Director of Academic Programs and Program Innovation

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at UC Irvine is seeking a Director of Academic Programs and Program Innovation. This role is responsible for overseeing public education professionals, academic programs, and the day-to-day activities of the unit. The Director ensures programs are learner-centered, aligned with industry needs, and meet academic quality standards. They establish short and long-term goals for domestic open enrollment programs, collaborate on program development, and oversee course delivery. The Director also leads, supports, and evaluates the academic programs team, including Program Managers, instructional designers, and program coordinators, focusing on curriculum quality, industry alignment, instructor performance, and learner experience. This role involves recommending policy changes, collaborating across teams, cultivating relationships with internal and external partners, and problem-solving daily operational issues. The Director provides leadership on strategic initiatives, offering expertise in academic programming, instructor professional development, course development, and innovative learning models. They actively participate in the Academic Program (AP) governance process, preparing proposals, evaluating market viability, advising on formats, and ensuring resource availability for course development and renewal. The Director supervises the preparation of approval packages for certificate programs and MOUs, and disseminates program changes to stakeholders. Building and maintaining internal and external relationships and partnerships to strengthen and grow programs is a key aspect of this role, including attending business meetings and events.

Requirements

Ability to maintain effective professional relationships with clients and instructors.
Effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Effective leadership skills, including directing and developing staff members.
Effective skills to conduct needs assessment and program delivery.
Knowledge of developing budget, project management, and curriculum design.
Knowledge with credit and non-credit programs and certificates.
Knowledge of program development, business development, curriculum development, and online pedagogies.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, LMS Canvas, SIS, and educational learning tools.
Knowledge of change management, problem-solving complex issues, experience with conflict resolutions.
Knowledge of program ideation, design, format, development, redevelopment, and launch that aligns with workforce needs.
Ability to interpret workforce data, conduct market research, and program assessments.
Experience working with professional associations, accreditation, as well as for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Knowledge and awareness of preparing grants relating to workforce development, from private, government, and non-profit organizations.
Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in public education, technical education, and/or training and development of programs.
A minimum of 5 years of program management experience in a higher education setting with supervisory experience.
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related area preferred.
Continuing education in a related field.

Responsibilities

Overseeing the activities of public education professionals, academic programs, and management of the unit’s day-to-day activities.
Ensuring all programs are learner-centered, aligned to industry and/or professional association needs, and adhere to established academic and service quality standards.
Establishing short and long-term goals and priorities for domestic open enrollment programs in consultation with the Associate Dean.
Collaborating on program development and overseeing the delivery of courses, workshops, and programs.
Establishing goals, expectations, and objectives for the academic programs team and evaluating their performance.
Leading, supporting, and motivating Program Managers, ensuring attention to curriculum quality, industry alignment, instructor performance, relationships with professional associations, and learner/instructor experience.
Recommending changes to department policies and practices.
Collaborating across teams and cultivating and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners.
Engaging in problem-solving associated with day-to-day operations, including course-related issues, instructor hiring, coaching, management, and learner issues.
Providing support and leadership of strategic initiatives, adding insight and expertise on topics related to academic programming, instructor professional development, course development, and innovative course and learning models.
Actively participating in the AP governance process, preparing proposals, evaluating market viability, advising on format, and ensuring required resources for course development and renewal.
Supervising and supporting the preparation of approval packages for certificate programs, MOUs, and the creation and dissemination of supporting documentation for the Academic Program Council.
Communicating program changes and updates to key stakeholders and division-wide to ensure understanding and clear expectations.
Building internal and external relationships and partnerships to strengthen and grow programs, explore new opportunities, and attend business meetings and events.