Head of Operations

About AshokaUniversity:

10 years ago, we embarked on a journey to establish a world-class, multi-disciplinary, liberal arts and sciences university in India. Built on the finest global best practices of institution and university governance, Ashoka has truly transformed Indian higher education in India with its unique pedagogy, governance and best practices.

Ashoka is today India’s #1 liberal arts and sciences university and home to the most diverse student body, a hubfor impactful research and a magnet for best-in-class faculty and staff.

Ashoka has been ranked in the top five among private Universities in India by QS Asia and has also secured top rank among all Indian Universities in the ‘International Faculty’ indicator. The University has been earlier awarded Diamond rating by QS I.GAUGE as a recognition of its continuous focus on academic rigour, inter-disciplinary pedagogy, world-class faculty, academic research, innovative modules of engagement with the community and teaching methods.

For further information, visit www.ashoka.edu.in.

Job Overview:

We are seeking a Director with a strong executive presence and proven ability to lead and represent the computer science department and allied centres effectively at Ashoka University. The Director will not only spearhead initiatives to enhance the school's visibility and partnerships but also ensure operational excellence and the development of robust academic and research programs. With Ashoka's reputation as India's leading liberal arts and sciences university, the Director will be integral in maintaining and expanding our commitment to excellence in higher education, embodying our core values and innovative spirit.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the operationalisation of the strategic plan of the Computer Science department and allied centres to enhance their reputation and capabilities
• Drive the growth and expansion of the CS Dept and its centres, managing their operations and setting the course for future development.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the undergraduate and graduate programs related to the CS Department and allied Centres
• Lead Outreach for the Department and the recruitment of PhD, post-docs, pre-docs, etc, increasing its visibility through active engagement in external fora and collaboration with media on audio and video content, to build a strong CS Community
• Represent the School at University meetings and events, and advocate for its programs and initiatives.
• Organise and plan high-profile events such as lectures, panel discussions, and seminars to promote the intellectual and community activities of the CS Dept and the various Centres.
• Actively promote the school and its research opportunities through dynamic web and social media presence, and by executing targeted recruitment campaigns.
• Support faculty recruitment and retention efforts by helping establish attractive Young Faculty Chairs with flexible grants, and setting up seed research grants to attract top talent and to help build a strong and diverse Computer Science Department and Centres.
• ManagetheSchool's budget effectively and allocate resources to support its academic mission.
• Secure external funding to support research initiatives and student projects, while effectively managing the school’s budget and resource allocation.
• Foster an inclusive academic culture by supporting various student-led activities linked to the CS Department and related Centres to create a vibrant community.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with industry partners to enhance career opportunities for students.

Ideal Candidate Profile for the Director, Computer Science Department and Allied Centers:

• Experience:

  Proven track record in leading and managing academic or technology-oriented organisations with a focus on strategic growth and operational excellence.

• Skills:

  Expertise in translating vision into actionable strategies that enhance the visibility and impact of the organisations they have been a part of.

• Career Focus:

  Suited for dynamic leaders who excel in roles that require a blend of strategic oversight and hands-on implementation in competitive, innovation-driven environments.

Communication & Influence:

• Skills:

  Exceptional communication abilities, proficient in engaging with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience:

  Proven success in high-level stakeholder engagement across sectors, including corporate leadership, technology management, non-profit directorships or academic institutions. This includes negotiating partnerships, leading outreach initiatives, and advocating for organisational missions in various forums, both nationally and internationally.

Analytical Acumen:

• Skills:

  Strong in program management, capable of overseeing complex, multi-faceted programs and growth initiatives.

• Experience:

  Experienced in using data-driven approaches to improve program outcomes and operational efficiencies.

Partnership Development:

• Experience:

  Skilled in developing and maintaining strong relationships with industry and academic partners to enhance educational and career opportunities for students.

• Skills

  : Expertise in networking and partnership development, especially in creating collaborative projects that advance the school’s strategic goals.

Leadership and Education:

• Education:

  Advanced degree in Computer Science or a closely related field preferred.

• Experience:

  Demonstrated success in leading diverse teams and managing significant projects within academic, research, or corporate settings. Proven ability to navigate complex organisational landscapes and deliver results in environments driven by technological innovation.

• Mentorship:

  Effective in guiding teams towards strategic objectives, whether in academia, research institutions, or corporate development teams, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Operational Excellence

• Experience:

  Hands-on experience in managing day-to-day operations of a large academic, research institution or corporates including budget management and resource allocation.

• Skills:

  Capable of implementing effective processes and systems to ensure the smooth functioning and continuous improvement of the school’s programs.

Ideal Candidate Qualities:

1. Minimum of 10 to 15 years of professional experience, with at least five years in a significant leadership role, preferably in a competitive, innovation-driven environment.
2. Strong implementer with the ability to oversee the execution of strategic plans and initiatives.
3. Excellent networking capabilities, capable of fostering significant partnerships and collaborations.
4. Passionate about advancing computing education and research, with a focus on promoting an inclusive and dynamic academic community.
5. Strategic thinker with a robust approach to problem-solving and innovation.
6. Experienced leader with a strong foundation in academia and/or industry.
7. Effective communicator with a proven ability to enhance the school’s profile and outreach.