"DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACCESS PROGRAMS"

The Programs and Services unit within the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) seeks a strategic collaborator who will focus on students while delivering exceptional service in a collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders, including institutional leaders, policymakers, and local workforce development organizations. The Director of Student Access Programs will guide and elevate several longstanding programs, which served nearly 53,000 students and saved residents $671 million last year. These programs expand access to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across 15 Western U.S. states, the three U.S. Pacific Territories, and the Freely Associated States.

The director's role presents a unique opportunity to lead programs that are vital to the region's social, economic, and civic life, where more than 45% of adults hold an associate's degree or higher, yet access remains crucial. The director will assess and strengthen existing initiatives while exploring new ways to articulate and add value, fostering cross-state collaboration and dialogue, and mobilizing partners to use data-driven processes and WICHE-produced resources to understand and meet the evolving needs of learners and regional stakeholders.

The director will represent foundational programs with over 70 years of impactful work and strong partnerships that have created new pathways for educational attainment across the West. Success in this role depends on respecting the past while recognizing trends that require Commission or partner input and potential action. The director will also demonstrate superior project management skills and emphasize the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships. The ideal candidate has a strong interest in student aid policy and practice, understands how education impacts workforce outcomes, and is skilled at combining strategy with practical application.

Strategic Leadership

Leading with curiosity through open, informed dialogue that fosters trusted relationships, surfacing regional access and workforce needs. Fostering cross-state collaboration through evidence-based strategies that expand student access and success. Championing a student-first approach that balances institutional autonomy with broader regional goals. Planning for sustainable long-term success by anticipating trends, articulating value, and guiding sustainable growth. Aligning programs with big-picture priorities, including state and territory postsecondary attainment goals and workforce needs.

Operational Excellence

Translating complex policy into clear practices that students, families, and institutions can easily understand. Strengthening internal operations by optimizing staff workflows, adhering to known administrative policies, and leveraging WICHE technology investments. Building program visibility through strategic communication, detailed outreach efforts, and partnership with a creative and experienced communications team. Supporting an adaptable, high-performing team through thoughtful change management and professional development. Safeguarding program integrity by ensuring compliance with residency, student data privacy, and aid eligibility policies established by participating states, territories, and institutions.

Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP (35%) Provide strategic leadership to ensure WICHE’s student access programs remain responsive, innovative, and aligned with regional priorities. Promote and guide the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE), Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP), and Professional Student Exchange Program (PSEP), which collectively serve tens of thousands of students annually. [...] Collaborate with WICHE leaders to shape program direction, launch pilot initiatives, and respond to emerging higher education and workforce needs. Develop a strategy to position WICHE as a leading voice on tuition savings and reciprocity through thought leadership and stakeholder engagement.

MANAGEMENT (35%) Oversee program operations to ensure effectiveness, transparency, and impact. Lead staff in executing program goals, managing budgets, delivering high-quality services, and reporting program value and significance in coordination with other WICHE staff. [...] Convene meetings with stakeholders, develop sponsorship strategies, and assess program outcomes.

OUTREACH (20%) Build and sustain strong relationships across the region. Represent WICHE at conferences, meetings, and events—virtually and in person. [...] Create tools and templates that help others tell the story and impact of WICHE’s work.

PERSONNEL (5%) Foster a collaborative and high-performing team. Supervise key staff (Assistant Director of Student Access Programs and Senior Outreach Coordinator) and consultants in alignment with WICHE policy and procedures. [...] Request additional staff support for program delivery and propose a staffing plan to support special projects and initiatives.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES (5%) Stay current on trends in higher education affordability, tuition reciprocity, and access. Write concept papers and contribute to external funding efforts. Share best practices with other regional compacts and partners as needed. Perform additional duties as needed.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills

1. Master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., higher education, public administration, non-profit management, or public policy).
2. Knowledge of higher education-related systems, including admissions, student aid, career and workforce, or policy.
3. Proficient with technology; quick to learn new platforms and tools.
4. Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative approach to developing new initiatives.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with internal and external stakeholders effectively with clarity and purpose.
6. Flexible with the ability to work independently or with a team; self-motivated, detail-oriented, and team-focused.
7. Strong project, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex initiatives, shifting priorities, and a geographically dispersed team.
8. Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism in all interactions.

Preferred Skills and Experience

1. Doctorate in a relevant field or 10 years of experience in program design, implementation, and evaluation.
2. Superior project management and knowledge of cloud-based database or relationship management systems, with internal staff and technical consultants developing and maintaining those systems.
3. Ability to identify, analyze, and explain relevant program data to support program development; promote a strong data-driven mindset in the team and with stakeholders.
4. Published professional writing or presentations on higher education policy and practice.
5. Recent professional experience in higher education in a position requiring leadership and innovation in a multi-institutional, multi-state, or association environment.