Academic Operations Manager
About The Job
The Academic Operations Manager serves as the primary project manager for the college’s academic cycle, ensuring the structural integrity of undergraduate and graduate curricula through the technical management of CourseDog and PeopleSoft. Reporting to the Director of Academic Operations and Student Services, this role bridges high-level strategy and operational reality by leveraging enrollment analytics for capacity planning and developing streamlined workflows using integrated digital platforms such as Asana. From synchronizing instructional logistics and faculty assignments to serving as the final gatekeeper for data accuracy, the operations manager ensures a seamless, reliable registration experience that meets all institutional deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
Academic Systems and Curriculum Integrity (50%): Lead the execution of the academic scheduling cycle, ensuring undergraduate and graduate schedules are fully implemented, vetted, and published in alignment with University registration deadlines. Guarantee data integrity for all course attributes, requirement groups, and student groups within PeopleSoft and CourseDog, ensuring students have access to accurate information for degree planning and registration. Orchestrate the student-ready environment by managing the technical synchronization between the academic catalog and the live schedule, ensuring all prerequisites and course details are accurate before registration opens. Manage the technical transition of instructional spaces to ensure a seamless start-of-term experience for students and faculty.
Academic Analytics and Capacity Planning (30%): Design and execute data-driven enrollment projections by analyzing historical trends and real-time registration data to proactively advise on course capacity, section additions, modalities, or cancellations. Develop streamlined scheduling workflows that synchronize faculty availability with complex classroom constraints, utilizing optimal tech-forward solutions to facilitate entry in Schedule Builder. Provide timely operational intelligence during peak registration cycles, generating agile reports that translate raw enrollment data into actionable recommendations for capacity management. Lead the technical logistics of instructional delivery, including the strategic oversight of textbook/course material workflows and the management of high-stakes enrollment issues (e.g., permission number distribution and specialized student record adjustments). Evaluate and refine internal scheduling processes to reduce manual errors and increase the speed at which the schedule is adjusted in response to changing student demand.
Instructional Personnel and Fiscal Operations (20%): Lead the technical execution of the adjunct and overload payroll lifecycle, ensuring all appointment and offer letters are generated with 100% accuracy and in strict compliance with university policy and union contracts. Serve as the technical liaison for instructional workflows, streamlining the transition from faculty assignment to payroll processing to ensure timely and accurate compensation for instructional staff.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: BA/BA plus at least 5 years of related experience in academic administration, registrar operations, or data management, or master's degree plus at least 3 years of related experience. Demonstrated experience performing complex data entry and troubleshooting within a Student Information System (SIS), such as PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. Proven ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven workflows using project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Smartsheet). Documented experience maintaining records with a high degree of precision, specifically regarding curriculum, course catalogs, or payroll tracking.
Preferred Qualifications: Direct experience with University of Minnesota systems, including CourseDog, Schedule Builder, and the Canvas LMS. Ability to pull and synthesize real-time enrollment data to support capacity and budget decision-making. Familiarity with instructional budget tracking, including adjunct payroll processing. A track record of "bridging" technical system constraints with the practical needs of cross-functional teams.
About The Department
The Academic Operations and Student Service team provides all students services and operational and logistical support across all CCAPS undergraduate and graduate programs.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: $65,000-$75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Appointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
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About University Of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.