Director, Program Experience Futures

Western Governors University•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career. Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families. The Director of the Program Experience Futures team plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of curriculum and assessment strategies. This leadership position is accountable for envisioning, planning, and implementing innovative approaches to enhance the overall program experience for our diverse student body. The Director oversees a spectrum of responsibilities aimed at fostering an enriching educational environment including personalized learning solutions to ensuring ethical and accessible compliance. The Director of the Program Experience Futures team plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of curriculum and assessment strategies. This leadership position is accountable for envisioning and planning innovative approaches to enhance the overall program experience for our diverse student body. The Director oversees a spectrum of responsibilities aimed at fostering an enriching educational environment, including personalized learning solutions to ensuring ethical and accessible compliance.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge of current trends and best practices in online higher education.
Strong understanding of curriculum development, assessment methodologies, and learning theories.
Proficiency in evaluating and integrating educational technologies and data analytics solutions.
Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Ability to navigate complex regulatory and compliance requirements in higher education.
Experience in staff development, team building, and fostering a culture of innovation.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.
Demonstrated experience in developing and refining educational programs, courses, and curricula within the higher education sector.
Understanding of accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices related to program development and institutional compliance.
Proven ability to design and assess curriculum effectiveness, learning outcomes, and student engagement strategies, particularly within a Competency-based Education model.
Knowledge of adult learning theories and principles, including instructional design methodologies tailored to adult learners in diverse academic settings.
Ability to collaborate effectively with academic departments, faculty members, subject matter experts, and instructional designers to develop and deliver high-quality educational programs.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure alignment with departmental goals and objectives.
Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to inform program development decisions, assess program efficacy, and identify areas for continuous improvement.
Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to articulate program objectives, outcomes, and value propositions to internal and external stakeholders.
Willingness to explore innovative approaches to program development, incorporate emerging technologies, and adapt to evolving trends and student needs in higher education.
Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field
10 years of specific experience which includes a minimum of 5-7 years leading a team.
5 or more years of experience in higher education administration, curriculum development, or instructional design.
Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex projects and initiatives within a higher education setting.
Experience with online learning platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and educational technologies used in online and hybrid learning environments.

Nice To Haves

Doctoral degree in Education, Instructional Design, or related field.
Experience working in a leadership role within an online higher education institution.
Familiarity with industry standards and frameworks for online learning and educational technology.
Previous experience in designing and implementing personalized learning solutions.
Experience in grant writing, fundraising, or securing external funding for educational initiatives.

Responsibilities

Develop visionary strategies for the evolution of curriculum and assessment methodologies.
Collaborate with academic stakeholders to integrate emerging trends and technologies into program experiences.
Assess and evaluate potential solutions for curriculum enhancement and educational technology integration.
Oversee the seamless integration of selected solutions into existing educational frameworks.
Spearhead the design and implementation of personalized learning solutions tailored to student needs and preferences.
Utilize data-driven insights to optimize personalized learning experiences across diverse student demographics.
Ensure the ethical and responsible use of educational technologies and data analytics in program development.
Uphold standards of academic integrity and privacy in all aspects of program experience planning.
Ensure compliance with legal regulations and accessibility standards in program design and delivery.
Champion accessibility initiatives to ensure equitable access to educational resources for all students.
Provide leadership and mentorship to the Program Experience Futures team.
Foster a culture of professional development and continuous learning among team members.
Cultivate strategic partnerships with external stakeholders and educational technology vendors.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to leverage expertise and resources in program development initiatives.
Establish metrics and benchmarks to evaluate the effectiveness of program experience enhancements.
Drive continuous improvement efforts based on feedback, data analysis, and industry best practices.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare
health savings account and flexible spending account
basic and voluntary life insurance
disability coverage
accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages
legal and identity theft coverage
retirement savings plan
wellbeing program
discounted WGU tuition
flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave