The University of Virginia’s School of Data Science (SDS) seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking, action-oriented, and student-centered Director of Academic Operations and Student Support to join one of the nation’s premier data science institutions. The Director will lead the academic operations team, oversee comprehensive academic operational functions, and partner closely with faculty and staff colleagues to advance SDS’s mission and program goals. The Director will oversee and execute academic operations to ensure a high-quality, efficient academic environment that supports the student lifecycle from orientation through graduation, with smooth coordination across programs and operational units aligned with School and University strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and supervise academic operations, including registrar, advising, and program managers to ensure a consistent, high-quality student experience across programs (undergraduate, graduate, PhD) and modalities (residential, online)
• Advance student success outcomes, including retention, persistence, and graduation
• Oversee day-to-day academic operations to ensure efficiency, consistency, and quality
• Manage curriculum flow, course assignment, and alignment with University timelines
• Serve as a strategic partner to faculty leadership when advancing academic and operational priorities
• Coordinate academic operations budgets and allocate resources effectively
• Provide oversight of registrar functions such as academic records and policies, space management, grading, degree progress, appeals, compliance, etc.
• Serve as a key data steward, analyze and report data related to enrollment, course demand, retention, and student success
• Support accreditation, assessment, and program review processes
• Develop, oversee, and document academic policies, procedures, operational standards, and compliance requirements
• Partner with SDS Admissions & Recruiting, Career Services, and faculty leadership to ensure accurate communication about curriculum, program expectations, student experience, and career outcomes.
• Liaise with UVA central offices to align academic and administrative functions

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of related professional experience
• 2+ years of formal managerial experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in higher education, counseling, student affairs, or related field
• Progressively increased responsible experience in team leadership, student advising, academic coaching, academic policy, faculty affairs, academic records, program management, student success, budget oversight, or a related field within a higher education setting
• Experience with project management, academic administration, registrar, student records, policy, program management, online programs, digital accessibility, and/or academic advising
• Proficiency with university student information systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, SIS, Terra Dotta, Banner), advising systems (e.g., Starfish, Navigate, Stellic), learning management systems (e.g., Canvas, Brightspace, Blackboard), data reporting tools (e.g., Power BI, UBI), and/or survey tools (e.g., MS Forms, Qualtrics)

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituents. They will have a proven ability to manage complex processes, competing deadlines, and confidential information with professionalism and sound judgment. The candidate will thrive in fast-paced, team-oriented, and innovative environments. They will bring creativity, demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, and technological proficiency.

About the School:

The University of Virginia School of Data Science—the first of its kind in the nation—advances discovery, innovation, and societal impact through collaborative, open, and responsible data science research and education. Founded in 2019, the School brings together expertise across business, computation, engineering, humanities, law, mathematics, social sciences, statistics, and law to address complex, real world challenges. Its academic offerings include a B.S. in Data Science, an undergraduate minor, residential and online M.S. in Data Science programs, and a Ph.D. in Data Science, all designed to prepare students for a rapidly evolving data driven world.

Physical Demands:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

This is a full-time in-person position at the School of Data Science at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. The position may require some weekend and evening work and occasional travel. This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, after required training and with the approval of supervisor, in accordance with UVA’s remote work guidelines.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $100,000 – 110,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Anticipated Start Date: late summer/early fall 2026

This is an exempt-level, benefited position.

Health and Other Benefits (visit Health and Other Benefits for additional information)

• UVA Health Plan: the choice between 3 different health plans
• Vision Coverage
• Dental Plan
• Benefit Savings Plans
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Paid Time Off: starting with 22 days of time off per year, 12 or more holidays, 8 weeks parental leave

Education Benefits (visit Education Benefits for additional information)

After six months of employment, full-time and part-time (20+ hours) employees in a benefits-eligible position are offered options of:

• Use of up to $5250 per calendar year towards a for-credit degree program or for-credit certificate program
• Use of up to $2000 of the total $5250 noted above per calendar year for professional development including job-related training, conferences, and initial certificate exams.

Review of Applications will begin July 26, 2026 and preference will be given to applications received by this date.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please apply online, by searching for requisition number R0085070. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Cover letter to include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position
• Resume or CV

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Internal applicants: Search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA’s third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the position, contact Karen Connors, Assistant Dean for Academic Operations and Student Support, at kconnors@virginia.edu.

For questions about the application process, please contact Jessica Russo, Senior Recruiter, sxv9zv@virginia.edu.

For more information about UVA and the Charlottesville community, please see www.virginia.edu/life/charlottesville and https://embarkcva.com/.

Job Profile

J1007 - Academic Programs Management 2

Career Stream and Level

Management-M2

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.