Director Academic Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Academic Operations Manager serves as the primary project manager for the colleges 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.
Priority Deadline Note: The application review will begin on  August 19, 2026.

This is a 100% time position. This position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement. The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

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.
• Maintain and optimize the Asana project management environment to bridge high-level institutional deadlines with team-level task execution, preventing delays in the course production lifecycle.

• 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.

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.

The Academic Operations and Student Service team provides all students services and operational and logistical support across all CCAPS undergraduate and graduate programs.

Pay Range: $65,000-$75,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Required application materials: resume and cover letter.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

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.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.