The Director of Academic Operations assists the SHS Office the Dean in providing strategic business planning, management of external accreditation and special projects, and overseeing all financial operations within the School of Health Sciences. In this role, the Director will centralize and manage SHS daily operations, documentation, and reporting. The successful candidate will be a hands-on and collaborative team member with proven experience in accounting, budgeting, contract, and grants management; accreditation compliance; and office administration and operations. He/she will ensure financial integrity and accountability and develop and implement internal controls. The Director will hold a key role in the School, strategically collaborating with SHS leadership members, faculty, and staff, as well as constituencies across the University and within other units and divisions, often serving as the SHS liaison. In addition, the individual works collaboratively with the Dean to advance the mission of the School, keeping the Dean informed as to policy changes, financial matters, and other matters that impact the operations and management of the School.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU's mission by:

Operations-70%

• Analyze and present financial reports in an accurate and timely manner; clearly communicate monthly and annual financial statements; and oversee all financial, project/program, and grants accounting, working collaboratively with the SHS Administrative Assistant team and Chairs
  
• Assist SHS Leadership with day-to-day operations to increase effectiveness and efficiency; manage WorkDay for SHS in collaboration with the Senior Administrative Assistant to the Dean; manage the faculty assignment database tools; manage SHS databases
  
• Establish and monitor goals consistent with the Dean's vision and the School's strategic plan
• Plan, organize and coordinate School's external accreditation projects and activities with specialized accreditors
• Partner with Chairs and Program Directors to monitor progress toward accreditation goals with program-specific accreditors
• Manage the specialized accreditation centralized hub including the availability of resources, ensuring that they are up-to-date with IERs guidance and policies from program-specific accreditors; training Chairs and Program Directors on using the centralized hub for accreditation management
• Provide accreditation information to the Dean to assist with decision-making in alignment with strategic planning; as directed, disseminate findings to appropriate stakeholders
• Manage professional development and travel funds
• Update and implement all necessary business policies and accounting practices for the School; improve the School's overall policy and procedure manual
• Work with the Dean on fundraising efforts to manage grant and donation revenue and ensure grant agreement compliance; liaise with the Development Office
• Liaise with Procurement and other finance-related offices in LU
• Liaise with Marketing; update SHS website and social media; manage internal digital media
• Coordinate information for the SHS annual Newsletter
• Review new and current faculty files for educational and professional qualifications according to SACS requirements
• Supervise other assigned staff focused on operations within SHS entities
• Other duties as assigned

Special Projects-30%

• Coordinate SHS events in collaboration with the Senior Administrative Assistant to the Dean and other SHS Leadership
  
• Ensures that organizational marketing goals and objectives are being met while managing the development of print and digital marketing materials as the SHS Marketing POC
  
• Assist in the identification and evaluation of opportunities to improve department marketing goals and make recommendations and/or strategies to improve marketing performance
• Request Marketing reports, interpret data, assess needs, and make decisions regarding marketing strategies
• Assist the Dean in implementing new processes and systems that increase operational efficiencies
• Under the direction of the Dean, work with the Directors of Operations, Chairs, and Associate Deans to support the development and monitoring of new and existing organizational plans and projects
• Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services and leading industry performance benchmark

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
  
• Computer experience in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)
  
• Professional level oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and listening skills
• Ability to work well under stress/pressure
• 2+ years related work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Experience
• Positive and can-do focus

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• High-level financial skills in accounting, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
  
• Excellent management skills in team building and coordination.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Capable of analyzing data for budgeting, operations, and academic planning.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Ability to multi-task and manage deadlines.
• Skills in the application of data to improve programs.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Occasionally required to travel to local and campus locations.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the building.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Cell Phone Stipend

Cell phone stipend will be provided to access email, files, and Microsoft teams after hours for work efficiency and productivity.

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled office setting. It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.

Driving Requirements

Use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. Proof of a valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.

Work Hours

Monday - Friday - 8:00-5:00 and occasional evening and weekend hours (e.g. Commencement Ceremonies)