Continuing Education Associate Director

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL) at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee is the unified hub for lifelong learning and instructional excellence, dedicated to making a high-quality UWM education available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. We champion flexible, student-centered approaches that allow learners to move seamlessly across educational experiences—from youth programming and degree-seeking pathways to professional upskilling in continuing education. By partnering with instructors to design inclusive, technology-driven learning environments, CASL ensures that innovative learning extends beyond the traditional classroom. Join us in our mission to support educators and empower learners at every stage of their journey, providing the resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and global landscape. Through strong community and employer partnerships, responsive support, and a commitment to continuous improvement, CASL works to cultivate a teaching and learning environment where all students can thrive. As a strategic leader within the Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL), you will oversee the operational and personnel of continuing education. This pivotal role ensures the seamless integration of lifelong learning with CASL’s broader portfolio, including academic programs, teaching initiatives, business development, and educational technology. You will be responsible for fostering innovation in workforce alignment and professional development, specifically expanding access for working adults and non-traditional learners. By strengthening both internal and external community and employer partnerships, you will advance a cohesive vision that bridges the gap between credit and non-credit pathways, ensuring our offerings remain responsive to evolving industry needs.

Requirements

Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
Minimum of 4–6 years of relevant supervisory experience in continuing education, adult learning, workforce development, or a related area.
Demonstrated leadership in program development, budgeting, and team management.
Demonstrated experience working across functional areas or leading collaborative initiatives.
Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Knowledge of labor market trends and employer engagement strategies.
Experience managing budgets or revenue-generating programs.

Nice To Haves

PhD in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
Experience with workforce development, employer partnerships, or business development.
Experience in a public, urban research university.
Familiarity with online and hybrid learning modalities.
Track record of securing grants or developing revenue-generating programs.

Responsibilities

Lead the implementation of key strategies and initiatives that integrate continuing education across CASL's functional areas to enhance learning, access, and institutional impact.
Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and institutional initiatives related to lifelong learning.
Supervise and manage staff, project teams, and program coordinators/managers.
Identify emerging educational needs and workforce trends to guide program growth and innovation.
Position the unit as a key contributor to institutional enrollment, revenue diversification, and community impact while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and innovative team environment.
Oversee the development, coordination, and evaluation of continuing education and non-credit programs.
Facilitate pathways between non-credit and credit-bearing programs, including stackable credentials, workforce-aligned offerings, micro-credentials, and credit for prior learning.
Advance collaboration with academic departments to design programs responsive to community and employer needs.
Work closely with business development staff to identify new markets, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, employers, and public agencies to expand workforce-relevant programming.
Assist in managing budgets, contracts, and resource allocation across continuing education program areas.
Support the development of sustainable financial models, including grant, partnerships, and fee-based programming.
Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and state policies, and relevant regulations.
Collaborate with marketing and registration teams to develop outreach strategies to help strengthen the unit’s visibility and reputation locally and regionally.
Use data, including labor market data, to inform decision-making and continuous improvement across program areas.