Manager, Office of Academic & Community Standards

Strategic Education; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Manager for the Office of Academic & Community Standards. The role involves overseeing academic reviews, enhancing student success, and leading a team to implement process improvements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in higher education administration and possess excellent leadership and communication skills. This position supports a hybrid work schedule and requires a Master's degree with relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in higher education administration.
• Experience leading staff and managing performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee academic and conduct reviews, ensuring adherence to policies.
• Implement process improvements and act as a learner advocate.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Decision-Making

Conflict Resolution

Communication

Leadership

Relationship-Building

Education

Master's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM

LMS Tools

Job description

The Office of Academic & Community Standards (OACS) is a subdivision of the Registrar's Office, playing a vital role in fostering a fair and ethical academic environment for students. The OACS manager leads this function, overseeing a team responsible for academic and conduct reviews, handling appeals, and ensuring adherence to policies to promote learner success. Reporting to the registrar, the manager drives process improvements and acts as a learner advocate.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Institutional Leadership:
   • Support team decisions on appeals, representing the Office of the President.
   • Identify vulnerabilities, research root causes, and implement corrective actions.
   • Propose and champion process and policy improvements aligned with OACS mission.
   • Handle responses to executive and third-party complaints.
   • Conduct root cause analyses to optimize learner experience and reduce costs.
   • Participate in cross-functional committees within the Registrar's Office.
   • Lead projects to improve communication, clarify processes, and enhance workflow efficiency.
2. Strategic Guidance:
   • Establish best practices in risk mitigation and appeals resolution.
   • Recommend data-driven process improvements.
   • Advocate for fair processes supporting learner success.
   • Maintain confidentiality of communications and records.
   • Foster a culture of conflict resolution.
3. Departmental Management:
   • Provide direction, professional growth opportunities, and development plans for team members.
   • Conduct performance evaluations and manage talent.
   • Guide staff on complex student situations.
   • Empower staff for consistent leadership.
4. Process Improvement & Project Management:
   • Streamline workflows and implement reporting mechanisms.
   • Promote a data-driven culture with dashboards and tracking tools.
   • Support projects related to academic integrity, conduct, crisis protocols, and compliance.
   • Drive continuous process improvements.
5. Strategic Initiatives:
   • Enhance complaint resolution efficiency.
   • Establish and lead a Learner Relations Team (LRT).
   • Streamline complaint intake, escalation, and documentation processes.
6. Team Health & Well-being:
   • Implement strategies to improve morale and monitor team metrics.
   • Facilitate discussions on team culture and challenges.
   • Conduct SWOT analyses and manage hiring, onboarding, and offboarding.
   • Address needs related to IT, workload, recognition, and team dynamics.
7. Cross-functional Collaboration:
   • Build relationships with internal partners to streamline processes.
   • Encourage team-building and information sharing.
8. Professional Development:
   • Support staff in professional growth opportunities.
   • Pursue personal development through relevant training and conferences.

Job Skills:

• Experience in higher education, student conduct, policies, or exceptions.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, tech-savvy.
• Experience with remote work and managing remote teams.
• Strong business acumen and decision-making skills.
• Self-starter in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to manage performance and organizational change.
• Understanding of legal aspects in higher education.
• Negotiation, conflict resolution, de-escalation skills.
• Relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to prioritize under deadlines.
• Knowledge of industry best practices.
• Visionary leadership and change navigation.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, student information systems, CRM, LMS tools.
• Critical reasoning and sense of urgency.
• Awareness of market trends and challenges.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 5 years in higher education administration, student affairs, or compliance.
• Experience leading staff, managing performance, and professional development.
• Proven success in process improvement and change management.
• Experience resolving complex complaints in academic settings.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and analyze data.

Education:

• Master's degree from an accredited university, 5+ years of relevant experience (Doctorate preferred).
• Degrees must be from accredited institutions.

Other:

• Ability to work hybrid schedule, including on-site and remote work.
• Occasional on-site work and travel (0-10%).
• Ability to lift 20 lbs, work in a typical office setting, and handle stress effectively.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality required.