Director of Operations, Academic Affairs (1303)

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Director of Operations, Academic Affairs (1303)
Pocatello - Main
NOT eligible for remote work, on-campus position
Priority Date: August 12, 2026

Institution Information

Idaho State University, established in 1901, is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, with a culture built on trust, compassion, stability, and hope. ISU serves over 12,000 students in Pocatello, Meridian, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls. Students and faculty at ISU are leading the way in cutting-edge research and innovative solutions. We are proud to offer exceptional academics nestled in the grand, natural beauty of the West. We invite you to apply to be a part of our University community!

Job Description

The Director of Operations serves as the administrative and operational backbone for the Office of Academic Affairs. Reporting directly to the Provost or Vice President for Academic Affairs, this role bridges the gap between academic vision and daily execution.

The Director is responsible for managing and optimizing administrative workflows, supporting the management of the academic affairs budget, coordinating faculty lifecycle processes, and ensuring that the operational infrastructure fully supports the institution's strategic academic goals.

This position is not eligible for new visa sponsorship at this time. Candidates who already hold valid U.S. work authorization may be considered

Key Responsibilities
Administrative Operations & Workflow Optimization
* Design, implement and manage efficient administrative procedures across Academic Affairs to improve service delivery, ensure deadlines are met, and increase efficiency.
* Serve as the primary liaison between Academic Affairs and key operational departments (Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, and Facilities).
* Manage the day-to-day operations of the Provost’s office, including supervising administrative support staff.
* Establish and oversee a standardized executive‑level reporting system.

Strategic Planning & Project Management
* Act as a project manager for high-priority initiatives originating from the Provost’s office (e.g., accreditation reviews, strategic plan rollouts, SBOE initiatives, etc).
* Track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to academic operations and strategic plan milestones.
* Support the execution of key academic events.
* Coordinate and designate proxies to represent the Provost in meetings and project discussions.

Data Analysis & Compliance
* Prepare reports and relevant materials in support of executive-level decision-making.
* Collaborate with Institutional Research to gather, analyze, and present data related to faculty workload, course enrollment trends, and space utilization.
* Ensure academic operations comply with institutional policies, state/federal regulations, and accreditation standards.
* Draft, review, and update standard operating procedures and academic policy manuals.

Financial Management & Resource Allocation
* Coordinate with respective parties to establish and manage the annual budget planning process for the Office of Academic Affairs and its reporting units (colleges, library, etc.).
* Monitor expenditures, forecast academic resource needs, and provide regular financial health reports to the Provost.
* Evaluate and approve operational expenses, ensuring compliance with institutional policies and strategic priorities.
* Assist in the financial modeling for new academic programs, grants, and strategic initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree and 5 years relevant experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of progressive administrative and operational experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and build consensus among multi-faceted stakeholders (faculty, staff, and administration).
• Demonstrated exper