Senior Director, Program Management

Job Summary

University Connected Learning (UCL) at the University of Utah is looking for the right candidate to fill our Professional and Academic Programs Senior Director position.

The Professional and Academic Programs Senior Director oversees operations and strategic planning of education functions including (but not limited to) development of programs, courses, curriculum, and other education materials specific to academic and professional programs. The Senior Director is responsible for driving program growth, revenue generation, and innovation in program design while ensuring high-quality learning experiences aligned with workforce needs and institutional priorities. This position holds primary responsibility for the financial performance (P&L) of Academic Noncredit and Professional Education programs. They support the University of Utah's and UCL's goals and mission including creating a welcoming environment for all people representative of the communities we serve.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

1. Directs the development and implementation of Academic Noncredit and Professional Programs that are innovative, market-responsive, and aligned with the University of Utah's and UCL's strategic goals.
2. Provides strategic leadership by establishing short- and long-term goals that drive program growth, revenue expansion, and innovation in program design and delivery.
3. Maintains shared P&L responsibility for assigned program areas, including oversight of revenue generation, enrollment targets, expense management, and financial sustainability.
4. Develops and manages budgets and financial plans; monitors program performance using data, market trends, and financial analysis to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
5. Collaborates with internal stakeholders to develop and implement noncredit programs, credentials, and learning opportunities aligned with workforce and learner needs.
6. Ensures all programs meet university standards, policies, and quality expectations.
7. Manages and leads a team, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and professional development, while ensuring staff effectiveness through ongoing coaching and evaluation.
8. Partners with UCL Marketing and Career Success teams to support program visibility, enrollment growth, and alignment with learner and employer needs.
9. Ensures a high-quality customer experience by monitoring feedback and implementing improvements.
10. Builds and maintains collaborative relationships across UCL, the Continuing Education leadership team, key internal partners (including marketing and finance), and external community stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Senior Director, Program Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 14 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 12 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or related area, or equivalency; plus five years of progressively more responsible management experience; and demonstrated program development and strategic planning skills; required

- Master's Degree in related field.
- Experience working with the specific needs of adult learners. Familiarity and experience in adult education, including trends and issues that affect the field in both professional and higher education.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations.