Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science

The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science (SDS) seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking, action-oriented, and student-centered Director of Academic Operations and Student Support to join one of the nation’s premier data science institutions. The Director will lead the academic operations team, oversee comprehensive academic operational functions, and partner closely with faculty and staff colleagues to advance SDS’s mission and program goals.

The Director will oversee and execute academic operations to ensure a high-quality, efficient academic environment that supports the student lifecycle from orientation through graduation, with smooth coordination across programs and operational units aligned with School and University strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and supervise academic operations team, including registrar, academic advising, and program managers to ensure a consistent, high-quality student experience across programs (undergraduate, graduate, PhD) and modalities (residential, online)
Oversee day-to-day academic operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality

Manage curriculum flow, course assignments, and alignment with University timelines

Serve as a strategic partner to faculty and school leadership when advancing academic and operational priorities

Provide oversight of registrar functions such as academic records and policies, space management, grading, degree progress, appeals, compliance, etc.

Serve as a key data steward, analyze and report data related to enrollment, course demand, retention, and student success

Support accreditation, assessment, and program review processes

Develop, oversee, and document academic policies, procedures, operational standards, and compliance requirements

Partner with SDS Admissions & Recruiting, Career Services, and faculty leadership to ensure accurate communication about curriculum, program expectations, student experience, and career outcomes.

Liaise with UVA central offices to align academic and administrative functions

Advance student success outcomes, including retention, persistence, and graduation

Coordinate academic operations budgets and allocate resources effectively

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree5+ years of related work experience2+ years of formal managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field

Ability to manage high-performing team of full-time staff5+ years of academic advising and academic operations (enrollment, course scheduling, policy writing and implementation)
Demonstrated partnerships with faculty and academic leadership

Progressively increased responsible experience in team leadership, student advising, academic policy, academic records, student success, or budget oversight within an educational setting

Background in project management, academic administration, registrar, student records, policy, program management, online programs, digital accessibility, and/or academic advising

Proficiency with university student information systems (e.g., People Soft, Oracle, SIS, Terra Dotta, Banner), advising systems (e.g., Starfish, Navigate, Stellic), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard), data reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, UBI), and/or survey tools (e.g., MS Forms, Qualtrics)

Experience with varied student populations such as undergraduate, graduate, and working professionals

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents. They will have a proven ability to manage complex processes, competing deadlines, and confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment. The candidate will thrive in…