The Program Manager of Academic Systems plays a pivotal role in managing and enhancing academic technology platforms that support student retention, curriculum planning, and course scheduling. This position oversees key systems such as online academic catalogs and scheduling tools, working in close partnership with the Associate Registrar to ensure operational excellence.
Serving as a strategic liaison between the Provost’s Office, technology vendors, and campus stakeholders, the Program Manager ensures seamless integration and functionality across academic systems. The role demands high-level coordination, discretion, and professionalism, with a strong focus on optimizing workflows and driving continuous improvement in academic operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Academic Systems Management
- Act as Provost Office liaison for curriculum and policy software platforms (e.g., catalog and approval systems).
- Program new academic information and revise existing content annually.
- Design and manage workflows, timelines, and user permissions for academic systems.
- Collaborate with the Associate Registrar to maintain and update electronic catalogs.
- Develop new catalogs and handbooks as needed.
- Coordinate with the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies on Graduate Assistant approvals and appointments.
- Participate in all phases of Coursedog implementation.
Online Publications & Communications
- Administer websites for the Provost’s Office, Faculty Development Hub, Curriculum Development site, and other related sites.
- Lead the annual review and publication of the Academic Calendar in collaboration with the Provost, Associate Provost for Student Success, and the Faculty Council Executive Committee.
- Write and edit the Provost Office Update newsletter.
Retention, Academic & Provost Office Support
- Serve as the primary contact for the Slate Retention Alert system.
- Create dashboards and disseminate retention data in partnership with the Slate System Administrator.
- Collaborate with Institutional Research, the Office of Student Success, Retention Council, and academic units to enhance system accuracy and efficiency.
- Provide training to faculty and staff on academic systems.
- Identify training needs in collaboration with the Center for Teaching and Learning and other academic leaders.
- Support planning and execution of Provost-sponsored events.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading campus-wide projects in higher education.
- At least 5 years of experience in academic advising.
- Proven ability to collaborate across institutional units and with external partners.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in developing and delivering training (in-person and virtual).
- Excellent project management and analytical skills.
Preferred:
- Over 5 years of experience managing academic-focused projects in higher education.
- Demonstrated experience with Colleague or similar academic systems.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Standard office setting with frequent interaction via email, phone, and in-person.
- Mobility required across campus buildings.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
