Director of Academic Services and Administration

Duke University

Sanford School of Public Policy

Director of Academic Services and Administration (Sanford Title)

Office of Academic Programs & Student Affairs

Occupational Summary

The Director of Academic Services and Administration will develop and manage activities of the Sanford School of Public Policy’s existing and new Master’s programs, including academic affairs and student affairs functions.  The position is supervised by the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs.  The person in this position collaborates closely with the Directors of Graduate Studies (DGS) and the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs to perform these functions. In all aspects of the position, attention to and enactment of key behaviors – customer focus, teamwork, maintaining confidentiality, and diversity – are essential. 

Program Administration

The position is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the Sanford School’s academic programs, including existing programs (e.g., Master of Public Policy) as well as new programs and programs under development.  Tasks include:

Planning and Administration

• In conjunction with the Assistant Dean, develop policies and practices that facilitate the smooth operations of academic services as the Sanford School grows.
• Identify and implement procedures for streamlining key processes (for example, such teaching/research assistantship matching). Research/advise on the costs, benefits and feasibility of implementing new software/technology to accomplish these goals.
• Manage/streamline assessment and evaluation processes (e.g., course evaluations, academic program evaluations).
• Develop materials needed to fulfill internal (Sanford/Duke) and external (e.g., accreditation) reporting obligations.

Course Offerings

• Coordinate course offerings, in conjunction with Sanford staff and faculty;
• Manage course scheduling in collaboration with the Sanford Registrar;
• Manage interdisciplinary course offerings and dual-degree programs;
• Develop and maintain MOUs with dual/joint programs;
• Work with Sanford faculty and Registrar on permissions, drop/add, special requests;
• Monitor/organize 2nd year Master’s projects;
• Oversee course evaluation process. Provide reports and feedback to DGS, faculty and Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Student Affairs.

Student Data and Records

• Maintain student records and track progress of students towards specialization/ certificate, degree and graduation requirements;
• Certify degree requirements for students.

Finance and Budget

• Administer Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant, and Graduate Assistant assignments and stipends for undergraduate and graduate-level courses, offices, and projects, in collaboration with DGS and Assistant Dean;
• Prepare recommended budget for teaching assistants working closely with DGS, Dir. of Financial Aid and Assistant Dean;
• Prepare recommended program operating budgets and administer budgets in consultation with Assistant Dean.

Personnel

• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean to monitor the performance of Academic Services staff, including supervising two full-time program coordinators;
• Supervise graduate assistants who support activities lead by our office (e.g., student orientation).

Student Services

The position assists with maintaining a supportive environment for graduate students at the Sanford School students. Specific tasks include:

  Advising/Counseling

• Oversee advising and counseling services provided to students regarding courses and student life. Provide advising and counseling support for complex concerns;
• Work with DGS, faculty and students to identify and provide tutors as needed;
• Provide timely information to faculty and students on core and elective offerings;
• Manage process of student placement into core courses as needed.

 Orientation/Graduation

• Plan and manage orientation program.
• Coordinate graduation events, in conjunction with key stakeholders at Sanford and in Duke’s central administration;
• Represent Sanford graduate programs to University Special Events and serve as/secure Graduation Marshal.  

   Student Activities

• Serve as Case Manager and Secretary for the Sanford Honor Board; collect, compile, and disseminate case information; organize and generate minutes for Sanford Honor Board meetings or hearings;

  Liaison with Duke Departments/Schools

• Represent Sanford graduate programs on relevant university-wide councils/ committees.
• Serve as the primary administrative liaison with UCAE for all officially recognized Sanford student organizations.

Miscellaneous

• Create and maintain official Sanford Bulletin and Student Handbook.

Perform other duties as assigned and incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program. A Master’s degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Work requires the ability to plan and administer programs and direct program activities within a specific functional area, generally acquired through four years of related experience.  OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.