Job Description

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director of Operations & Academic Services supports strategic planning and management and the educational and communications technologies for the Master of Science Program in Social and Economic Policy (MSSEP) as part of the Dual Master’s Degree program jointly designed with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This position will co-lead the design and architecture of the MSSEP certification program in applied data science in social and economic policy and the research-practice capstone project. The Assistant Director partners with faculty and staff in the design and delivery of MSSEP courses in social and economic policy and complex capstone projects. The position provides direct line supervision of staff responsible for department operations, including marketing and communication, enrollment, technology support, data and records management, etc. The Assistant Director also is responsible for teaching, advising students, and contributing to the design and implementation of the MSSEP curriculum.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning and Operations Management: Works with the MSSEP Director and senior leadership to define, execute and deliver on the strategic direction and mission of the MSSEP certification program in applied data science in social and economic policy. Responsible for the overall design and architecture of the program, recruitment, admission, and ensures the program design meets learning needs and objectives. Evaluates programs with the leadership team, reviewing budgets and long-term plans to ensure viability and alignment with the Dual Master’s Degree program vision and objectives. Works with the Director of MSSEP on program budget development, analysis and management; develops plans to ensure the program meets its enrollment, revenue, and expense budget goals. Develops and implements ideas for improving business processes and increasing program revenues and margins. Pursues new and improved strategies for data management and reporting capabilities to meet department, SESP, and University needs. Demonstrates continued excellence through proven metrics and regular reporting. Serves on the “admissions committee” to evaluate applications and make admission recommendations. Works with program leadership and staff on other related special projects and duties as assigned to achieve program objectives.
Curriculum Development: Works with MSSEP Director to evaluate market needs and design courses, workshops, and conferences. Leads the design and development of MSSEP certification program, including course planning, staffing, and scheduling. Consults with and supports MSSEP adjunct faculty to design and deliver curricula that is effective in both virtual and live formats. Identifies and incorporates innovative learning practices and content that align with the program’s vision, advances its strategic goals, and improves students’ educational experiences.
Instruction and Capstone Advising: Teaches a course load of approximately two MSSEP graduate-level courses (or equivalent combination of co-instruction with another MSSEP faculty member) as scheduled annually with the MSSEP Director, in addition to teaching/advising students through the MSSEP Capstone project. Provides supplemental advising support for any students who need help with their Capstone projects, especially those students who fall behind with their assigned advisors. Coaches prospective and enrolled students on issues related to career planning and program fit.
Program Delivery Effectiveness and Technology Adoption: Partners with faculty/teaching assistants to ensure they adopt effective teaching practices when using instructional technology within MSSEP courses. This includes instructional technology tools provided through Canvas; video and recorded presentations/lectures; live, virtual class technologies; and new technologies implemented by NUIT, SESP IT or MSSEP. Serves as a resource for faculty and teaching assistants in meeting quality standards for MSSEP courses, supervising staff to meet student and faculty needs. This includes working with faculty to help them design and prepare their courses, as well as oversight of course materials to ensure consistency and quality in course syllabi. Designs and delivers programming to support on-boarding for new faculty/teaching assistants, and the design and management of an online faculty resource center to document standards, practices, and recommendations for ensuring high-quality learning experiences for MSSEP students.
Recruitment, Admission and Relationship Management: Supports the Director development plans to assure the program meets its enrollment, revenue, and expense budget goals. Leads recruitment events, information sessions, and assists with application reviews and enrollment management. Assists with program budget development, analysis, and management regarding recruitment and admission efforts. Advises Director as to special budget concerns, proposing and revising strategies for budget compliance as needed. Develops, negotiates, and oversees relationships with vendors and service providers to maintain cost-effective and high-quality delivery of academic services; conducts benchmarking and research for continual improvement and strategic planning.
Instructional Practices Administration: Leads department technology procedures, practices and staff who serve as resources for faculty and teaching assistants to support instructional technologies for MSSEP courses and ensures faculty and staff are supported in their efforts to access MSSEP learning resources and use the systems required for their courses (e.g. Canvas, CAESAR, Adobe Connect, etc.). Leads the development and maintenance of online resource centers, practices and recommendations for use of program and instructional technology for students, faculty and alumni.
Program Communications and Community Management: Oversees the design, development, and delivery of resources/programs, including new student and faculty orientations. Collaborates with MSSEP Director to support the design and implementation of MSSEP’s marketing and communication strategies. Works with the program team on the evaluation of processes and systems required to communicate effectively with prospects, students, faculty, alumni and organizational partners;
Minimum Qualifications:

Masters degree or higher in field related to Social and Economic Policy or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired. Demonstrated ability to develop and complete long-range strategic goals and priorities, with excellent planning and organizational skills. Demonstrated effectiveness in leading a team in collaborative, strategic and operational planning and achieving associated results. Direct experience in program planning, design, implementation, and evaluation. 4-6 years work experience in a business/consulting setting; experience leading research or technical assistance projects and directing others to accomplish objectives. Experience teaching graduate-level courses in the areas of public policy, social policy, or applied econometrics/quantitative research method. Must have evidence of strong graduate-level instruction skills at an accredited higher-education institution.


Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in social policy, public administration, economics, or another field related to social and economic policy.
5-8 years of consulting and business development experience.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

Strong organizational, program development, and communication skills; creative thinking/reasoning abilities; demonstrated competency to oversee multiple tasks with attention to detail; and the ability to work effectively with a broad range of internal and external constituents including students, employers, alumni, faculty, and staff.