Director of Academic Operations

Salem State University; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem State University seeks a Director of Academic Operations to guide the Division of Academic Affairs with strategic and operational leadership. The role coordinates complex initiatives, improves processes, and aligns operations with the university plan while engaging internal and external stakeholders.

The director will oversee annual planning for Convocation and Commencement and partner with academic leadership to ensure fiscal and administrative excellence across offices.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education.
• Experience with budget planning and management, financial analysis, and process improvement.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects or operational portfolios.
• Knowledge of software including advanced Excel functions, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and PeopleSoft; ability to perform PeopleSoft inquiries.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for core administrative functions within Academic Affairs.
• Lead cross-functional projects and develop divisional operating systems.
• Advise academic leadership on budget, facilities, and other administrative matters.
• Represent the Provost’s Office with internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee annual planning and execution for Convocation and Commencement.

Skills

Budget planning

Financial analysis

Process improvement

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in higher education administration/related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

PeopleSoft

Job description

Under the direction of the Provost and Academic Vice President, the Director of Academic Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for core administrative functions within the Division of Academic Affairs. The Director leads cross-functional projects, develops and implements divisional operating systems, advises academic leadership on budgetary, facilities, and other administrative matters, and ensures that Academic Affairs operations are aligned with institutional priorities, including the university’s strategic plan. The position exercises independent judgment in coordinating complex initiatives, recommending process improvements, managing divisional workflows, and representing the Provost’s Office with internal and external stakeholders. The Director advances this work through shared administrative support, cross-functional leadership, and established Academic Affairs processes. The Director also leads annual planning and execution for Academic Convocation (September) and Commencement (May).

Salem State University is more than a workplace. It's a community with purpose. As the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University, we're committed to building real, reciprocal relationships with the communities around us, and that starts with the people who work here. We're also a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to serving all students, and that same commitment to access and equity extends to how we support our staff. Your work here directly contributes to student success and the vitality of the greater Salem community. We invest in our people the same way we invest in our students: with intention, respect and a genuine interest in your growth.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in higher education administration, business, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education, with demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of higher education.
• Demonstrated experience in budget planning and management, financial analysis, and process improvement with the capacity to implement independently as appropriate.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects or operational portfolios.
• Knowledge of necessary software applications, including advanced Microsoft Excel functions, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and PeopleSoft, with the ability to perform PeopleSoft inquiries related to job duties.

Preferred Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible administrative experience in higher education, with demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of higher education.
• Superior communication skills at all levels of the organization, including students, faculty, staff, and senior administrators, including demonstrated excellence in written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and reprioritize as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, patience, diplomacy, and discretion in complex or time-sensitive situations.

Working Location

This is an onsitepositionin Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities,which may require occasional work on evenings and weekends.

EEO Statement

The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law.

ADA Statement

Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Foraccommodation information or requests please email [e-mail].

Recruitment Agencies

Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.