Operations Manager - School of Technology

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is: Grade: Professional 307 Pay Range: $68,300.00 - $102,500.00 Job Description The School of Technology: Cybersecurity, IT Programs, Cloud & Network Engineering Academic Operations Manager oversees and leads established operational functions across multiple business units. Partners with cross-functional leaders and stakeholders to identify and prioritize critical initiatives to improve functional and department processes and standards and create operational efficiencies. Drives cross-functional initiatives and projects from initiation through completion including planning, budgeting, organizing, leading project teams, communicating and training. Sets standards based on best practices and analyzes process and outcomes to ensure alignment with WGU and the department objectives to enrich learner and employee experiences.   Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Partners with initiative leaders (business partners, project managers, business owners, etc.) in the delivery of operational services, programs, and initiatives. In partnership with leadership, define short- and long-term process improvement strategies that are scalable and drive continuous improvement. Analyze current business operations, processes and systems and identify opportunities for improvement. Establish key operational metrics, analyze data, and apply to influence improvement initiatives. Develop and establish functional and department standards and policies in partnership with leaders and stakeholders. Identify and implement effective solutions that improve operations and align with functional and department objectives. Lead cross-functional teams to operationalize standards and business models that effectively and seamlessly interrelate with business operations across the department. Determine the best utilization of available resources and establish partnerships and efficiencies with functional operations across the department. Develop and lead communication and training plans for leaders and stakeholders impacted by process changes and business operation improvements. Research and investigate new trends and technologies to meet current and future operational needs. Establish audits and reports to ensure data accuracy and integrity. Performs other related duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skill and Abilities: Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and lead projects and innovative in alignment with strategic goals and initiatives Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Effective communications skills both verbally and written Strong organization skills with a high attention to detail Ability to build consensus and motivate others Ability to create and track data related to project impact Demonstrated ability to support, coach and provide feedback to others. Effective listening skills and ability to adapt well and willingly in an environment of change. Ability to analyze business operations, processes, systems and identify process improvement opportunities. Broad management knowledge to lead a team. Generally, has advanced level knowledge and skills within a specific technical or professional discipline with understanding of the impact of work on other areas of the University Competencies: Organizational Impact: Works to achieve operational targets within job areas impacting department, function, or office results.​ Work is performed independently on moderately complex projects and assignments with some guidance required for direction and complex tasks. Sets objectives for oneself to meet the goals of projects or assignments.​ Problem Solving & Decision Making: Responsible for employing adjustments or recommended enhancements to systems and processes to solve problems or improve the job area’s effectiveness while leveraging a systems-thinking approach.​ Problems faced may require an understanding of a broader set of issues and job areas. Communication & Influence: Collaborates with contacts typically within the job area to obtain or provide information requiring some explanation or interpretation. Leadership & Talent Management May provide guidance and assistance to entry-level professionals and or support employees.​ Demonstrates the WGU leadership principles in all aspects of service to students, employees, and partners of WGU. Job Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study Two (2) years of related work experience, which includes experience with Project Management and Change Management Preferred Qualifications: PMP or CMP Certification Change Practitioner Certification Six Sigma Certification Master’s degree in a related field of study Physical Requir