Manager - Program Planning, Assessment & Development

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

1d•$85,000 - $96,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Planning, Assessment and Development Manager advances the quality and growth of OPLR-supported distance education programs through assessment of existing programs and planning and development of new programs in collaboration with Universities of Wisconsin campuses. The position leads efforts to identify programmatic needs and coordinate OPLR resources and personnel with campus resources and expertise to assess, plan, and develop high-need online learning opportunities. The Manager oversees program development across the unit in collaboration with the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programming. The role builds relationships with internal and external stakeholders, tracks emerging educational trends, conducts needs analyses and viability assessments, and recommends new programs. In coordination with the Senior Director, the Manager assesses existing programs for market relevance, financial viability, and opportunities for improvement, with the aim of maintaining program viability and positive student outcomes. The position works with faculty, industry representatives, and subject matter experts to develop rigorous and relevant online curricula, and coordinates with campus partners, faculty, Program Managers, and administrators on curriculum development and program approvals. The Manager reports to the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programming. The position is full-time, salaried, and exempt. The office is located at 780 Regent Street in Madison, Wisconsin. An in-office presence is expected one day per week, with the option to work off-site or remotely on other days; additional in-office presence may be requested based on business needs. Telecommuting agreements may change.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least four years of experience working in or with higher education institutions, including experience planning, developing, assessing, implementing, or managing online, continuing education, and/or professional development programs.
Strong entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
Excellent problem-solving skills.
Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
Strong research and data analysis skills.
In-depth knowledge of best practices, emerging trends, and the competitive market landscape in higher education.
Ability to motivate stakeholders and guide teams toward identified goals and outcomes.
Ability to analyze situations, identify problems, and formulate creative solutions.
Ability to adapt quickly to change, tolerate ambiguity, and learn from diverse stakeholders and partners.
Ability to explain complex ideas accessibly, engage stakeholders around a shared vision, and support OPLR and Universities of Wisconsin values.
Ability to foster collaborative relationships, engage internal and external stakeholders, and resolve conflicts toward positive outcomes.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience as higher education faculty or an administrator, such as a department chair or associate dean, including experience in a shared governance environment.
Familiarity with federal and state compliance issues and experience with general or specialized accreditors and their expectations for quality distance education programs.
Familiarity with competency-based education and the distinct curricular and regulatory expectations of CBE.
Experience developing complex revenue and budget models and managing budgets.

Responsibilities

Serve as the recognized OPLR lead for program planning, assessment, and development.
Work with the Senior Director, the Office of Academic Affairs, and external vendors on regular opportunity research to identify prospective programs, develop program concept proposals, support System and accreditor approvals, and manage implementation projects with UW universities and OPLR operational units.
Lead custom research on existing programs with the Senior Director, Director–Program Administration, and Program Managers, and recommend updates or improvements to promote program viability.
Conduct qualitative research, including focus groups and key informant interviews, to inform program planning, assessment, and development.
Conduct viability assessments and determine go/no-go positions for new program development.
Assist in developing, maintaining, and revising comprehensive program assessment and development plans.
Facilitate curriculum development and revision for new and existing programs in accordance with OPLR approaches and timelines, serving as a communication liaison for faculty and campus administrators through project completion.
Facilitate launch processes for new and revised programs, including project management and communications with UW universities, UWSA offices, and OPLR teams; this may involve serving as or collaborating with a Program Manager during early development or launch.
Assist campuses with program approvals, including documenting curriculum planning and research sessions, drafting governance and accreditor approval documents, presenting program and budget details to governance groups, assisting with data collection, and performing related duties as requested.
Assist in developing and monitoring complex budgets and ensure adherence to established or recognized policies, procedures, and business practices.
Manage, interpret, and maintain compliance around partnership models.
Serve as the program planning, assessment, and development lead on internal and external teams, projects, and committees.
Provide interim program management support when an assigned Program Manager is absent and assist with hiring new Program Managers.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programs.
The position may supervise personnel in the future.