The Senior Advisor for Academic Innovation and Learner Success serves as a strategic advisor, project leader, and operational partner to the Chief Academic Officer (CAO) in support of the academic mission. This role ensures seamless execution of divisional priorities across the Global Academic and Learning Enterprise, aligning initiatives with the university's global operations, innovative learning model, and commitment to student success—especially for primarily adult learner population.

As an extension of the CAO's leadership team, this position acts as a connector across GALE units, administrative offices, and external stakeholders, driving cross-functional initiatives that integrate innovation, data, and best practices to transform the learner journey and elevate academic effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Academic Innovation & Student Success:

• Lead high-impact, university-wide projects focused on academic innovation and student success, with special emphasis on adult, military-affiliated, and online learners.

• Identify, design, and scale initiatives that improve learning outcomes, engagement, equity, and persistence, in alignment with UMGC's strategic plan.

• Serve as the CAO's lead strategist on pilot programs and emerging trends (e.g., generative AI, modular credentials, alternative pathways).

• Collaborate with academic leadership, advising, learner analytics, student affairs, and institutional research to develop and implement student-centered solutions.

• Develop, monitor, and report on success metrics for innovation and student engagement initiatives.

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making across academic programs and support services.

• Represent the CAO's Office on institutional and system-wide task forces related to academic transformation and learner success.

• Manage project teams and partnerships related to innovation grants, pilots, and academic special projects.

Leadership Support & Discretion:

• Anticipate and manage sensitive matters with the utmost discretion and professionalism.

• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability across the Global Academic Leadership Environment (GALE).

• Serve as a thought partner and sounding board for the CAO.

Strategic & Operational Support:

• Advise the CAO on setting and managing GALE priorities.

• Lead and coordinate special projects aligned with academic strategic goals.

• Prepare high-quality briefings, meeting materials, presentations, reports, summaries, dashboards, and talking points for the CAO.

• Direct operations of the Office of the CAO, managing staff, special projects, and workflow.

• Oversee planning and execution of key projects and institutional initiatives on behalf of the CAO.

• Track timelines, project status, and follow-up items; support meeting logistics and documentation.

Liaison & Coordination:

• Act as a bridge between the CAO and internal departments, including academic deans, faculty leadership, and administrative offices.

• Represent the CAO in meetings, ensuring follow-through on assigned action items.

• Track and manage timelines and deliverables for CAO initiatives.

Information Management & Decision Support:

• Coordinate the flow of information, ensuring the CAO is fully informed and prepared.

• Support the CAO's participation in governance bodies, external boards, and task forces.

• Conduct policy research, benchmarking, and data analysis to inform decision-making.

• Monitor and assess developments in higher education relevant to the CAO's portfolio.

• Assist in compiling institutional data and narratives for accreditation, compliance, and reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders seeking engagement with the CAO.

• Facilitate communication and issue resolution across deans, faculty leadership, academic governance, and administrative partners.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Dispositions (KSADs):

Knowledge:

• Higher Education Administration: Comprehensive understanding of academic affairs, governance, and the unique needs of adult and nontraditional learners, particularly in online and hybrid environments.

• Academic Innovation: In-depth knowledge of emerging trends such as generative AI, modular credentials, alternative learning pathways, and digital transformation in higher education.

• Data Analytics: Expertise in using data, analytics, and assessment to inform academic strategies and improve student outcomes.

• Project & Change Management: Familiarity with methodologies for leading complex, cross-functional projects and managing organizational change.

• Executive Support: Knowledge of best practices in executive support, calendar and workflow management, and high-level administrative operations.

Skills:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and execute institutional strategies, set priorities, and drive alignment across diverse teams.

• Project Management: Demonstrated skill in managing multiple, large-scale projects simultaneously, including timelines, budgets, and staff.

• Communication: Superior written, verbal, and presentation skills for preparing reports, briefings, dashboards, and representing the CAO to diverse audiences.

• Collaboration: Strong facilitation and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across academic and administrative units.

• Analytical Thinking: Advanced ability to conduct policy research, benchmarking, and data analysis for evidence-based decision-making.

• Technology Proficiency: Competence with digital learning tools, learner analytics platforms, and productivity software.

• Executive Support: Outstanding organizational, time management, and prioritization skills to support the CAO's effectiveness.

Abilities:

• Innovative Problem-Solving: Ability to identify, design, and scale solutions that address complex academic challenges and advance learner success.

• Discretion & Professionalism: Capacity to handle sensitive and confidential matters with integrity and sound judgment.

• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed, and evolving institutional environment.

• Influence & Negotiation: Ability to advocate for academic priorities, influence decision-makers, and resolve conflicts diplomatically.

• Continuous Improvement: Commitment to fostering a culture of assessment, feedback, and ongoing improvement.

• Executive Presence: Ability to represent the CAO and university leadership with confidence, diplomacy, and professionalism.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required; doctorate preferred in a relevant discipline.

• 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, with a focus on academic strategy, innovation, or student success.

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex academic initiatives.

• Deep understanding of the needs of adult and nontraditional learners in online and hybrid environments.

• Demonstrated success in using data and research to drive decision-making and improve student outcomes.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and strategic planning skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in academic innovation, operational efficiency and learner success

• Familiarity with predictive analytics, learner engagement platforms, and digital learning tools.

• Prior work in a complex, matrixed institution or online university setting.

• Experience providing high-level executive support to senior leadership.

All submissions should include a cover letter and resume.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. UMGC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, ancestry, political affiliation or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Workplace Accommodations:

The University of Maryland Global Campus Global Campus (UMGC) is committed to creating and maintaining a welcoming and inclusive working environment for people of all abilities. UMGC is dedicated to the principle that no qualified individual with a disability shall, based on disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination. For information about UMGC's Reasonable Workplace Accommodation Policy or to request an accommodation, applicants/candidates can contact Employee Accommodations via email at employee-accommodations@umgc.edu. 

Benefits Package Highlights:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 days of paid vacation, 15 days of sick leave, 3 personal days, and 15 paid holidays (16 during general election years). For part-time employees, time off rates will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access to health care, medical with vision, dental, and prescription plans for both individuals and families, effective from the 1st of the month following your hire date.
• Insurance Options: Term Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance. Part-time employees working less than 0.5 FTE are not eligible for LTD.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Available for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Retirement Plans: Choose between the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) or the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS).
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: include 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and various Roth options. The university does not provide matching funds.
• Tuition Remission: Immediate availability for Regular Exempt Staff. Spouses and dependent children are eligible for undergraduate tuition remission after two years of service. NOTE: For part-time employees (at least 50 percent of the time), tuition remission benefits are prorated.

Hiring Range: