ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, LEARNING STRATEGY & INNOVATION, BU Virtual

Tracking Code23500587510331Job Description

Boston University Virtual is a new unit at Boston University focused on the creation of high-quality online degree and certificate programs. We are seeking an Assistant Vice President, Learning Strategy & Innovation to lead the strategic design, development and implementation of online learning programs that drive student engagement and overall student success for both online graduate and certificate programs.

Reporting to the Vice President and Associate Provost of BU Virtual, this senior leader directs and leads program development, curriculum planning and instructional design to address the growing demand for online graduate and certificate programs as well as for skills-focused learning. This also includes expansion into noncredit and lifelong learning pathways that increase reach and access for learners. They are responsible for providing the overall strategic direction to guide the academic and curricular development, implementation and evaluation of programs that move through the innovation planning and development process. This includes overall planning, approval, administration, assessment and management of the online programs offered through Boston University, and in collaboration with Boston University's schools and colleges.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new unit at BU which is in the process of building and launching a portfolio of in-demand, high-quality online programs that increase reach and accessibility to new learner segments.

Primary Responsibilities:

• A creative learning design executive and strategist with proven experience conceptualizing, creating and growing an online portfolio of high-impact programs.
• Leads learning design, development and innovation team. This team includes but is not limited to program managers, content specialists, subject matter experts, learning designers and user experience specialists. This leader is experienced in working in a collaborative, matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in skills-focused learning with a focus on the techniques and technologies to help learners identify and fill skill gaps and meet the growing needs of employers worldwide.
• Creates a learning design and development strategy that aligns with the mission and direction of the university to build and enhance online programs at quality and at scale.
• Delivers new programs from concept stage to delivery through collaboration with university leaders and stakeholders. Builds the strategic program blueprint to guide development roadmaps and processes.
• Assesses and understands the competitive landscape to inform strategies for program design and delivery.
• In collaboration with academic leaders and faculty, defines and promotes program vision, mission, problem definition and opportunities with internal and external stakeholders to drive competitive success and differentiation of the online programs.
• Oversees the strategy and roadmap for the portfolio of online graduate programs establishing a structure for ongoing revisions and enhancements.
• Works directly with current and prospective academic partners to define program objectives and scope of online learning programs.
• Establishes consistent program development process standards, leveraging proven learning pedagogy, design standards and industry methodologies focused on learner outcomes.
• Provides consultation and expert advice and planning to leadership in the areas of program and content development, pedagogical innovation, and best instructional design approaches.
• Establishes a flexible model with internal staff and external partners to build capacity and capability in core program development areas; manages and negotiates contracts with external partners to support the program development process.
• Analyzes program design and development to determine if processes can be optimized and enhanced.
• Leads and supports new initiatives to position BU Virtual and our online offerings to new or existing channels.
• Encourages and builds mutual trust and coordination across teams and with academic leaders to direct growth and to achieve high-quality results.

This position is eligible for up to two days/week remote work.

Required Skills

A cover letter is required for consideration.

• A Master's degree in business, education, instructional technology, or related field (doctorate preferred); or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 12+ years of experience or more of relevant work experience in program design, curriculum development and learning experience design, with 8+ years of demonstrated leadership.
• Experience building and growing online graduate, certificate and non-degree programs at scale.
• Extensive experience in a higher education setting and the ability to provide leadership, guidance and support for faculty in a university environment.
• Demonstrated success in the design and development of fully online programs in a wide variety of settings, and with the understanding of how to incorporate best-in-class user experiences.
• Demonstrated success in designing and developing strategies for skills-focused lifelong learning.
• Expertise in adult-centered and workforce learning to meet the needs of a global online learner.
• Manages a team of learning professionals and external partners to provide support, expertise and capacity as needed.
• Experience working with industry partners and subject matter experts to guide quality learning to relevant, career-ready outcomes.
• Experience guiding and leading teams in modern program design and delivery with the ability to navigate teams through change processes.
• Ability to work with multiple partners in building consensus and relationships while managing the prioritization of competing requests in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong negotiation, interpersonal and team-building skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a bias for action and results.

Please note all newly hired staff and faculty will need to be in compliance with Boston University’s COVID-19 Vaccination and Booster Requirement within 30 days of date of hire. You must upload your vaccine documentation or request a medical or religious exemption (instructions). For further information on the University’s response to COVID-19, please visit the COVID-19 Resources site.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Job LocationBOSTON, Massachusetts, United StatesPosition TypeFull-Time/Regular