Executive Director of Academic Operations and Strategic Execution

Requisiton Details

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GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION

EEO Statement:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

Job Title Executive Director of Academic Operations and Strategic Execution Job Grade AB35S Division Academic Affairs College/Dept Academic and Faculty Affairs Department OAA Business Office Requisition Number 2026-00291 FTE (full-time equivalency) 100 Work Schedule M-F, 8am-5pm Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting? Yes - partial remote/telecommute opportunity Appointment Term 12- 12/12 months Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy? No Pay Information Negotiable Pay Schedule FLSA Designation Exempt Position Summary

The Executive Director for Academic Operations and Strategic Execution is a high-level leadership with strategic role within the university, focused on supporting the chief academic officer in translating the institution's strategic vision into actionable plans, ensuring effective implementation, and driving measurable outcomes. This position bridges the gap between high-level strategy formulation and day-to-day operations, emphasizing accountability, alignment, and adaptation in a dynamic academic environment. The role requires a blend of strategic foresight, operational expertise, and strong interpersonal skills to navigate complex university structures and external challenges.

Job Duties

Responsibility Area: Strategic Planning and Implementation Duties:

• Assist the SVC in developing and refining OAA strategic plans, including academic priorities, research initiatives, student success programs, and resource allocation.
• Design detailed execution frameworks, timelines, and milestones to operationalize strategic goals, ensuring they align with the university's mission, values, and external factors like accreditation standards or funding opportunities.
• Identify potential barriers to execution and propose solutions, such as reallocating resources or adjusting priorities based on emerging trends in higher education.
• Work in close collaboration with Chancellor's cabinet members and their leadership teams

Percentage Of Time 20 Essential Function: Yes Responsibility Area: Monitoring and Evaluation Duties:

• Oversee the tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to assess progress toward strategic objectives, using data analytics and reporting tools to provide insights to the SVC.
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of ongoing initiatives, identifying successes, risks, and areas for improvement. This might involve preparing reports or dashboards that highlight outcomes in areas like enrollment and retention, faculty development, or research productivity.
• Recommend adaptive strategies to address unforeseen challenges, such as budget constraints, policy changes, or external disruptions (e.g., shifts in technology or global events).

Percentage Of Time 20 Essential Function: Yes Responsibility Area: Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration Duties:

• Serve as a liaison between the SVC and key internal stakeholders, including OAA leadership team, deans, department chairs, faculty senate executive leadership team and key committees, and administrative teams, to foster buy-in and coordination.
• Facilitate cross-functional working groups or task forces to execute complex projects, such as curriculum reforms or partnerships with external organizations.

Percentage Of Time 20 Essential Function: Yes Responsibility Area: Advisory and Decision Support Duties:

• Provide expert counsel to the SVC on best practices in strategic execution, drawing from knowledge of higher education trends, innovation, and evidence-based approaches.
• Co-lead with the Chancellor's designee on the committee to solicit, select, distribute and monitor Weitz Innovation Funds.
• Analyze data and research to inform decision-making, such as evaluating the impact of new academic programs or assessing the feasibility of expansion initiatives.
• Serve as key liaison on behalf of the SVC and OAA on risk management, ethical considerations, and compliance issues related to strategic projects.

Percentage Of Time 15 Essential Function: Yes Responsibility Area: Leadership and Resource Management Duties:

• Assist the SVC in leading or co-leading cross-functional strategic initiatives, in collaboration with other university leaders.
• Advise on budgeting and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of OAA funds, personnel, and infrastructure for strategic priorities.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the academic community.

Percentage Of Time 20 Essential Function: Yes Responsibility Area: Supervision of OAA Staff Personnel Duties:

• Including Executive Associate, Senior Administrative Associate, Administrative Associates, & Communications and Project Specialists

Percentage Of Time 5 Essential Function: Yes

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education

An advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., or MBA) in a relevant field, including higher education administration, business, or a discipline aligned with the institution's focus.

Required Experience

Extensive experience (10+ years) in academic leadership at department, college, or university levels, strategic planning, or institutional operations is essential.

Required License/Certification

N/A

Required Additional Qualifications:

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with a proven track record of executing complex projects.
• Excellent analytical abilities, including proficiency in data analysis tools and metrics-driven decision-making.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills to influence diverse stakeholders and build consensus.
• Adaptability and resilience to handle the fast-paced, collaborative nature of university environments.
• Impeccable integrity and ethic decision-making.

A deep understanding of higher education challenges (e.g., funding models, academic program vitality and sustainability in an era of AI transformation) and a deep commitment to UNO's mission and institutional values focusing on accessibility, social mobility, community engagement, academic excellence and innovation.

Preferred Education

N/A

Preferred Experience

Experience as a Dean or equivalent level academic leadership role. Broad experience across academic leadership. Research expertise. Experience in Strategic Partnerships

Preferred License/Certification

N/A

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

N/A

Compliance Requirements

Credit Check Yes Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check No Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment No Drug Screen No

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • What is the highest level of education you have attained?
• none
• High School Diploma/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate (PhD, MD,EdD, JD etc)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter