Executive Director of Academic Operations
- Abilene, TX
- Permanent
- Full-time
Work Type: Staff full-time
Location: Abilene
Categories: StaffAbout ACUACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of Abilene Christian University while employed by the university.
Title of Position Executive Director of Academic Operations
Posting Location Abilene, Texas
Department Provost
Employee Class Exempt Full-Time Staff
Basic ResponsibilitiesServes the ACU system-ACU-Abilene, ACU-Dallas, and ACU Online-by overseeing academic operations and faculty affairs across all instructional locations. This role ensures compliance with institutional policies and accreditation standards, while overseeing faculty records, employment processing, academic policy execution, financial tracking, and enterprise system implementation. The Academic Operations Manager builds strong cross-functional relationships and serves as a central resource for academic leadership and university stakeholders.Basic Responsibilities:Academic Operations & ComplianceEmployment & Records ManagementStakeholder Engagement & CollaborationProcess Improvement & Systems IntegrationStaff Supervision & Budget OversightFaculty-Facing Coordination
Essential DutiesAcademic Operations & ComplianceManage system-wide academic operations ensuring alignment with university policies, academic priorities, and SACSCOC requirements.Maintain and audit faculty data in enterprise-wide systems, ensuring integrity of records used for accreditation, institutional research, and faculty profiles.Collaborate with HR to compile and analyze CUPA salary comparison data for annual reporting.Oversee academic policy execution related to tenure, promotion, faculty hiring, credentialing, and reappointment.Calculate and report student/faculty ratios for institutional planning, accreditation, and executive reporting.Employment & Records ManagementDirect hiring and onboarding workflows for full-time and part-time faculty, in collaboration with Human Resources and in coordination with PageUp, Banner, and credentialing processes.Create, maintain, and ensure accuracy of faculty credentialing, tenure, rank, and appointment data in Banner, and maintain comprehensive digital faculty personnel files.Create and issue contract and appointment letters for new faculty and academic division staff.Coordinate the annual faculty reappointment process in collaboration with the deans' offices, ensuring timely collection of signed letters and accurate faculty status records.Initiate and prepare documentation for sensitive faculty matters, including special terminations and confidential employment actions, in consultation with senior academic leadership.Stakeholder Engagement & CollaborationServe as a liaison and strategic partner to Human Resources, Finance, IT, Registrar's Office and academic leadership across all colleges.Support the Senior VP for Academic Affairs, Provost, Vice Provost and academic leadership by providing strategic insight, operational guidance, and ad hoc data analysis.Build and maintain strong working relationships with faculty, staff, and leadership across all campuses to ensure effective academic operations and policy alignment.Serve as a standing member of the Provost's Cabinet, Academic Managers team, and Frontline Professionals group.Process Improvement & Systems IntegrationLead or support implementation and optimization of enterprise systems including Workday, Banner, PageUp, Concur, Anaplan, and Faculty Success (formerly Activity Insight).Identify and execute opportunities to streamline and standardize academic administrative processes across the ACU system.Staff Supervision & Budget OversightProvide administrative leadership within the Office of Academic Affairs, including shared oversight of student employees and support for office operations.Oversee Academic Affairs budgets and spending, approving all office reports and P-card reports for the Provost's Cabinet. Partner with the Executive Assistant, who prepares office reports and approves Cabinet travel.Faculty-Facing CoordinationAdminister university-wide processes such as Promotion and Tenure, Faculty Renewal Leave, Phased Retirement, and faculty awards; coordinate related logistics and communication in partnership with college leadershipServe as a primary point of contact for faculty-related inquiries and requests from department chairs and deans.
Professional Development Requirements SkillsExpertise in enterprise systems (e.g., Banner, Faculty Success, Concur, Anaplan, Workday)Proficiency in Google Workspace, Excel, Adobe Sign and CanvaStrong organizational, analytical, and project management skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsTraining RequiredBanner (HR, Finance, Student)Workday (HR, Finance, Student)Faculty SuccessACU-specific workflows or compliance practicesOther software systems and tools as needed to fulfill job responsibilities, including the ability to identify personal training needs and pursue skill development accordingly
Qualifications ProfessionalBachelor's degree required; Master's preferredMinimum 5 years of professional experience in higher education, academic administration, or faculty affairsDemonstrated knowledge of university academic structures, accreditation, and policiesExperience using systems such as Banner, Workday, PageUp, and Faculty SuccessPersonalAdaptability and initiative in problem-solving and systems thinkingStrong analytical and organizational skills, with close attention to detail in managing data and processesExcellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience partnering across departments and locationsHigh degree of professionalism and discretion in managing confidential information and sensitive academic mattersAbility to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines independently.Physical Demands Ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment.
Additional InformationACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.Advertised: July 22, 2025 Central Daylight Time
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