Director of Online Innovation and Development

Ferris State University • Big Rapids, MI

7d • $75,000 - $82,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Online Innovation and Development leads institutional efforts to advance the development, expansion, and operational success of online academic programs. This role partners closely with colleges and academic departments to design and implement administrative structures, operational processes, and student support frameworks necessary for high-quality online program delivery.

The Director works with academic leadership to identify opportunities for innovation in online program models, student support strategies, and program delivery structures that improve access, flexibility, and student success. This position focuses on program-level strategy, operational infrastructure, and the overall student experience in online programs.

The anticipated start date for this position is May 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in higher education, organizational leadership, instructional design, educational technology, or a closely related field.
• Five years of full-time professional experience demonstrating project management and strategic planning.
• Experience supervising staff and leading collaborative teams.
• Experience supporting the development, implementation, or administration of online or distance education programs, including experience teaching in an online environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and administrative leaders.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, program development, and assessment.
• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to guide complex initiatives from planning through implementation.
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional efforts and work collaboratively across organizational units.
• Excellent written, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and function effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript 1

Nice To Haves

• Doctoral degree in higher education administration, instructional technology, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Partner with colleges and academic departments to support the development, expansion, and advancement of online academic programs.
• Identify innovative approaches to program structure, scheduling, and delivery that improve access and flexibility for online learners.
• Guide academic units through institutional processes related to launching or expanding online programs.
• Support colleges in evaluating opportunities for new online programs aligned with institutional priorities and student demand.
• Assist colleges in designing the operational structures necessary to support online program delivery, including enrollment processes, advising models, scheduling, and student support services.
• Work collaboratively with campus partners, including Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Advising, and Student Affairs, to ensure effective support systems for online students.
• Support the development of clear program pathways and course rotations that enable timely progression and completion for online learners.
• Serve as a liaison between academic colleges and administrative units to ensure coordinated support for online programs.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts that support the successful implementation and operation of online programs.
• Facilitate communication across units involved in the development and delivery of online programs.
• Coordinate operational readiness for the launch of new online programs.
• Identify systemic barriers affecting online students and work with campus partners to implement solutions.
• Monitor the effectiveness of online program operations and recommend improvements that enhance student experience and program sustainability.
• Contribute to institutional planning and strategy related to online and distance education.
• Identify opportunities for innovation in program delivery models and student support for online learners.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that advance the university’s online education portfolio.
• Ensure compliance with University policies and applicable laws.
• Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information.
• Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
• Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
• Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
• Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to areas of responsibility.
• Serve and/or chair various University and community committees.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
• Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans [https://www.ferris.edu/administration/adminandfinance/human/Benefits/admin.htm]

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director