Executive Director for Creighton Lifelong Learning

Creighton University•Omaha, NE

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position leads the strategic development and growth of the University’s continuing, professional, and lifelong learning portfolio offerings. This role is pivotal in strengthening Creighton University’s market presence, competitive positioning, and sustainable revenue growth through innovative program development, regional expansion, and strong partnerships with industry and professional sectors. The Executive Director advances Creighton’s mission by increasing visibility and impact in continuing professional education, with a particular focus on expansion in the Omaha and Phoenix regions. Working collaboratively across academic units and with external partners, the Director ensures lifelong learning offerings are market-responsive, academically sound, learner-centered, and financially sustainable. The position will serve as the external and internal frontline lead for lifelong learning portfolio, including establishing and nurturing partnerships. Travel between campuses as needed in support of the strategy and development of programs (Phoenix, Omaha, etc.)

Requirements

Master’s degree required; terminal degree preferred. Equivalent combination of education and/or work experience considered.
7 years of progressive experience in business, finance, continuing education, professional education, workforce development, or related fields.
Demonstrated success in strategic leadership resulting in program growth, revenue generation, and market expansion.
Proven experience building relationships and sustaining partnerships with industry, employers, or professional organizations.
Experience working within higher education, particularly in a collaborative environment preferred.
Experience with provision of business cases and program development in a corporate, business or workforce education and development environment preferred.
Experience with managing non-credit courses and reaching program enrollment outcomes preferred.

Responsibilities

Leading the strategic development and growth of the University’s continuing, professional, and lifelong learning offerings, ensuring program development achieves growth targets and aligns with CPCE Vision and business plan.
Building and implementing revenue generating programs resulting in an increased year-over-year net revenue contribution and which align with the university’s mission, goals, and budget.
Using data to identify and lead opportunities for geographic and programmatic expansion, with emphasis on Omaha and Phoenix markets in support the development of new programs and initiatives to enroll, support, and engage a diverse and qualified student/learner population.
Monitoring market trends, workforce needs, and competitive landscapes to inform program development and strategic investment.
Developing new corporate and business partnerships and expanding upon/cultivating existing partnerships.
Engaging to identify in-demand programming aligned with the employer’s needs and promote CPCE programs.
Supporting the development of customized and contract-based learning solutions in collaboration with internal and external partners.
Serving as a key ambassador for Creighton Lifelong Learning with regional and national stakeholders.
Networking, building professional relationships, and securing partner agreements between the university and industry, corporations, businesses, and members of the community.
Partnering with academic colleges, departments, and faculty to design, launch, and scale continuing education, professional development, certificate, and non-credit programs.
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, community workforce development organizations, University faculty and staff, and alumni.
Collaborating with marketing and communications teams to enhance Creighton’s visibility and reputation in continuing professional education.
Supporting outreach, recruitment, and branding strategies that reinforce Creighton’s competitive position in lifelong learning markets.
Identifying key business performance indicators in enrollment, retention, and success and establishing routine and consistent reporting.
Overseeing ongoing assessment of program quality, learner outcomes, and financial performance.
Monitoring the progress of new and existing executive education partnership programs, professional development, and training programs, including closely evaluating program results at the end of each quarter and writing progress reports to be shared with CPCE and University leadership to ensure program offerings align with employer demand, professional standards, and adult learner needs.