Director of Academic Operations and Student Support, School of Data Science

About the role

The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science (SDS) seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking, action-oriented, and student-centered Director of Academic Operations and Student Support to join one of the nation’s premier data science institutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise academic operations, including registrar, advising, and program managers to ensure a consistent, high-quality student experience across programs (undergraduate, graduate, PhD) and modalities (residential, online)
• Advance student success outcomes, including retention, persistence, and graduation
• Oversee day-to-day academic operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality
• Manage curriculum flow, course assignment, and alignment with University timelines
• Serve as a strategic partner to faculty leadership when advancing academic and operational priorities
• Cook up academic operations budgets and allocate resources effectively
• Provide oversight of registrar functions such as academic records and policies, space management, grading, degree progress, appeals, compliance, etc.
• Serve as a key data steward, analyze and report data related to enrollment, course demand, retention, and student success
• Develop, oversee, and document academic policies, procedures, operational standards, and compliance requirements
• Partner with SDS Admissions & Recruiting, Career Services, and faculty leadership to ensure accurate communication about curriculum, program expectations, student experience, and career outcomes
• Liaise with UVA central offices to align academic and administrative functions

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of related professional experience
• 2+ years of formal managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field
• Progressively increased responsible experience in team leadership, student advising, academic coaching, academic policy, faculty affairs, academic records, program management, student success, budget oversight, or a related field within a higher education setting
• Experience with project management, academic administration, registrar, student records, policy, program management, online programs, digital accessibility, and/or academic advising
• Proficiency with university student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, SIS, Terra Dotta, Banner), advising systems (e.g., Starfish, Navigate, Stellic), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard), data reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, UBI), and/or survey tools (e.g., MS Forms, Qualtrics)