Academic Program Manager

Job Summary

The Department of Communication Arts is seeking an Academic Program Manager (APM) to support our undergraduate degree program and Digital Cinema Production Certificate. This role will provide holistic academic advising services for declared and prospective students, curriculum and operational management, oversight of course proposals, timetable development, course equivalencies, and enrollment management. The APM will supervise one academic advisor, report to the Department Chair, and work closely with the Director of Undergraduate Studies, the Department Administrator, faculty, staff, and the Undergraduate Committee.

The APM will act as a liaison for the undergraduate programs and the College of Letters & Science, and will foster an inclusive and equitable environment.

• May manage the unit budget and approve unit expenditures
• May exercise supervisory authority for at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees, including hiring, performance management, and discipline
• Assist stakeholders with documentation, financial management, and reporting for sponsored grants, contracts, or agreements
• Serve as liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups to identify and maintain academic program partnerships
• Provide full‑service academic advising, inform students of educational options and requirements, and communicate directly with students regarding all aspects of the advising process
• Identify, propose, and implement new or revised unit operational policies to comply with regulations and institutional policies
• Manage degree programs and/or certificates, high‑impact practice programming and events, and curriculum development and implementation
• Evaluate existing academic program strategy and make recommendations for enhancement
• Lead development and implementation of academic program initiatives

• Minimum 3 years of experience in academic advising or related student services
• Experience using computer software/programs such as Zoom, Teams, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases
• Experience interpreting and implementing policies in higher education
• Strong organizational, verbal and written communication, multi‑tasking, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, and external partners

• 1 year of supervisory experience
• Experience with course proposals and curriculum development
• Experience with timetable development and enrollment management

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in higher education administration or a related field preferred.

Expected salary range: $70,000 to $86,259 for highly experienced candidates. Actual pay within this range depends on experience and qualifications.

Employees may receive generous vacation, holidays, sick leave, competitive insurances, savings accounts, and retirement benefits.

The Department of Communication Arts offers one of the largest majors on campus with approximately 600 declared majors and two undergraduate certificate programs:
Digital Cinema Production Certificate and Digital Studies Certificate. The department employs 50 faculty and staff and 70 graduate students, offering four graduate programs. The Instructional Media Center provides technical support and instructional technology for faculty, staff, and students.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person, respect diverse identities, and commit to excellence, teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inseparable goals. The university strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy‑related accommodation for any step in the hiring process, contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the relevant division.