaculty.

ACADEMIC ANALYTICS AND CAPACITY PLANNING (30%)

• Design and execute data-driven enrollment projections byanalyzing historical trends and real-time registration data toproactively advise on course capacity, section additions,modalities, or cancellations.
• Develop streamlined scheduling workflows that synchronizefaculty availability with complex classroom constraints, utilizingoptimal tech-forward solutions to facilitate entry in ScheduleBuilder.
• Provide timely operational intelligence during peakregistration cycles, generating agile reports that translate rawenrollment data into actionable recommendations for capacitymanagement.
• Lead the technical logistics of instructional delivery,including the strategic oversight of textbook/course materialworkflows and the management of high-stakes enrollment issues(e.g., permission number distribution and specialized studentrecord adjustments).
• Evaluate and refine internal scheduling processes to reducemanual errors and increase the speed at which the schedule isadjusted in response to changing student demand.

INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL AND FISCAL OPERATIONS (20%)

• Lead the technical execution of the adjunct and overloadpayroll lifecycle, ensuring all appointment and offer letters aregenerated with 100% accuracy and in strict compliance withuniversity policy and union contracts.
• Serve as the technical liaison for instructional workflows,streamlining the transition from faculty assignment to payrollprocessing to ensure timely and accurate compensation forinstructional staff.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BA/BA plus at least 5 years of related experience in academicadministration, registrar operations, or data management, ormaster's degree plus at least 3 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience performing complex data entry andtroubleshooting within a Student Information System (SIS), such asPeopleSoft Campus Solutions.
• Proven ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven workflowsusing project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, orSmartsheet).
• Documented experience maintaining records with a high degree ofprecision, specifically regarding curriculum, course catalogs, orpayroll tracking.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with University of Minnesota systems,including CourseDog, Schedule Builder, and the Canvas LMS.
• Ability to pull and synthesize real-time enrollment data tosupport capacity and budget decision-making.
• Familiarity with instructional budget tracking, includingadjunct payroll processing.
• A track record of "bridging" technical system constraints withthe practical needs of cross-functional teams.

About the Department

The Academic Operations and Student Service team provides allstudents services and operational and logistical support across allCCAPS undergraduate and graduate programs.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Ra nge: $65,000-$75,000; depending oneducation/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% A ppointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for moreinformation regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional trainingand degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition BenefitProgram
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counselingat no cost
• Employee TransitPass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metroarea

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important tonote that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. Thisapproach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions ofeach candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of ourcommitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered toincoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversityand inclusion in enriching the employment experience of itsemployees and in supporting the academic mission. The University iscommitted to attracting and retaining employees with varyingidentities and backgrounds.

To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successfulcompletion of a background check. Our presumption is thatprospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminalconvictions do not automatically disqualify finalists fromemployment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among thelargest public research universities in the country, offeringundergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude ofopportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of oneof the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities,students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit fromextensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers,international corporations, government agencies, and arts,nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized byForbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employerfor Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026,we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awardsrecognition for employee appreciation and work-lifeflexibility.