Director - Academic Programming

Job Description Summary

The Director - Academic Programming provides strategic leadership and direction for the College's academic programming framework, including program development, curriculum records management and academic systems. This position establishes the institutional direction for academic programming strategy, ensuring alignment with College priorities, workforce needs, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. The Director is accountable for the effectiveness, quality, and responsiveness of the College's program portfolio and curriculum infrastructure in support of student success and institutional performance.
The role serves as a strategic leader and advisor to instructional leadership and divisions, Student Services, and College stakeholders for academic program planning, curriculum records management, academic systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The position advances institutional effectiveness through data-informed decision-making, cross-functional leadership, and the integration of innovative practices and technologies that support academic operations and student outcomes.

Job Description

Essential Functions and Responsibilities
The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Academic Programming Leadership

• Lead institution-wide strategy for Academic Programming functions, ensuring alignment with the College's priorities, accreditation standards, and organizational, state, and federal compliance.
• Establish institutional standards and practices for Academic Programming processes, providing guidance and recommendations to instructional divisions, Student Services, and stakeholders.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to academic programming, curriculum processes, and academic systems to evaluate effectiveness, inform decision-making, and support institutional priorities.
• Allocate Academic Programming resources, establish departmental priorities, and manage associated budgets to ensure effective and efficient operations.
• Provide leadership and direction for course material initiatives, including oversight of contracts, vendor relationships, and operational processes that support effective access to instructional resources.
• Direct and oversee the administration of post-secondary articulation agreements and shared programming processes in partnership with instructional leaders to support pathways to other institutions of higher education.
• Lead implementation of College-wide curriculum strategy, reporting, and initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and align Academic Programming management and support staff and resources to advance departmental priorities, strengthen expertise, and deliver high-quality support for academic operations and initiatives.
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for academic programming data and processes within Workday Student and related systems, establishing standards and priorities that support curriculum management, academic operations, and student success.

Compliance, Planning, and Process Management

• Monitor and evaluate Academic Programming practices to ensure alignment with Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and Department of Education (DOE) requirements, policies, and expectations.
• Direct development, modification, and discontinuation of academic programs and courses ensuring effective coordination, documentation, and compliance.
• Provide strategic oversight and guidance on WTCS requirements, policies, and administrative directives; evaluate operational impacts, recommend adjustments, and support consistent application of requirements across Academic Programming processes.
• Advance innovation and continuous improvement in academic systems and processes to enhance operational effectiveness and student outcomes.

Academic and Student Services Collaboration and Alignment

• Lead cross-functional initiatives related to academic programming, partnering with instructional leadership, Student Services, and College stakeholders to advance institutional priorities.
• Provide analysis, recommendations, and subject matter expertise to inform decisions and support cross-functional initiatives related to academic programming and student success.
• Direct alignment of academic programming processes with Student Services and institutional operations ensuring coordination of system updates, operational impacts, and resolution of issues affecting academic and student-facing processes.

Academic Program Planning, Approval & Implementation

• Lead program development process, guiding instructional divisions from concept through approval and implementation while ensuring alignment with WTCS requirements and institutional processes.
• Direct the preparation, review, and submission of District Board of Trustees and WTCS documentation for new programs, program modifications, and approvals.
• Establish standards and ensure implementation of approved programs of study within Workday Student and related academic systems, ensuring accurate curriculum structure, program requirements, and student-facing information.
• Collaborate with instructional leadership, faculty, Student Services, and operational teams to ensure approved programs are accurately translated into curriculum, systems, processes, and documentation.

Non-Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Review and recommend updates to academic administrative policies.
• Initiate, develop, and implement process improvement measures or project management plans for district-wide initiatives related to job responsibilities.
• Oversee the development of an internal request system pertaining to program and course workflow.
• Provide oversight for the development and maintenance of institutional communications and resources related to academic programming processes, instructional systems, and academic operations, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with College standards.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in education, business, or related field; Master's Degree preferred.
• Five years of progressive supervisory-level experience.
• Proficiency with Academic Programming technology, including Workday, WIDS, Lightcast, and SharePoint.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Ability to work effectively with administrators, faculty, support staff, students, employers, and business/community representatives.
• Demonstrated success fostering collaborative relationships and working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Demonstrated knowledge of higher education regulations, accreditation standards, compliance requirements, and related operational practices.
• Ability to analyze and present data and program information, orally and in writing and in non-technical language.
• Higher education experience preferred.
• Experience with project management software and tools.

In evaluating candidates for this position, Fox Valley Technical College may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

Work Environment

• Work will be completed in a hybrid environment, both in person and virtually.
• Occasional travel is required for conferences and meetings.

Work environment may change based upon college needs.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: This role requires extended periods of sitting while performing tasks and utilizing computer systems for analysis, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation.
• Mobility: While most work is desk-based, occasional mobility is required to attend meetings, trainings, or collaborate with staff across campus locations.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasional lifting and carrying of light items (up to 20 pounds) such as laptops, documents, or office materials.
• Climbing: Ability to climb stairs when moving between locations or floors. No ladder use is typical for this position.
• Fine Motor Skills: Precise hand movements and manual dexterity are required for typing, operating a computer, and handling documents.
• Repetitive Motions: Capacity to perform repetitive motions, such as keyboarding and mouse use, without discomfort or injury.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written communication skills are essential for interacting with employees, leadership, technical staff, and vendors, both in person and through electronic means.
• Travel: Occasional travel may be required between campus locations or for professional development.
• Driving: A valid driver's license may be required if travel between sites is part of assigned duties.
• Vision Requirements: Ability to see at close range for extended periods to review data, system configurations, reports, and computer screens; ability to adjust focus between screens, documents, and individuals during meetings or training.
• Cognitive/Analytical Demands: Ability to analyze complex information, troubleshoot issues, make independent decisions, and maintain concentration while performing detailed tasks with frequent interruptions.
• Work Environment: Typical office setting with moderate noise levels; hybrid/on-site work may be required based on departmental needs.

Additional Information

Starting Range: $79,500 - $93,500 per year.
Pay is based on a multitude of factors, including experience, qualifications, education, relevant certifications, internal equity, and market data.
Note: Internal applicants' wage will be based upon the applicable compensation guidelines.

At Fox Valley Technical College, we recognize employees as key contributors to our mission and are committed to fostering a culture of fairness, transparency, and excellence. Our total rewards philosophy ensures equitable compensation and benefits, supporting a highly engaged workforce. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement contributions to the Wisconsin Retirement System and 403(b)/457 plan options. Employees enjoy paid time off, sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and recess periods. We offer life and disability insurance, with options for additional coverage. Work-life balance is supported through flexible schedules or remote work options (for some positions) and wellbeing programs. Professional development opportunities include training, certifications, and tuition reimbursement. Additional perks at the Appleton Main Campus include an onsite health and wellbeing clinic, dental clinic, fitness center, Parent/Child Center (onsite child care), library, café, printing services, Trilogy Salon & Spa, and more.

To apply, please visit: https://fvtc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FVTC/job/Appleton-WI/Director---Academic-Programming_JR2026-1719

Organization

FVTC offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 15 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves about 50,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin. To learn more, visit www.fvtc.edu