EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR ACADEMICS
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The University of Washington's Information School (iSchool) is seeking an Executive Director for Academics. Under the general direction of the Associate Dean for Academics, the Executive Director for Academics is the operational staff leader of the iSchool's Academics Enterprise responsible for ensuring equitable, efficient, and effective academic programs by managing budgets, supervising staff leaders, and coordinating schoolwide academic activities. This role works closely with the school's Associate Dean for Academics, a faculty role appointed by the Dean, to help realize the vision, goals, and values for the iSchool's academic mission through staff efforts.
The successful candidate is a strong leader, communicator, and problem solver who excels at implementing complex processes at scale and can think multiple steps ahead when weighing the impact of various decisions. The individual in this role can explain the rationale and implications of alternative options to leadership and present an argument for a course of action that aligns with organizational values and strategic goals. This role delegates effectively to directors and managers by explaining the purpose and desired outcome of initiatives, then engaging their creative thinking in how to implement solutions.
At the iSchool, we create an environment that fosters appreciation, mutual respect, and engagement among and between members of the iSchool, UW community, and beyond, with special attention to the needs of people from historically marginalized communities. We envision a university in which all students, faculty and staff participate fully and meaningfully in campus life without being subjected to discrimination, bias or microaggressions. We condemn any expressions of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any other instance of bias and discrimination against marginalized individuals and groups.
In line with the iSchool's vision for leadership, there is an expectation that the person in this position will contribute meaningfully by bringing new ideas and identifying opportunities for improvement whenever possible and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool's core values. This leadership may be expressed in diverse ways, reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by iSchool faculty and staff.
What You'll Be Doing:
Leadership and Management
Supervise and direct the daily operations of the Academic Enterprise, including supervision of the Directors for Academic Services, Admissions, and Career Services.
Participate on the Academics Council; implement decisions and coordinate the work of the program committees on schoolwide action plans.
Participate in the development of short and long-term strategic planning initiatives. Collaborate with the Associate Dean, Program Chairs, and Directors to develop key performance indicators for academic programs and operational teams.
Financial Administration
Prepare annual budget proposals for Academics. Develop and manage the academic course budget (which includes funding for guest faculty and academic student employees) with input from Program Chairs, Program Managers, and the Director of Teaching and Learning.
Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Finance and Operations to align financial planning with iSchool goals and priorities. Communicate budgetary needs for the Academic Enterprise effectively, provide comprehensive data to support budget requests to ensure informed decision-making.
Develop and manage the budget for schoolwide initiatives supporting multiple degree programs.
Communication
Consult regularly with Program Managers and other Academics staff on administration of programs.
Give presentations on academic programs, policies, and procedures to Information School faculty, staff, and students.
Facilitate and promote excellent working relationships with other iSchool functional units to ensure effective project management and resource allocation.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in higher education, educational leadership, public administration, information science, or any of the affiliated information disciplines.
Minimum five years of direct supervisory and office management experience in an academic environment.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Additional Minimum Requirements
Prior leadership in academic administration in higher education.
Academic staff supervision experience.
Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders to improve efficiency and effectiveness of administrative processes for equitable outcomes for students, faculty, and staff.
Experience collaborating with higher education faculty to realize values and visions.
Effective communication in a diversity of media, including face to face, email, text chat, phone, and video chat.
Desired Qualifications
A graduate degree in higher education, educational leadership, public administration, information science, or any of the affiliated information disciplines (e.g., Masters, EdD, PhD).
Knowledge of University of Washington curriculum approval processes, registration policies, and financial aid systems.
Experience realizing equity and justice-centered, anti-racist academic policy and processes by disrupting and rebuilding organizational routines.
Conditions of Employment
Work is primarily contained within weekday mornings and afternoons. Some job duties will require participation at events during evening hours and weekends (e.g. Capstone Gala, Convocation, faculty workshops).
The work has no specific physical demands, though travel between iSchool workspaces on and off main campus will be required.
Cover Letter Requirements
In the assessment, please answer the following questions/prompt:
Outline your interest and suitability for this role.
How do you see your background and skills meeting the needs of this position?
Application Process:The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The University of Washington's Information School (iSchool) is seeking an Executive Director for Academics. Under the general direction of the Associate Dean for Academics, the Executive Director for Academics is the operational staff leader of the iSchool's Academics Enterprise responsible for ensuring equitable, efficient, and effective academic programs by managing budgets, supervising staff leaders, and coordinating schoolwide academic activities. This role works closely with the school's Associate Dean for Academics, a faculty role appointed by the Dean, to help realize the vision, goals, and values for the iSchool's academic mission through staff efforts.
The successful candidate is a strong leader, communicator, and problem solver who excels at implementing complex processes at scale and can think multiple steps ahead when weighing the impact of various decisions. The individual in this role can explain the rationale and implications of alternative options to leadership and present an argument for a course of action that aligns with organizational values and strategic goals. This role delegates effectively to directors and managers by explaining the purpose and desired outcome of initiatives, then engaging their creative thinking in how to implement solutions.
At the iSchool, we create an environment that fosters appreciation, mutual respect, and engagement among and between members of the iSchool, UW community, and beyond, with special attention to the needs of people from historically marginalized communities. We envision a university in which all students, faculty and staff participate fully and meaningfully in campus life without being subjected to discrimination, bias or microaggressions. We condemn any expressions of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any other instance of bias and discrimination against marginalized individuals and groups.
In line with the iSchool's vision for leadership, there is an expectation that the person in this position will contribute meaningfully by bringing new ideas and identifying opportunities for improvement whenever possible and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool's core values. This leadership may be expressed in diverse ways, reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by iSchool faculty and staff.
What You'll Be Doing:
Leadership and Management
Financial Administration
Communication
Minimum Qualifications
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Additional Minimum Requirements
Desired Qualifications
Conditions of Employment
Cover Letter Requirements
In the assessment, please answer the following questions/prompt:
Application Process:The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.