Director of Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations

Wheaton College - Norton, MA

Full-time - Director

Norton, MA

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Faculty Affairs and Academic Operations plays a crucial role within the Office of the Provost at Wheaton College, overseeing the operations of various academic affairs units, including faculty and academic departments, the Library, Registrar, Academic Advising, Global Education, and Arts and Innovation Spaces. This position is responsible for providing leadership on curriculum matters, faculty governance, and the overall academic vision and planning of the college. Reporting directly to the Provost, the Director ensures the strategic, efficient, and effective administration of key office operations, working collaboratively with various constituents across the college to define, develop, and direct effective systems, practices, and administrative policies. The Director's responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, overseeing the faculty appointment process, and facilitating faculty scholarship and promotions. Additionally, the Director acts as the liaison for reaccreditation efforts with the New England Commission on Higher Education and addresses sensitive faculty affairs matters as the Title IX liaison for faculty. This role requires strategic thinking to drive smooth operations, a dedication to collaboration with other departments, and the capacity to lead and manage multiple priorities effectively. The Director must operate with discretion and confidentiality, particularly when handling sensitive faculty matters, and must demonstrate a commitment to inclusion and equity in all operations of the Office of the Provost. In this position, the Director will also coordinate assessment efforts and reports, collaborate with Institutional Research on faculty data and surveys, manage the faculty Visa process, and oversee the sabbatical and leave processes. The Director will serve on key academic and faculty committees and participate in various college workgroups, contributing to the overall mission and goals of the institution.

Responsibilities

• Direct the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Provost.
• Collaborate to define, develop, and drive operational systems, practices, protocols, and policies.
• Coordinate assessment efforts and reports; serve as the institution's liaison to the accrediting body.
• Collaborate with Institutional Research on faculty data and faculty surveys.
• Oversee the faculty appointment process; partner with the Associate Provosts to manage staffing and scheduling.
• Collaborate with Human Resources regarding faculty-related matters such as appointments, leaves, and benefits.
• Oversee the faculty Visa process; serve as the primary contact with legal services to manage the application process.
• Oversee the faculty scholarship and promotions process; manage the Summer Research Award process; prepare annual reports.
• Manage sensitive faculty affairs matters under the direction of the Provost.
• Oversee the sabbatical and leave process; maintain records of sabbaticals and sabbatical requests; draft and distribute sabbatical eligibility and awards.
• Serve on key faculty and academic committees and any assigned college workgroups.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in an academic organization or management position.
• Experience successfully managing projects and initiatives is required.
• Master's degree preferred; direct management of academic operations experience at a high level is desirable.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to interpret and execute complex academic policies and procedures.
• Decision making, analytical, problem solving, critical thinking, and resource management skills.
• Competency in technical and data manipulation skills with the ability to use systems and software applications including MS Office 365, Adobe, Google Drive suite, and Banner.
• Awareness of FERPA regulations is required; must maintain confidential information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with post-award grants is preferred.
• Ability to develop trusting long-term relationships with constituents and create a team culture with a commitment to service.
• Detail-oriented with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, tact, and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, balancing shifting priorities.

Benefits

• Flexible and competitive staff compensation and benefits program.
• Salary offers are based on qualifications, education, experience, and internal equity.