| Job Description: |
The University of Florida is seeking an innovative and student-focused Associate Director of Academic Support Services to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the UF Online unit. This leadership position plays a central role in advancing UF Online’s mission by leading a cross-functional team responsible for academic program management, student belonging and community engagement, and student success initiatives. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, the Associate Director drives continuous improvement in the program’s performance, processes, products, and people to support a high-quality online student experience. The Associate Director will work closely with academic units and various campus partners to ensure alignment of UF Online’s offerings with institutional goals, while fostering a connected and engaged student community. The role is highly visible and collaborative, working with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure the sustained success of UF Online. The ideal candidate will have progressive leadership experience in online education, with a strong background in operations and/or student services. Experience in data-informed decision making, developing strategic communication campaigns, along with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with academic units and campus partners, is essential. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of one of the nation’s top-ranked online bachelor’s programs and to help define the future of online education at UF.
The Opportunity
The Associate Director, UF Online, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the UF Online unit, supporting the Director in managing daily operations and advancing the unit’s mission. This role supervises a cross-functional team responsible for academic program management, student belonging and community engagement, and student success initiatives.
The Associate Director ensures alignment between unit operations and institutional goals, fostering a high-quality, inclusive online student experience that enables students to thrive, persist, and graduate. This position oversees the management and growth of the academic portfolio, including launching new degree offerings, while developing and implementing program strategies, communication plans, and business process improvements. The Associate Director collaborates closely with academic units and a wide range of campus partners—including course production, student services, and support units—to ensure alignment and excellence across all functional areas.
Serving as a senior leader within UF Online, the Associate Director contributes to the strategic planning and execution of initiatives that enhance academic programs and student support services. This role carries significant responsibility and visibility, representing UF Online across campus and driving continuous improvement. The Associate Director also helps uphold UF Online’s reputation by ensuring the team follows best practices and actively contributes to advancing knowledge and innovation in online education and student success.
Through a strong commitment to operational excellence in people, process, and product, the Associate Director fosters a culture of performance, collaboration, and accountability that ensures UF Online continues to deliver exceptional educational experiences at scale.
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Student Success and Engagement
Oversee all UF Online student success initiatives, ensuring systems are in place to support, monitor, and cultivate student success. Collaborate with colleges and departments campus-wide to launch, implement, and optimize programs that drive UF Online student retention, persistence, and graduation. Monitor student success outcomes using data analytics and apply best practices. Direct the planning and drafting of comprehensive student communication campaigns and oversee UF Online-sponsored events and technology-supported engagement activities that foster a connected student community. Incorporate process enhancements to improve service delivery and student engagement effectiveness.
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Academic Program Management and Strategic Planning
Lead strategic planning and provide oversight for UF Online academic programs. Ensure initiatives, policies, procedures, and best practices are in place across college curricula offered via UF Online to establish clear pathways to graduation by delivering high-quality academic programming and enabling continual improvement of the academic portfolio. Partner with the Center for Online Innovation & Production (COIP) to facilitate efficient and prioritized course and program development that reflects UF Online student needs. Drive continuous improvement of academic programs by using data and stakeholder feedback to optimize processes and program offerings.
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Team Leadership, Operations, and Management
Provide tactical oversight and strategic guidance to a cross-functional team. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing work environment, supporting professional development and clear communication. Offer routine feedback and coaching. Lead ongoing efforts to refine team workflows and business processes to enhance operational efficiency.
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Data Analysis and Reporting
Support the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of key performance metrics across functional areas. Use data to inform decision-making, identify trends, and support reporting needs for institutional stakeholders.
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Representation and Reputation Management
Serve as a brand ambassador for UF Online within the university community. Represent UF Online in campus collaborations, meetings, and external forums. Inform and engage institutional stakeholders with a high level of responsiveness and advocacy for online learning
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Perform other responsibilities as assigned to support the mission and strategic priorities of UF Online. This may include contributing to university-wide initiatives, participating in task forces or committees, supporting special projects, assisting with accreditation or compliance efforts, and stepping in to provide leadership coverage or cross-functional collaboration during times of need. Flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness are expected to ensure the continued effectiveness and innovation of UF Online.
About UF Online
UF Online continues to be top-ranked in the nation among online bachelor's programs.
The University of Florida offers fully online students a variety of unique advantages through UF Online programs:
- the flexibility of online learning,
- lower tuition and fees,
- dedicated academic advisors with lower-than-average ratios,
- instructors who are the same faculty researchers and scholars teaching in our main campus classrooms.
About the University of Florida
One of America’s all-around best universities, the University of Florida drives future-making education, eye-opening discoveries, life-saving health care, and community-building collaboration for our state, our nation, and our world. UF is in Gainesville, a city of approximately 150,000 residents in North-Central Florida, 50 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, 67 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a 2-hour drive to large metropolitan areas (Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville). The beautiful climate and extensive nearby parks and recreational areas afford year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and nature photography. UF’s large college sports programs, museums, and performing arts center support various activities and cultural events for residents to enjoy. Alachua County schools are highly rated and offer various programs, including magnet schools and an International Baccalaureate program. Learn more about what Gainesville has to offer at Visit Gainesville.
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| Preferred: |
- Experience within higher education, minimum five years of progressive leadership experience.
- Proven ability to lead organizational change through strategic planning, program development, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong knowledge of online learning environments, student engagement, and academic program management.
- Demonstrated experience in planning, writing, and delivering strategic communication campaigns supporting organizational goals—particularly for student success, engagement, or academic initiatives.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages across multiple platforms for diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau), student information systems (e.g., Peoplesoft Campus Solutions), and CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across the university and with senior leadership.
- Experience in assessment, data analysis, and continuous improvement processes.
- Familiarity with UF Online’s academic offerings and student services is strongly preferred.Item one
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