Director of Academic Affairs (DAA)

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Hartford Campus Dean the Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) will be a key member of the Hartford Campus leadership team providing strategic and operational leadership and support. The DAA will have broad authority over many areas including but not limited to: student retention and academic momentum initiatives; partnering with academic departments and other units within the University on numerous projects; data analysis assessment and reporting; working with University partners to maximize academic offerings; and other strategic initiatives. The DAA will work closely with other unit leaders on campus and across the University.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Director of Academic Affairs

• Supports the Deans Office via the following responsibilities:
  • Assists in the development and implementation of long and short-range strategic plans especially as they relate to academic affairs for the immediate and future needs of the campus and its community.
  • Partners with faculty staff students and other internal and external stakeholders to maintain a climate of civility and collegiality through effective communication and a strong commitment to enhancing the quality and diversity of our students.
• Academic Leadership
  • Serves as lead academic officer and signature authority for various academic processes. May chair/serve on campus and University academic committees.
  • Leads the annual Teaching and Learning Equity Faculty Fellow program.
  • Co-leads with the Executive Director of Finance and Administration the campus scholarship committee and awards committee.
  • Through collaborations with departments and colleges and the Hartford Campus Dean sets Hartford campus goals and visions for academic student support and provides leadership in the formulation and implementation of campus academic programs goals and objectives.
  • In collaboration with the Executive Director of Finance and Administration guides and oversees the scheduling and implementation of undergraduate courses for Fall Spring Summer and Special sessions. Works with department heads faculty and staff to maintain the number and breadth of courses to meet student needs.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Student Services strengthen campus advising by advancing professional advisor training establishing shared standards and implementing evidence-based advising practices while also developing a faculty advising model in which faculty provide discipline-specific academic guidance career insight and sustained mentorship.
  • Provides/oversees data analysis assessment and reporting of academic programming to inform strategic planning and short- and long-term goals.
  • Creates assessment initiatives surrounding Advising Retention Honors Tutoring First Year Experience program & scholarship students.
  • Serve as the chair of the Hartford scholarship committee.
• Faculty Liaison
  • Works with department heads in both Storrs and Hartford to identify and select adjunct faculty and participates in search committees for full-time faculty.
  • Collaborates with the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) to assess and execute programs and initiatives that meet the pedagogical and professional development needs of faculty to improve student learning outcomes.
  • Engages in collaborative efforts with Regional Campus Directors of Academic Affairs and Associate Deans from various colleges to promote alignment and consistency in academic policies practices and resource allocation.
  • Provides remediation regarding course concerns between faculty and students.
  • Coordinates Hartfords New Faculty Orientation program.
  • Creates engagement opportunities between new and returning faculty to support faculty development and enhance the academic community.
• Supervision and Oversight
  • Dotted line supervision of the Assistant Director of the Academic Achievement Center and the Director of Student Success.
  • Tutoring centers staff. Assists with recruiting hiring and training tutoring center staff.
  • Learning Communities coordinators.
  • In collaboration with the Associate Director of Honors Programs at the Regionals campuses/Director of Regional Campuses Enrichment Programs supervise the Program Coordinator Honors and Enrichment Programs.
• Coordinator of First Year Initiatives and Support Programs
  • Collaborates with the Office of First Year Programs to coordinate the FYE course on the Hartford campus.
  • Recruits FYE instructors and provides training.
  • Teaches one section of UNIV 1800 each fall semester
• Performs related duties as required and assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree from an accredited institution.
• Six or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing a complex student service and programs division in higher education for a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience with current best practices in advising retention student support and other related academic areas.
• Experience in establishing partnerships with faculty as related to curricular enrollment advising and other matters.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctoral degree from an accredited institution.
• A record of progressively responsible administrative experience managing and solving complex problems in higher education preferably in academic administration and student support.
• Experience working on a large diverse and urban campus.
• Experience collaborating with full-time and adjunct faculty.
• Experience supervising multiple professional staff members.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time permanent position. The University offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits please visit and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves and Engagement & Learning headers. Other rights terms and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at Staff Positions Search #499415 to upload aresume cover letterand contact information forthree (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on March 4 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of and contribute to an inclusive respectful and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employees unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.