Lead Academic Program Manager (Department Chair) - Cyber Security/AI

Western Governors University•Salt Lake, UT

About The Position

The Lead Academic Program Manager in WGU’s School of Technology is the end-to-end owner of an academic program throughout its lifecycle. The role conducts pre-definition research, including market-segment selection, targeted skills, graduate and student demand, competitive analysis, portfolio strategy, pricing, program requirements, and program-level P&L planning. It works with academic program directors, subject-matter experts, and program development teams to define, build, and launch programs with appropriate quality, timing, and budget. After launch, the role works with marketing and partnership teams to encourage student adoption, monitors student success, coordinates ongoing program changes to improve outcomes and market relevance, and manages the program-level P&L. Success is measured by planning, building, delivering, and profitably scaling programs that serve underserved students while supporting strong retention and student ROI. The position promotes continuous experimentation, data-informed learning, and rapid improvement in program quality and delivery. It leads academic program leaders, instructional faculty, and student coaches or mentors, and performs other related duties as assigned. This is a full-time, regular position with 40 standard weekly hours. It requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including attendance at designated company summits, typically one to two per year, and may include conferences, company-location visits, and other business-related events.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a business or technical field, or a bachelor’s degree plus 7 years of directly relevant experience.
3–5 years of professional experience in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and/or Technical Product Management.
At least 4 years of related experience that includes program P&L responsibility and the ability to plan and operate degree-granting educational programs to drive student outcomes, satisfaction, and profitability.
Experience owning a product, program, or major initiative across its full lifecycle, including voice of the customer.
Experience managing or developing educational programs, products, or similar complex initiatives with measurable outcomes.
Deep understanding of how students learn and how innovative curriculum and student-support strategies can drive student success.
Customer or student focus centered on successful outcomes.
Industry or academic leadership in Cyber Security, Data Science, Software, Cloud, or IT Management.
Understanding of industry trends, job opportunities, and educational market trends in the relevant discipline.
Ability to represent the department credibly in external partnerships and presentations.
Strong people leadership skills, including the ability to indirectly lead a diverse team of 25 or more people.
Execution focus, including ability to work in the details and maintain a fast-paced weekly execution cadence.
Ability to organize and coordinate work across cross-functional teams.
Ability to coach and develop direct reports.
Ability to collaborate with and manage teams, including remote teams, while demonstrating excellence, integrity, and respect.
Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed organization and build relationships and influence at all levels, internally and externally.
Ability to act as a change agent in a rapidly changing environment.
Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive innovation.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods while working at a computer and lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Willingness to travel occasionally, up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits.

Nice To Haves

Doctorate degree in a relevant area from an accredited institution.
Experience in higher education.
CISSP, CISM, or AI-related certifications.
Experience developing online education programs and/or developing and scaling rapidly changing organizations or programs.
Experience developing curriculum and/or high-stakes assessments.
Demonstrated success in change management and bringing order and structure to complex situations.

Responsibilities

Own an academic program end to end throughout its lifecycle.
Conduct pre-definition research on market segments, targeted skills, graduate and student demand, competitors, portfolio strategy, pricing, program requirements, and program-level P&L.
Work with academic program directors and subject-matter experts to define curriculum.
Coordinate with program development teams to build and launch programs with appropriate quality, on time, and within budget.
Work with marketing and partnership teams to drive student adoption after launch.
Monitor and track student success within the program.
Work with stakeholders to make ongoing program adjustments that improve student success and market relevance.
Manage program-level P&L and support profitable program growth.
Use data, experimentation, measurement, and learning to improve program quality and delivery.
Lead academic program leaders, instructional faculty, and student coaches or mentors, including indirectly leading a diverse team of 25 or more people.
Coordinate activities and results across cross-functional teams and contribute to organizational learning and continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned.