Department Chair (Lead Academic Program Manager) - Data & AI Programs

Department Chair (Lead Academic Program Manager) - Data & AI Programs

Company:
Western Governors University

Job Location:

Category:
Data Science

Type:
Full-Time

Job Type: Full time

Job Number: JR-024705

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Professional 313 Pay Range: $119,400.00 - $185,100.00

Job Description

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

About the Role:

WGU's Data & AI programs prepare learners for careers in high-demand fields including data analytics, data science, and data engineering in an increasingly AI-driven workforce. As Lead Academic Program Manager, you will lead a portfolio of programs (e.g., BS Data Analytics, MS Data Analytics, and future Data Science and Data Engineering offerings) from concept through continuous improvement. You will play a key role in shaping a future-ready Data & AI program portfolio aligned to workforce needs and learner success.

This is a high-ownership individual contributor role requiring both strategic vision and execution. You will work across a matrixed organization-partnering with Program Development, Faculty, Mentors, Marketing, Skills, and external stakeholders-to deliver programs that drive strong student outcomes and workforce relevance.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Program Strategy: Conduct market research and workforce analysis to define program and portfolio vision, positioning, and roadmap across Data & AI programs, including emerging trends in AI-enabled analytics and data-driven decision-making.
• Program Development: Lead cross-functional collaboration to design and refine curriculum aligned to skills, competencies, and employer needs, including integration of modern data practices and AI-aware workflows that reflect evolving industry standards.
• Student Success & Performance: Monitor key metrics (e.g., course completion, progression, retention) and identify opportunities to improve student outcomes. Ensure learners are prepared to work effectively in modern data environments that increasingly incorporate AI tools and technologies.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Align cross-functional teams on priorities, timelines, and execution in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Industry Alignment: Engage with advisory boards and partners to ensure programs remain relevant; support integration of industry tools, certifications, and emerging practices, including AI-enabled data platforms and workflows.

What Success Looks Like

• Improved student success metrics (course completion, progression, retention)
• Programs demonstrate strong workforce alignment and clear market differentiation
• Programs prepare learners to succeed in data-driven and AI-influenced workplaces
• Effective execution of program development and redevelopment initiatives
• Strong cross-functional alignment and delivery against program goals
• Programs are recognized as career-relevant, applied, and aligned to modern data and AI practices

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master's degree in Data Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field (In lieu of a master's degree, a bachelor's degree plus seven years of directly relevant experience will be considered.)
• 4+ years of experience in program management, product management, educational program development, or a related field

Preferred:

• Experience in data analytics, business intelligence, data science, or data engineering
• Familiarity with tools such as Python, SQL, Power BI/Tableau, or cloud data platforms
• Experience with workforce-aligned curriculum or skills-based education
• Experience in online or competency-based education
• Exposure to or familiarity with AI/ML concepts, AI-enabled analytics tools, or data applications supporting AI systems

Key Capabilities:

• Strategic thinking with strong execution focus
• Data-driven decision-making and analytical skills
• Ability to lead through influence in a matrixed organization
• Strong communication skills across diverse audiences
• Ability to balance innovation with operational effectiveness

Reports to:
Associate Dean, Data Programs

Additional Information:

This role offers the opportunity to help shape and scale a growing portfolio of Data & AI programs aligned to workforce needs and learner success.

Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.