Director of Residential and Online Master's Program (Hybrid)

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

8d•$119,758 - $146,370•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell Bowers seeks an inaugural leader to build and guide an integrated portfolio of master's degree programs across the college. The Director will develop and implement the vision, strategy, and operating model for master's education, including three residential programs and the college's first online degree programs, scheduled to launch in fall 2027. The Director will lead the launch and growth of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence in partnership with faculty and college leadership. The role will coordinate programs that have historically operated independently by establishing shared practices, scalable infrastructure, and approaches that improve student experience and support sustainable growth. It will also develop enrollment, recruitment, admissions, and market development strategies; lead professional staff; and foster collaboration among faculty, departments, administrative units, external partners, and campus partners. The position is based in Ithaca, New York, and is eligible for a hybrid arrangement. The successful candidate is expected to work fully on-site during the first 90 days for onboarding and training. Afterward, the typical schedule is four days on campus and one day remotely per week, with remote work from a location of the employee's choosing within the United States. Occasional travel and occasional evening or weekend work are required, particularly for online students' residential sessions and Cornell commencement activities during Memorial Day Weekend.

Requirements

Master's degree and 5 to 7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Direct experience with graduate, professional, executive, online, or related academic programs.
Strong understanding of higher education, graduate enrollment trends and pressures, student success strategies, and the evolving needs of learners and employers.
Experience developing organizational strategy, leading change initiatives, building consensus, and creating or transforming programs, services, teams, operating models, or organizational structures across stakeholders or organizational units.
Experience supporting enrollment management, admissions, recruitment marketing, lead generation, CRM implementation or optimization, or other enrollment growth initiatives.
Ability to use data and market insights to inform strategy, decisions, and long-term planning.
Ability to build productive relationships and work effectively with faculty, students, staff, alumni, employers, industry partners, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Strong communication skills, including listening, writing, public speaking, presentation, and facilitation.
Ability to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities, exercise sound professional judgment, and develop innovative solutions in evolving environments.
Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from all backgrounds, including students who are struggling or have had less access to recommended educational backgrounds; ability to build pipelines of students from diverse backgrounds.
Skill in understanding cultural differences and experience connecting inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing practices to business goals.
Strong technical skills and experience using data for decision-making and continuous improvement.
Ability to comply with federal, state, and university data privacy and security requirements relating to student records.
Flexibility for occasional travel and occasional evening and/or weekend work.
A cover letter and resume outlining interest and alignment of experience and goals with the role are required for consideration.

Nice To Haves

Experience in online learning, executive education, or adult learning.
Demonstrated interest in artificial intelligence, including hands-on use of AI tools to enhance productivity, decision-making, or operations.

Responsibilities

Lead Cornell Bowers' portfolio of master's degree programs, including three residential programs and the college's first online degree programs.
Develop and implement an integrated vision, strategy, and operating model for master's education across the college.
Lead the launch and growth of the Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence programs in partnership with faculty and college leadership.
Coordinate programs that have historically operated independently by establishing shared practices, scalable infrastructure, and approaches that strengthen student experience and support growth.
Develop enrollment, recruitment, admissions, and market development strategies for Cornell Bowers master's programs.
Lead and develop a team of professional staff and foster collaboration among faculty, academic departments, administrative units, and external partners.
Shape graduate education through strategic planning, innovation, new program development, and cross-campus partnerships.
Use data and market insights to inform enrollment strategy, decision-making, and long-term planning.
Operate in compliance with federal, state, and university student-record privacy and security regulations, policies, and best practices.
Work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly during residential sessions for online master's students and Memorial Day Weekend commencement activities; travel occasionally.