Manager of Academic Programs

Job Description

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Manager of Academic Programs is responsible for assessing new educational programs and their calendars; determining the impact on Admissions, Student Records, and Student Financial Services; and defining the setups necessary to implement the new programs. This position will lead the onboarding of new programs, coordinate testing across the various enrollment functional areas, and identify proper academic organizational structure to ensure enrollment is properly reported and fees are properly distributed.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for gathering all data necessary for academic structure set-up; assess new educational programs and their calendars; determine the impact on Admissions, Student Records, Academic Advisement, and Student Financial Services; define the steps necessary for implementation. Coordinate closely with SMU GO, OIT and other campus resources to align priorities and implementation of programs. 
• Manage implementation of new academic programs across the Division of Enrollment Services (DES); build the academic structure in my.SMU; coordinate with all modules in setting up and testing new academic structure. Maintain set-up calendar and tracks testing by making sure all modules are staying on track to meet implementation deadlines. 
• Responsible for clarifying questions about academic structure, organization, and fees.  Coordinate and act as a liaison between departments.  Responsible for communications to the appropriate parties (e.g. RR_Info, module leads, etc.) when new structure is created or discontinued.  Maintains shared documentation for all modules to reference and creates workflow for updating/posting documentation.
• Stays current on all Education Program Committee (EPC) proposals and Board of Trustees (BOT) approvals as it relates to academic programs. Communicates and coordinates with curriculum, catalog, and academic advisement areas to ensure all information is updated and reviewed. Create and maintain policies and procedures as it relates to academic program structure.
• Develop processes, practices, and relationships that support SMU's priorities for student success (retention and graduation) as well as equity and inclusion.
• Assist Registrar Office and DES with special projects as needed, including assisting with Academic Ceremonies.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree is required. Candidate with master's degree is preferred. 

A minimum of three (3) years of experience is required. Candidate with project management experience in an enrollment or non-for-profit educational setting highly desired. General experience in enrollment services or management a plus. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate with knowledge of academic structure in higher education is preferred. Candidate with knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint is required. Candidate must demonstrate ability to learn new software. Candidate with PeopleSoft experience or knowledge is preferred. 

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. 

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. 

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

Deadline to Apply:

Open until filled. 

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.