Apply Here
The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education serving more than 164,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Through a constellation of 13 universities statewide, the Universities of Wisconsin are a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.
The Universities of Wisconsin Administration assists in establishing policies, planning the programmatic financial and physical development of the Universities. UWSA supports the Universities in delivering transformative educational outcomes and research that expands the boundaries of knowledge. We work to extend the value of our universities beyond the boundaries of the campuses, seeking to enhance the quality of life for all in Wisconsin and beyond, in fulfillment of the Wisconsin Idea.
The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) assists the Board of Regents, the UW System President, and the UW universities to sustain sufficient access for students to majors and careers, identify gaps in systemwide program array, and analyze the workforce development needs of the state—all in the context of efficient management of systemwide resources. The office also supports PK-20 education initiatives.
OAA engages faculty in communities of practice informed by scholarship and critical reflection that results in meaningful learning for all students in the UW System. These communities of teaching and practice include problematizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in historical, political, and social contexts.
OAA facilitates and supports faculty, staff, students, and UW System universities to develop, implement, and evaluate initiatives and policies that align university programs with the current and future international and global education needs of our state and nation.
POSITION SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Associate Vice President (AVP) for the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA), this position serves as the central advisor and resource for policy, planning and program development and review; provides comprehensive oversight of business and financial personnel and operations; works independently with internal and external constituents on OAA agreements and contracts; is the liaison with institutions for program fiscal review, reporting, and goal setting; provides AVP with confidential administrative support and assistance. Specific duties are not limited to but include the following:
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advise AVP on policy, compliance, and budget & financial matters concerning Program Planning, Review, & Array Management (PPRAM) and independently follow up on actions as requested.
- Act as OAA central resource with expertise on UW System program planning, review and array management policies and procedures including responding to inquiries from institutional representatives and other UWS Academic & Student Affairs offices.
- Review, monitor, and evaluate PPRAM actions for currency and alignment to, and compliance with Board of Regents policy and HLC requirements.
- Participate as member of UWSA Policy Committee for policy review providing input and preparing documentation in support of decisions for presentation and distribution.
- Monitor OAA program planning to ensure programs successfully reach goals and objectives and brief Associate Vice President on status of projects.
- Identify and address any issues in conflict with successful OAA program delivery taking appropriate actions to rectify.
- Establish and maintain central repository for ensuring accuracy and currency of records on all institution program actions including approval, accreditation status, program review, suspension, elimination.
- Analyze trends in Systemwide academic programming to identify any policy alignment needs.
- Remain up to date on academic quality and compliance reporting requirements for HLC and Department of Education.
- Communicate PPRAM actions related to program planning, policy and procedures with UW Institution Provosts and Program Planning Liaisons.
- Coordinate development of PPARM Annual Report working with Program Planners and Associate Vice President.
- Assist in planning and offering training for institutions related to advancing UW System and HLC policy and policy implementation.
- Collaborate with the Office of Policy Analysis and Research and UW HELP regarding matters intersecting with academic programs and policy documentation.
- Provide oversight for budget and finance coordination among staff and departments within OAA including reviewing plans and processes for managing program expenses and revenues.
- Develop annual OAA budget totaling over $2M presenting budget to AVP for review and discussion on any recommended changes.
- Monitor annual OAA budget including preparing and presenting regular reports.
- Establish guidelines for fiscal oversight ensuring reliability of data and compliance with State, UW System, and grant sponsor guidelines and requirements.
- Collaborate in the review of and assist to finalize MOU agreements in support of OAA initiatives, programs, and partnerships.
- Participate in OAA, Academic & Student Affairs, and UWSA staff meetings as well as work teams or committees as assigned.
- Occasionally manage OAA student workers.
- Perform other duties as requested by AVP.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience with policy development, policy analysis and/or program management.
- Prior experience with budget and financial management.
- Prior experience managing data and records.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability and flexibility to adapt to a variety of responsibilities and to changing needs and priorities.
- Ability to analyze situations and exercise good judgment in the implementation of required duties.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience analyzing and applying policies and regulations in higher education at state and federal levels.
- Prior experience using data, financial, and HR reporting systems to manage, maintain and reconcile departmental activities and information.
- Prior experience supervising workflow.
- Knowledge of academic planning processes.
- High level communication skills, both oral and written.
COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE
Inclusive Excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for Universities of Wisconsin. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, community service, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
Universities of Wisconsin fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background – people who serve the State of Wisconsin and the public good.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.
The Universities of Wisconsin will not sponsor a work visa for this position at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.
WORK LOCATION
The office location is at Van Hise Hall in Madison, WI. An in-office requirement is expected three days per week with the option to work the remaining two days off-site/remote. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Program Planning Policy & Financial Specialist is a full-time, salaried, exempt, academic staff position.
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $75,000 – $83,500 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.
The Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (FA/AS/LI) or Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (US). Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through 11:59 pm, February 23, 2025. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.
- Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
- To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:
- Resume (PDF Format)
- Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)
Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.
3. Submit your application.
SPECIAL NOTES:
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting Kristina Williston at kristina.williston@wisconsin.edu.
The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellent through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Questions may be addressed to: Kristina Williston, HR Generalist at kristina.williston@wisconsin.edu.