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Director Academic Operations Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Medical University of South Carolina

... operations. Entity Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ) Worker Type Employee Worker ... Provides additional support to Course Directors and academic leadership as needed to ensure ...

Partner Solutions

Network Academic Coach

Brighton, MI

$60K - $65K/yr

We partner with school leaders and educators to provide strategic guidance, operational expertise ... Director of Teaching & Learning, SVP of SPT, and/or School Performance Team. 7. Completes other ...

Partner Solutions

Network Academic Coach

Brighton, MI · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

We partner with school leaders and educators to provide strategic guidance, operational expertise ... Director of Teaching & Learning, SVP of SPT, and/or School Performance Team. 7. Completes other ...

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All JobsAcademic Operations JobsDirector Academic Operations JobsDirector Academic Operations Jobs in Michigan

Director Academic Operations information

See Michigan salary details

$29.6K

$93.9K

$156.5K

How much do director academic operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for director academic operations in Michigan is $93,854.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,800.00 and $118,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of academic operations?

A Director of Academic Operations typically requires strong leadership skills, experience in academic administration, and a relevant advanced degree such as a Master's or Doctorate in education or administration. Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS), institutional data analytics platforms, and compliance regulations is crucial. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient academic program delivery, regulatory compliance, and effective collaboration across departments.

What are the main challenges faced by a director of academic operations in balancing administrative tasks with academic goals?

A Director of Academic Operations often navigates the challenge of aligning administrative efficiencies with the institution’s academic mission. This role requires balancing resource management, compliance, and scheduling with supporting faculty and student needs. Effective Directors use strong communication and organizational skills to collaborate across departments, ensuring academic programs run smoothly while meeting institutional standards. Adapting to shifting priorities and regulatory changes is a frequent part of the job, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving essential.

What is the difference between Director Academic Operations vs Academic Program Manager?

AspectDirector Academic OperationsAcademic Program Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree; experience in education managementBachelor's or Master's degree; project management experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple departments, strategic planningManages specific academic programs, operational tasks
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, universities, online education providersColleges, universities, educational organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in academic operationsManaging academic programs and day-to-day operations

The main difference is that the Director Academic Operations holds a higher-level leadership role overseeing multiple departments and strategic initiatives, while the Academic Program Manager focuses on managing specific programs and operational tasks within the academic environment.

What does a director of academic operations do?

A Director of Academic Operations is responsible for overseeing the administrative and logistical aspects of an educational institution's academic programs. This role typically involves managing course scheduling, faculty assignments, academic policies, and ensuring compliance with accreditation standards. They work closely with faculty, staff, and leadership to streamline processes and support student success. Directors of Academic Operations often use data-driven strategies to improve efficiency and align operations with the institution's academic goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Operations jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Academic Operations jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Academic Operations jobs in Michigan? For Director Academic Operations jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Academic Operations jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Director Academic Operations jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Director Academic Operations jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Director Academic Operations job openings:
Director Academic Operations jobs near you

Academic Operations & Systems Manager

University of Michigan

Detroit, MI • On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should outline your interest in the role and relevant experience. Submit both a cover letter and a resume as one file (because of system limitations).
Job Summary
As the Academic Operations & Systems Manager, you will develop, coordinate, and continuously improve the shared operational infrastructure that enables multiple University of Michigan schools, colleges, and campuses to deliver degree programs at the University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit (UMCI) .
Working closely with UMCI leadership, academic units, and university partners, you will coordinate shared operational practices, streamline processes, and design solutions to complex administrative challenges. You will serve as a trusted partner to academic units, helping build and continuously improve the operational systems, workflows, and services that support degree programs at UMCI while leveraging technology, data, stakeholder feedback, and emerging tools to drive operational excellence and service innovation.
This role offers a unique opportunity to help build the operational foundation for a new model of education in Detroit that brings together programs and stakeholders from across the University of Michigan and beyond. Early priorities will focus on developing shared operational solutions, supporting program launches, and establishing effective systems and processes. As degree programs are introduced and operations mature, the role will increasingly focus on implementation, coordination, assessment, and continuous improvement.
Success in this role requires strong systems thinking, collaboration, project management, and a service-oriented approach to solving complex operational challenges in an evolving environment.
You will report to the Associate Director of Academic Program Development and Operations
The position is a hybrid role with a blend of remote and onsite responsibilities in Detroit, Michigan. The salary range is $68,000-$78,000.
Link to full job description .
Responsibilities*
  • Academic Operations and Delivery (45%)
    • Coordinate shared academic operations that support UMCI degree programs delivered in Detroit, including scheduling, academic calendar alignment, classroom planning, shared space utilization, course logistics, registration timelines, and enrollment processes.
    • Support course delivery across participating academic units by coordinating and aligning learning management systems (LMS), instructional technologies, course administration, and student access to course-related resources and services.
    • Partner with academic units and administrative offices to troubleshoot and resolve operational, enrollment, registration, and other administrative or logistical issues affecting programs at UMCI.
    • Provide responsive, customer-focused operational support to academic units and university partners, building trusted relationships and ensuring a seamless, high-quality experience for students, faculty, and staff.
  • Academic Operations Strategy & Collaboration (30%)
    • Partner with UMCI leadership, academic units, and university stakeholders to develop and continuously improve UMCI's shared academic operations model, including the processes, workflows, systems, and governance practices that support degree programs delivered by multiple University of Michigan schools, colleges, campuses, and administrative units.
    • Facilitate collaboration across cross-functional working groups to support coordinated decision-making and consistent operational practices.
    • Identify operational needs, risks, and emerging challenges, and lead the development and implementation of solutions, documentation, training, and communications.
  • Program Resource Management & Operational Readiness (15%)
    • Develop and maintain documentation, operating procedures, knowledge resources, training materials, reports, dashboards, and other operational tools that support shared program administration.
    • Support the planning, readiness, launch, and ongoing administration of UMCI degree programs.
  • Assessment & Continuous Improvement (10%)
    • Use data, operational metrics, and stakeholder feedback to evaluate operational effectiveness, inform decision-making, identify opportunities for improvement, and continuously enhance UMCI programs, processes, and services.
    • Evaluate, pilot, and implement technology, automation, reporting tools, and AI-enabled solutions to improve operational efficiency, streamline administrative processes, and enhance decision-making and service delivery.

Required Qualifications*
  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of relevant professional experience in higher education, including academic operations, enrollment management, registrar services, program administration, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience developing, implementing, and improving operational processes, systems, or workflows within a complex organization.
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional projects and building collaborative relationships across stakeholder groups.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills, with experience translating complex operational challenges into sustainable processes and plans.
  • Experience using data and feedback to develop reports, dashboards, documentation, or other operational tools to support program administration, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
  • Experience working with academic enterprise systems such as student information systems (SIS), learning management systems (LMS), CRM platforms, scheduling systems, or other higher education technologies; or the ability to quickly learn new systems.

Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
  • Generous time off
  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by University Staff United, AFT Local 284, AFL-CIO, which represents Employees in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281030
Working Title
Academic Operations & Systems Manager
Job Title
ACADEMIC PROGRAM MANAGER
Work Location
Other MI Location
Detroit, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Um Ctr Innov Detroit
Department
UM Ctr Innovation in Detroit
Posting Begin/End Date
7/31/2026 - 8/14/2026
Salary
$68,000.00 - $78,000.00
Career Interest
University Staff United (USU)

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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