Western Kentucky University
Division of Extended Learning & Outreach
Director, Distance Learning and Continuing & Professional Development
Purpose of Position
The Director of Distance Learning (DELO) and Continuing & Professional Development will provide the overall direction for administration of distance learning and continuing & professional development in the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach under the supervision of the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Extended Learning and Outreach. The Director will lead two units within the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach, each having unique strengths and challenges that will draw upon the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience in continuing higher education. This position will supervise the Office of Distance Learning (DL), which is comprised of Instructional Design staff, Instructional Technology staff, Independent Learning, and the DL Testing Center. The Director will also head Continuing & Professional Development (CPD), which is comprised of the Offices of Career & Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning. While there are many differences between these two units, there are also commonalities that will bring them together in innovative ways such as through online non-credit programming. This position will provide strategic direction for these units while assisting the AVP in meeting the DELO mission. This is a twelve-month staff position.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are customary for this position, but are not to be construed as all-inclusive. Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on administration discretion and institutional needs.
- Drives the strategic direction of distance learning at Western Kentucky University using data-based decision making processes
- Leads University compliance efforts in distance learning for accessibility, state authorizations, and other accreditation and policy-based issues related to distance learning
- Leads the Offices of Distance Learning and Continuing & Professional Development by setting and evaluating performance goals, providing direction for professional development, and making personnel decisions
- Builds strong relationships with partners in the community and business industry in order to provide strategic direction to Continuing & Professional Development and support CPD’s role in impacting economic development in this region
- Creates an environment that promotes collaboration with University departments, external companies, and organizations
- Oversees the development, implementation and evolution of marketing plans, program financial goals, and budgets
- Serves as part of the AVP’s leadership team to provide intelligence regarding non-credit trends, activities and goals, and assist the AVP in meeting the DELO mission
- Serves in a leadership role in community outreach related to continuing & professional development
Minimum Training and Experience Required
- Master’s degree in Educational Administration, Adult Learning, or related field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education that may include experiences responding to national trends, government regulations, and accreditation standards in distance learning, non-credit outreach, working with businesses and other organizations building relationships and negotiating agreements, leading a professional team
- Experience in providing planned direction, writing policy, accreditation reports, and assessments as they are related to continuing higher education, distance learning, and economic development
- Experience in collaborating with academic and professional offices to achieve shared objectives
- Track record of success in non-credit continuing education development and growth
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Knowledge of the non-credit outreach field, including trends and best practices
- Knowledge of effective marketing tools in non-credit outreach
- Knowledge of workforce trends, needs analysis, and legislative climate
- Strong interpersonal, planning, and organization skills
- Computer knowledge and skills to include management software (e.g. student information systems, client management systems, and learning management systems)
- Knowledge of instructional design and technology of online learning
- Knowledge in setting financial goals and managing budgets
- Ability to create and manage databases and spreadsheets in office software such as Microsoft Office
- Effective written and oral communication skills
Physical and Mental Abilities Required
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of others
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
- Ability to adopt and assimilate new technology
Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a letter of application, current resume, and names, addresses and daytime phone numbers of three professional references using the online application process. Please refer to the following website to apply: http://asaweb.wku.edu/wkujobs [4]. For further assistance call (270) 745-5934. Please reference requisition number S3565. For full consideration, submit application materials on or before April 15, 2013. Position will remain open until filled.
Western Kentucky University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to career and technical
education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify The Office of Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services at (270) 745- 5121, a minimum of five working days in advance.
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