The University of Washington’s Information School (iSchool) is seeking an Executive Director for Academics (EDA) to serve as the operational staff leader of the iSchool’s Academics Enterprise. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Academics, the EDA is responsible for ensuring equitable, efficient, and effective academic programs by managing budgets, supervising staff leaders, and coordinating schoolwide academic activities. This role works closely with the school’s Associate Dean for Academics, a faculty role appointed by the Dean, to help realize the vision, goals, and values for the iSchool’s academic mission through staff efforts.

The successful candidate is a strong leader, communicator, and problem solver who excels at implementing complex processes at scale and can think multiple steps ahead when weighing the impact of various decisions. The individual in this role can explain the rationale and implications of alternative options to leadership and present an argument for a course of action that aligns with organizational values and strategic goals. This role delegates effectively to directors and managers by explaining the purpose and desired outcome of initiatives, then engaging their creative thinking in how to implement solutions.

At the iSchool, we create an environment that fosters appreciation, mutual respect, and engagement among and between members of the iSchool, UW community, and beyond, with special attention to the needs of people from historically marginalized communities. We envision a university in which all students, faculty and staff participate fully and meaningfully in campus life without being subjected to discrimination, bias or microaggressions. We condemn any expressions of racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any other instance of bias and discrimination against marginalized individuals and groups.

In line with the iSchool’s vision for leadership, there is an expectation that the person in this position will contribute meaningfully by bringing new ideas and identifying opportunities for improvement whenever possible and lead by taking actions that exemplify the iSchool’s core values. This leadership may be expressed in diverse ways, reflecting the variety of styles and cultures that are represented by iSchool faculty and staff.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Leadership and Management 

• Supervise and direct the daily operations of the Academic Enterprise, including supervision of the Directors for Academic Services, Admissions, and Career Services.
• Participate on the Academics Council; implement decisions and coordinate the work of the program committees on schoolwide action plans.
• Participate in the development of short and long-term strategic planning initiatives. Collaborate with the Associate Dean, Program Chairs, and Directors to develop key performance indicators for academic programs and operational teams.

Financial Administration 

• Prepare annual budget proposals for Academics. Develop and manage the academic course budget (which includes funding for guest faculty and academic student employees) with input from Program Chairs, Program Managers, and the Director of Teaching and Learning.
• Work closely with the Assistant Dean for Finance and Operations to align financial planning with iSchool goals and priorities. Communicate budgetary needs for the Academic Enterprise effectively, provide comprehensive data to support budget requests to ensure informed decision-making.
• Develop and manage the budget for schoolwide initiatives supporting multiple degree programs.

Communication

• Consult regularly with Program Managers and other Academics staff on administration of programs.
• Give presentations on academic programs, policies, and procedures to Information School faculty, staff, and students.
• Facilitate and promote excellent working relationships with other iSchool functional units to ensure effective project management and resource allocation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education, educational leadership, public administration, information science, or any of the affiliated information disciplines.
• Minimum five years of direct supervisory and office management experience in an academic environment.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Minimum Requirements

• Prior leadership in academic administration in higher education.
• Academic staff supervision experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse stakeholders to improve efficiency and effectiveness of administrative processes for equitable outcomes for students, faculty, and staff.
• Experience collaborating with higher education faculty to realize values and visions.
• Effective communication in a diversity of media, including face to face, email, text chat, phone, and video chat.

Desired Qualifications

• A graduate degree in higher education, educational leadership, public administration, information science, or any of the affiliated information disciplines (e.g., Masters, EdD, PhD).
• Knowledge of University of Washington curriculum approval processes, registration policies, and financial aid systems.
• Experience realizing equity and justice-centered, anti-racist academic policy and processes by disrupting and rebuilding organizational routines.

Conditions of Employment

• Work is primarily contained within weekday mornings and afternoons. Some job duties will require participation at events during evening hours and weekends (e.g. Capstone Gala, Convocation, faculty workshops).
• The work has no specific physical demands, though travel between iSchool workspaces on and off main campus will be required.

Cover Letter Requirements

In the assessment please answer the following questions/prompt:

• Outline your interest and suitability for this role.
• How do you see your background and skills meeting the needs of this position?