Rank: Administrator VI
Search Number: S23-11
Job Posted: April 11, 2023

Position Summary

Reporting to the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, the Senior Director of Continuing
and Online Education (SDCOE) is responsible for developing and launching financially sustainable online
programs and collaborating with stakeholders to support design and implementation of the University’s overall
continuing and online education strategy. The SDCOE serves as primary liaison between SCSU
colleges/schools and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and assists the SGPS Dean and Academic
Affairs administration with coordination, planning, and implementation of online, not-for-credit, and for credit
continuing education programs.
The SDCOE is a member of the Dean’s Cabinet and is responsible for directing the activities of the Office of
Continuing and Online Education, including supervisory responsibilities. The Senior Director will work closely
with campus partners in two specific key areas:

1. Lead the planning, development and launch of new non-credit continuing education (CE) initiatives for the university in a variety of modalities (on-ground, online, hybrid, and blended).
2. Support faculty initiatives for developing new online degree and for-credit certificate programs.

Position Responsibilities

• Identifies and assesses new nondegree continuing education (CE) program opportunities.
• Determines relevant regional, corporate and community needs/desires for online and continuing education programs.
• Drives curricular innovation for a portfolio of online, hybrid, and on- ground programs that are responsive to and reflective of emerging market demands.
• Develops go-to-market and marketing strategies. Implements project management and business process management practices for successful and on-time launches of online and CE initiatives.
• Prepares business plans for various projects to analyze and evaluate the business and programmatic impact of the proposed online and CE programs.
• Supervises and leads program staff.
• Oversees the new program startup budgets.
• Supports and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and communication.
• Establishes partnership agreements and provides administrative oversight over external relationships and contracts related to CE and online program operations, procedures, and initiatives.
• In collaboration with the Office for Institutional Research, provides data and research support to faculty to facilitate strategic positioning of online degree programs for success based on market research and trends.
• Monitors and assesses online degree program enrollment patterns and trends, student satisfaction and success, and other key performance indicators to improve programs and enhance student satisfaction.
• Benchmarks with peer and aspirational institutions to build more effective operations, programs, and practices.
• Assesses and adjusts program needs based on key indicators.
• Manages relevant cross-functional teams.
• Completes other work as assigned by the SGPS Dean for effective and efficient functioning of the Online and Continuing Education Programs.

Qualifications

Master’s degree required. Terminal degree in relevant field preferred. Minimum 5 years of experience
leading/managing a functional unit with at least 2 years of higher education experience in project
management and program development, including budgeting, program planning, and program/project
evaluation within the broad functional domains of CE and online education. Demonstrated ability to develop
strategic plans, policies, and sustainable practices.

Demonstrated ability to provide effective leadership, management, and team building in a higher education
environment. Ability to work well with all levels of professionals in a matrixed higher education system.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills. Broad knowledge of the competitive online program
landscape, including best practices in the design and delivery of online graduate and continuing education
programs. Strong technological skills, including online delivery technologies and the ability to implement
information technology improvements in a higher education environment. Demonstrated record of
collaborative, creative, effective, and ethical leadership in innovative online and CE learning
environments. Strong commitment to Southern’s Social Justice mission of advancing student success by
creating a portfolio of programs that are accessible, affordable, and inclusive.

Application

For full consideration, please submit a cover letter of application, resume, and contact information for three
professional references to SeniorDirectorGPSSearch@southernct.edu by May 26, 2023. The position will
remain open until filled.
   

Southern Connecticut State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
The University seeks to enhance the diversity of its faculty and staff. People of color, women, veterans,
and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.