The Program Manager serves as the senior operational leader of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Office, overseeing the day-to-day administrative functions and ensuring smooth program operations. This role acts as the primary liaison between the ECE program and the central Office of Undergraduate Education, other Academic Affairs offices, and the broader University community. The Program Manager plays a critical role in maintaining effective communication and coordination across multiple stakeholders while supporting faculty and students with a service-oriented approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Operations: Manage all administrative aspects of the ECE program with accuracy and timeliness. Ensure that processes are executed efficiently and maintain a strong focus on providing excellent service to both students and faculty members.
- Institutional Coordination: Act as the dependable point of contact between the ECE program and various university offices. Facilitate collaboration by organizing the involvement of the Program Director and faculty in relevant institutional activities and meetings.
- Faculty Support: Minimize the administrative workload for the Program Director and faculty by streamlining routine procedures and proactively preparing for governance cycles. This includes anticipating requirements and standardizing processes to protect faculty time.
- Accreditation Management: Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date documentation to keep the ECE program in a constant state of readiness for PEC accreditation reviews. Ensure that all accreditation evidence is organized and accessible, making re-accreditation a straightforward process based on existing records rather than reconstruction.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience in program management or a related administrative leadership role within an academic setting.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with diverse stakeholders across the university.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and support administrative and academic staff.
- Familiarity with accreditation processes and standards, preferably within higher education programs.
- Proficiency in managing complex workflows and implementing process improvements.
Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
- Experience working in undergraduate education or academic affairs is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of the PEC accreditation criteria or similar regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and contribution to a growing academic program.
This role offers the chance to lead operational excellence in a vital educational program, ensuring its continued success and compliance with accreditation standards while fostering a supportive environment for faculty and students alike.