Manager, Academic Operations

Company Description

Walden University is a member of Adtalem Global Education (NYSE: ATGE). More than 50 years ago, Walden University was founded to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and communities. Students from across the U.S. and more than 115 countries are pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree online at Walden. The university offers more than 100 online degree and certificate programs. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, hlcommission.org. For more information, please visit WaldenU.edu and WaldenFacts.com.

Job Description

The Academic Operations Manager will lead a team of high-performing operational and business specialists tasked with evaluating, adopting and implementing breakthrough business practices and technologies to deliver exceptional customer experience, and ultimately impact the company’s bottom line. 
 
This role will work with the key stakeholders throughout the organization (including Adtalem resources) to help identify, evaluate and design innovative global and scalable operational processes to increase operational and business efficiencies. In addition, the Academic Operations Manager will lead/oversee the operations team efforts to ensure the successful implementation of such business practices and technologies. The individual also works closely with project owners, consultants and other third party vendors, when necessary. 
 
The Academic Operations Manager is an expert in leading process improvement and business transformation initiatives at a global scale. The role is highly analytical and strategic with a pragmatic sense for setting high-level goals and working with key players in the organization to ensure expectations are achieved. 

• Coordination and Supervision – Coordinate, manage and monitor the performance and deliverables of the operations team
• Best Practices – Enable the operations team to improve processes and policies in support of organizational goals. Monitor adherence to rules, regulations and procedures
• Communication – coordinate the communication between support functions and the different departments
• Strategic Input - Liaise with Key Stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts to implement and manage Global operational plans 
• Develops detailed project plans that develop key activities, timelines, and resource requirements needed to achieve project objectives while adhering to an appropriate systematic development process
• Tracks and documents completion of project or initiative work plan activities 
• Works closely with stakeholders involved to ensure smooth implementation
• IT Management: 
  • Work with Institutional and Adtalem IT resources to identify, evaluate, and implement infrastructure projects to support growth and overall business goals. 
  • Identify the internal and external needs, coordinate with Project Manager, Adtalem IT, and the operations/technology team to produce Salesforce and other technology solutions based on cost-benefit analysis, technical, regulatory, and customer needs. 
    • Compliance 
    • Data Privacy   
    • Enhancements 
    • Bug fixes 
    • Configuration changes 
    • Third-party integrations 
• Manage team capacity and resource allocation while accurately evaluating performance of team members and providing direct and actionable feedback
• Oversee delivery of support of critical customer issues and deliver new strategies to ensure that root causes are addressed
• Coaching and mentorship – Provide coaching and mentorship to cultivate and drive high performance, and guide career development
• Occasional travel may be required for delivery of academic events
• Completes other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• 5-7 years in operations, process improvements and other operations functions  
• Previous management or leadership experience preferred  
• Bachelor's Degree required (preferably in a technical discipline; MBA degree is desired)  
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt certification preferred  
• Excellent communication, organizational, interpersonal, and presentation skills  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve issues and determine effective business and alternative solutions.  
• Ability to interact with all levels within the organization and work in a fast-paced environment with many initiatives.  
• Proven track record in driving change and business transformations  
• Demonstrate initiative and ability to advance projects while managing multiple initiatives  
• Demonstrated leadership and vision in managing teams on major projects or initiatives   

Additional Information

In support of the pay transparenc