Director/Head Academic Services University of Illinois Tech, (Vikhroli, Mumbai)
Location: Vikhroli, Mumbai, India
Department: Academic Services
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer India Campus
Employment Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities
- Shape the overall learning journey and ensure a seamless, inclusive, high-quality academic experience for students and faculty.
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Academic Services team that delivers consistent, professional support.
- Ensure academic programmes are planned and delivered in alignment with University strategy and regulatory/accreditation requirements.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring processes and services evolve to meet user needs.
- Academic Administration
- Oversee student registration, records, examinations, certification, and graduation.
- Ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and accuracy of academic records and institutional data.
- Oversee assessment, progression, and the conferment of awards.
- Governance, Policy & Compliance
- Serve as Secretary to statutory academic bodies, ensuring appropriate governance procedures.
- Develop, implement, and review academic regulations and policies consistent with national requirements and University of Illinois Tech (UK) standards.
- Ensure compliance with UGC, AICTE, NAAC, Government of India, data-protection regulations, and other relevant authorities.
- Maintain academic policies and risk registers; support internal/external audits and inspections.
- Coordinate with the University of Illinois Tech (UK) on reporting, audits, regulatory alignment, and quality assurance.
- Quality Assurance & Standards
- Lead institutional academic quality assurance and effectiveness initiatives.
- Safeguard academic standards and support curriculum development, programme approval, monitoring, and external examiner management.
- Student Conduct & Regulation
- Oversee student conduct, academic integrity, fitness-to-practise, and academic appeals, ensuring fair and transparent processes.
- Monitor student compliance with academic requirements and address non-compliance.
- Digital & Operational Management
- Lead implementation and optimisation of academic systems and digital services to enable efficient, user-focused operations.
- Manage academic timetabling, classroom utilisation, and workload distribution.
- Use institutional data and feedback to drive evidence-based improvements.
- Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with academic leadership and operations to maintain coherence in planning, delivery, and improvement.
- Serve as the main academic contact for parents/guardians on sensitive queries, ensuring professionalism and confidentiality.
- Build internal and external networks to remain informed of sector developments and institutional opportunities.
- Strategic Leadership & Representation
- Provide strategic leadership across academic service functions in India and maintain effective partnership with the University of Illinois Tech (UK).
- Support strategic planning, programme development, and representation before accreditation/regulatory bodies.
- Participate in or chair University committees and working groups as needed.
Required Skills
- Entrepreneurial Agility: Ability to build and scale new initiatives, fostering innovation and institutional growth.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to design and implement longterm strategies aligned with University goals.
- Leadership & Team Management: Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate diverse teams.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and external partners.
- Regulatory & Compliance Expertise: Knowledge of accreditation, quality assurance, and statutory requirements.
- DataDriven DecisionMaking: Strong analytical skills in using data to improve performance.
- Communication & Presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication; confident in public forums.
- Technology Proficiency: Ability to adopt and optimize systems such as CRM, LMS, and academic management platforms.
- Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking skills to address complex challenges.
- StudentCentric Approach: Commitment to delivering excellent student experience.
- Planning & Organising: Ability to manage processes, timelines, and priorities effectively.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Track record of enhancing services and promoting best practices.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in Public Administration, Business, Education, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in academic services roles within highquality higher education institutions.
- Demonstrated expertise in academic programme management, university regulations, curriculum management, and accreditation processes with commitment to quality standards and positive student experience.
Why Join Us
- Join the founding team of a leading UK university establishing a centre of academic excellence in India.
- Play a key role in expanding world-class opportunities for students in India.
- Contribute to building high-quality team, culture, and impact within a mission-driven, collaborative environment.
- Access competitive compensation and benefits.
