Associate Dean of Academic Operations and Administration, Masor

American Jewish University (AJU) is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education focused on the future of Jewish life in North America. With campuses in Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, and Simi Valley, CA, AJU offers degree-granting and for-credit academic programs, as well as community-based learning opportunities. The Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership provides online and hybrid programs at the BA, MA, EdD, and certificate levels, including doctoral programs in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership.

About the role

Reporting to the Dean of the Masor School, the Associate Dean of Academic Operations and Administration serves as the school’s senior operational and administrative leader. This role translates the Dean’s vision and strategic priorities into student-centered systems, processes, and initiatives that support academic excellence, faculty success, student success, and institutional effectiveness. The Associate Dean oversees the administration and operations of the Masor School’s two doctoral programs, including academic policies, student progression, dissertation processes, and cross-functional collaboration with university offices. The position also supports broader Masor School operations through administrative initiatives, operational improvements, and strategic projects. This is primarily an administrative leadership role with a limited teaching load of up to three courses per academic year and potential service on dissertation committees.

Responsibilities

Masor School Operational Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor and operational partner to the Dean, supporting strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.
• Provide leadership for the Masor School’s academic and administrative operations, ensuring efficient, consistent, and high-quality processes.
• Develop, implement, and improve administrative systems, policies, procedures, and workflows to support faculty, staff, and students.
• Lead operational planning for the academic calendar, scheduling, faculty assignments, and other academic processes.
• Collaborate with AJU departments (e.g., Registrar Services, Academic Affairs, Provosts’ Office, Communications, Financial Aid, Accounting) to ensure seamless support for Masor School operations and student services.
• Create and prepare reports, analyses, and operational metrics to support strategic planning and decision-making.
• Maintain documentation and records for accreditation, compliance, and institutional reporting.
• Support budget planning, resource management, and operational initiatives in collaboration with the Dean.
• Lead administrative projects to improve efficiency, student experience, and academic effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen communication, and enhance administrative services.
• Coordinate Masor School assessment activities, program review processes, and data collection for continuous improvement.
• Support new program implementation and operational planning for Masor School initiatives.
• Represent the Masor School on university committees and cross-functional initiatives, as assigned.
• Teach up to three courses per academic year and/or chair or serve on dissertation committees, as assigned by the Dean.

Doctoral Program Operational Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive operational leadership for the Masor School’s two doctoral programs.
• Oversee and support doctoral academic advisors, including creating and monitoring key performance indicators for success.
• Liaise regularly with the Internal Review Board (IRB) Chair and Committee members.
• Oversee all administrative aspects of the doctoral student lifecycle, including admissions, onboarding, registration, academic advising, milestones, dissertation progression, graduation clearance, and student records.
• Ensure consistent implementation of doctoral policies, procedures, academic standards, and timelines.
• Monitor student progress and coordinate timely interventions to promote student success and degree completion.
• Manage dissertation administration, including committee appointments, proposal approvals, milestone tracking, oral defenses, final submissions, and completion requirements.
• Serve as the primary administrative resource for doctoral students, dissertation chairs, committee members, and faculty advisors.
• Coordinate doctoral program communications to ensure students receive timely, accurate information about program requirements.
• Coordinate faculty participation in doctoral instruction, advising, dissertation supervision, and committee service.
• Support faculty onboarding, scheduling, workload coordination, and communication related to doctoral program operations.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty and university partners to ensure effective delivery of doctoral programs.
• Ensure doctoral program operations align with university policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Terminal degree (PhD or EdD) in education or a related field from an accredited institution (equivalent combination of education and experience considered).
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible leadership or administrative experience in higher education.
• Minimum of three years of teaching experience in higher education, including graduate-level instruction in online or hybrid formats.
• Demonstrated experience administering graduate or doctoral academic programs (strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of academic operations, higher education administration, and student lifecycle management.
• Exceptional project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a collaborative environment.
• Experience using data to support operational planning and continuous improvement.
• Ability to maintain predictable and reliable attendance.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with doctoral program administration, dissertation management, and graduate academic policies.
• Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and student information systems (e.g., Populi).
• Experience supporting accreditation, assessment, and institutional effectiveness initiatives.
• Familiarity with Jewish education, nonprofit higher education, or mission-driven academic organizations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee part-time Doctoral Academic Advisors.
• Partner with the Masor School’s Associate Director of Academic and Faculty Services for adjunct faculty support and training.
• Coordinate doctoral faculty teaching assignments, dissertation chairing, and committee service in collaboration with the Dean.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain standing or sitting for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, push, pull, and carry objects up to 15 lbs., such as files and office supplies.

Travel

Infrequent travel may be required for attending or presenting at professional and academic conferences.

Pay

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000 annually.

Benefits

American Jewish University offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan participation.
• Paid time off.
• Other employee benefits.

Schedule

• Full-time, exempt position (35 hours per week).
• In-person: 4 days per week (3 days in Sherman Oaks, 1 day in Simi Valley).
• Remote: Fridays.