Academic Planner

Job Summary:The Academic Planner is responsible for overseeing the academic scheduling and planning process to ensure that all educational programs, courses, and related activities align with institutional goals and academic calendars.

The role involves collaborating with academic staff, department heads, and administration to optimize course offerings, maintain curriculum integrity, and enhance the student learning experience through effective scheduling and resource allocation.

Key Responsibilities: Academic Scheduling & Coordination: Develop, implement, and maintain the academic schedule, including course offerings, faculty assignments, and room scheduling, ensuring adherence to institutional policies and academic calendars.

Coordinate with department heads, faculty, and administration to ensure that all courses are scheduled effectively and that resources are optimally utilized. Resolve scheduling conflicts and make adjustments based on changes in course demand or faculty availability.

Curriculum Planning & Resource Management: Work closely with faculty and department heads to align academic programs and course offerings with institutional goals, strategic initiatives, and accreditation requirements. Ensure that resources such as classrooms, labs, and other facilities are effectively allocated to support the academic schedule.

Assist in the planning and development of new academic programs or courses, including the identification of resource needs and course sequencing.

Enrollment & Capacity Management: Collaborate with the enrollment management team to forecast enrollment trends and determine optimal course sizes and offerings.

Monitor course enrollment levels and make recommendations for adjustments to ensure courses meet student demand while maintaining academic standards.

Analyze historical data to assist in the identification of academic trends and make recommendations for future planning.

Compliance & Accreditation Support: Ensure academic planning complies with accreditation standards, institutional policies, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Assist in preparing documents and reports for accreditation bodies, ensuring academic offerings meet all required standards. Support faculty and departments in ensuring course syllabi, content, and delivery are aligned with accreditation criteria.

Collaboration & Communication: Serve as a liaison between academic departments, faculty, and administration to ensure seamless communication regarding academic scheduling, resources, and planning.

Collaborate with academic advisors, student services, and other departments to ensure that academic planning aligns with student needs and institutional priorities. Provide guidance and support to faculty and staff on academic scheduling processes and policies.

Reporting & Analysis: Prepare and analyze reports on course scheduling, enrollment, and resource utilization to assist with academic decision-making. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the academic schedule and make recommendations for improvements based on feedback from faculty, staff, and students. Stay informed on best practices in academic planning and scheduling and apply relevant innovations to improve the process.

Key Qualifications: Education & Experience: Bachelors degree in Education, Business Administration, or a related field (Masters degree preferred). 3+ years of experience in academic planning, scheduling, or educational administration. Experience in higher education settings is highly desirable.

Skills & Expertise: Strong knowledge of academic scheduling software, database management systems, and other relevant tools. Ability to analyze complex data and make decisions based on trends and institutional goals. Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.

Certifications & Tools: Proficiency in scheduling software (e.g., Colleague, Banner, PeopleSoft, or similar tools) and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with accreditation processes and compliance requirements is a plus.

Personal Attributes: Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

Strong communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information. Ability to work independently, while also thriving in a team-oriented environment. Proactive and adaptable, with a focus on continuous improvement in academic planning processes.