Director Graduate Programs

Department: School of Professional Studies
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

Graduate Programs manages the academic operations for multiple online and on-ground graduate degree and certificate programs in the School of Professional Studies (SPS). This position leads and manages a team of Associate and Assistant Directors who are responsible for faculty management, faculty development, program management and curriculum development of their assigned programs and certificates. The Director also manages the Student Engagement office responsible for events and student engagement for SPS's on-campus graduate programs and student community-building across graduate programs, as well as two part-time front desk personnel. A key responsibility is leading collaborative relationships with other departments in SPS (Distance Learning, Student Services, Registrar's Office, Finance, Marketing and Recruiting, Professional Development Programs, Summer Session, and Undergraduate Programs) to enable efficient and effective processes and to ensure continued success of graduate program offerings. In collaboration with the Assistant Dean of Graduate programs, this position supports new program creation, development and implementation. This role also supports development, implementation and enforcement of academic policy. The Director of Graduate programs is responsible for monitoring the graduate program administrative budgets, authorizing expenditures and providing fiscal oversight.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with SPS departments (Distance Learning, Student Services, Registrar, Marketing, Admissions, Finance and other NU stakeholders (Faculty Directors, partners at Feinberg, Weinberg, etc.) to ensure continued success of graduate programs.
• Lead, manage, assist and enable the Associate and Assistant Directors of Graduate Programs to be successful in executing their responsibilities which ensure the success of graduate programs and SPS at-large.
• Manage the academic operations of all online and on-campus graduate programs and numerous certificates of graduate programs at SPS. The Director will lead and/or facilitate process improvement activities that ensure graduate programs are operating at the highest degree of academic quality. Address faculty and student matters through academic petitions and resolve other issues escalated from the Associate and Assistant Directors.
• Oversee faculty relationships (hiring, on-boarding, training, scheduling), communication, development (mentoring, workshops), and performance. Provide support to improve quality of classroom instruction and student learning outcomes, as needed.
• Manage graduate program curriculum development and program management to maintain program relevance and an optimal level of student satisfaction. This includes tracking graduate and certificate enrollment data to appropriately schedule yearly course offerings and accurately maintaining program content on SPS's website.
• Manage the Student Engagement and Community team in supporting accelerated program co-curricular/career events and specialized faculty support as well as the management of student leadership council events.
• Support the Assistant Dean of Graduate Program's initiatives and execute special projects or other related duties, as requested or assigned.
• Participate in annual budget preparation; review monthly financial reports to identify errors, ensure targeted spending corresponds with revenue, and identify efficiencies/cost savings where applicable.
• Manage the front desk operations for the Evanston campus presence including inquiries received through the main phone line for SPS.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience
• 5-7 years of experience in the management of people, projects, and budgets
• Experience in working in an academic environment directly related to supporting education programs.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting and reconciling academic budgets (revenue, personnel and NPE.)

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Highly organized, detail-oriented and independently stays focused to meet goals with minimum oversight
• Demonstrated skill managing multiple people and projects simultaneously and in an entrepreneurial working environment
• Knowledge of academic planning policies, procedures, administration and budgeting of educational programs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to build relationships and influence others to effectively execute initiatives; Proven success in team building and motivation
• Problem Solving: Formulates realistic plans and contingencies and establishes appropriate measurements of anticipated results
• Communication: Communicates effectively one-on-one, in small groups, and in public speaking contexts; writes precise, well-organized emails while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Efficiency: Effectively performs duties and responsibilities; displays attention to detail; supports organizational policies; anticipates demands/pressures of assignments and adjusts accordingly
• Organization: Plans, organizes and schedules in an efficient, productive manner; anticipates contingencies and pays attention to detail; targets projects or initiatives that require special attention and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources
• Computer Proficiency: Successfully uses multiple software programs independently
• Business Acumen: Possess business savvy and demonstrates the activity to foster and lead cost-efficient initiatives without sacrificing quality or core values.
• Cultural Competency: Aware of and sensitive to different cultures and norms represented by the diverse populations of SPS and NU, and able to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for faculty and students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8-10 years of professional work experience
• Demonstrated competency in strategic planning, leadership, financial stewardship and organizational teamwork

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Proven track record in developing and managing educational programming
• Proven ability to effectively hire, retain, and motivate staff
• Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize and multi-task
• Creativity: Explores alternatives to existing products and services; identifies opportunities to improve procedures and practices; shows imagination

Target hiring range for this position will be between $99,000 to $108,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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