Senior Director, Professional Development Programs and Registration

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

17d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Director of Professional Development Programs and Registration provides strategic and operational leadership for a series of non-degree professional certificate programs. The Senior Director oversees the full student lifecycle, including marketing collaboration, admissions and enrollment processes, curriculum implementation, faculty engagement, student experience, academic systems, and student services. This role is responsible for ensuring a high-quality and seamless experience for learners from initial inquiry through program completion. The Senior Director partners closely with colleagues across marketing, enrollment management, academic units, and University administrative offices to support program growth, maintain academic quality, and ensure operational excellence. The role also oversees financial performance and supervises program leadership and administrative staff supporting the portfolio.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field.
At least 10 years of relevant management and/or academic administrative experience.
Background with budget and staff management.
Previous experience in an academic environment committed to the highest level of academic standards of integrity and quality.
Partnering effectively with cross-functional stakeholders such as Finance, HR, IT, Bursar, and academic or instructional teams.
Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives, documentation, and staff training.
Familiarity with FERPA, student records management, and compliance-related processes; experience with VA education benefits strongly preferred.
Proficiency working with student information systems, registration platforms, CRM tools, or learning management systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and related productivity tools.
Understanding of/ability to master internal University of Chicago systems.
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, students, University administrators, and corporate partners.
Work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team.
Manage program finances wisely and within budgetary guidelines.
Multitask and deal with interruptions while maintaining attention to detail; work well under pressure during peak periods.
Plan effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Exhibit patience and flexibility in a fluid working environment.
Represent the department and the University in a positive and professional manner with stakeholders and in public settings.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic oversight of curriculum and academic quality across the professional development portfolio, ensuring alignment with University of Chicago policies for certificate and non-degree programs.
Leads continuous improvement of programs by incorporating feedback from students, faculty, advisory boards, and employers to maintain rigor, relevance, and market responsiveness.
Partners with faculty directors, instructors, and academic units to review and revise course content, support course material development, and ensure alignment with program learning objectives.
Conducts regular program evaluations and periodic comprehensive reviews, including five-year evaluations, to assess quality, outcomes, and market relevance, reporting findings and recommendations to the Managing Director and senior leadership and advising on program evolution or renewal.
Collaborates with the Managing Director to convene and support advisory boards that provide industry insight and strategic guidance.
Collaborates with Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment Management to develop and implement marketing and admissions strategies, processes, and policies that attract a strong and diverse student body.
Oversees the admissions review and notification process and coordinates closely with enrollment staff to prepare for incoming students.
Oversees the overall student journey, ensuring a coordinated, high-quality experience from initial marketing and recruitment through admissions, advising, program delivery, and student services.
Vets, hires, and reviews program instructors in consultation with faculty directors and advisory committees, ensuring instructional quality meets program goals and expectations.
Manages the instructor recruitment and hiring process, including posting positions, screening and interviewing candidates, and making appointment recommendations to faculty directors and the Managing Director.
Develops and implements an instructor review process in collaboration with senior leadership; conducts regular evaluations, provides coaching and peer review opportunities, and makes hiring and rehiring decisions.
Develops and manages program budgets, ensuring responsible use of resources and alignment with University and departmental guidelines.
Monitors financial performance, including revenue, expenses, and enrollment trends, and provides regular analysis to inform strategic decisions.
Implements strategies to achieve annual budget and revenue targets, and partners with leadership and finance teams on forecasting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support program priorities and growth.
Provides strategic leadership for admissions, enrollment, and registration systems, ensuring operational excellence, scalability, and compliance with university policies.
Oversees the design, integration, and continuous improvement of student information systems and related technologies; leads cross-functional process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance the student lifecycle.
Serves as a senior escalation point for complex student, faculty, or operational issues.
Leads and develops a team of managers and program coordinators, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provides strategic direction to managers to ensure goals, KPIs, and workflows align with program and institutional priorities, and coaches them in leadership, decision-making, and performance management.
Conducts annual performance reviews, sets clear expectations and measurable objectives, and supports professional growth and development plans for direct reports.
Manages the development, scheduling, and implementation of programs and marketing communications.
Will also evaluate the effectiveness of programs and revise the curriculum as needed.
Develops and monitors program budgets, analyzes financial performance and implements corrective action when appropriate.
Performs other related work as needed.