Director of Professional and Continuing Studies

Grand Rapids, MI (Pew Campus)

Full Time

R102907

This position provides leadership and strategic oversight for the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies (CASCS), ensuring the development and operation of high-quality educational programming for adult learners. This role is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of continuing education initiatives, including course development, operations, data analysis, and market research. This position supervises a team of Product Managers, each responsible for managing a portfolio of educational offerings, both internally developed and those offered in partnership with external vendors, as well as the Operations team, which oversees registrar-related functions, enrollment management, course scheduling, and event operations. This position requires a visionary leader who can balance innovation with operational excellence to meet the evolving needs of adult learners and workforce development.

Salary & Benefits:

Minimum starting salary of $70,000, commensurate with experience .

Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

Strategic Leadership & Program Development:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic initiatives that enhance professional and continuing education programming within CASCS.
• Provide oversight for course development, ensuring alignment with workforce needs and industry trends.
• Manage the lifecycle of CASCS programs, from conceptualization to implementation and continuous improvement.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and external vendors to expand educational offerings.

Operational Oversight & Team Supervision:

• Supervise and support a team of Product Managers, each responsible for an assigned portfolio of educational offerings.
• Oversee the Operations team, which manages registrar-related functions, enrollment management, course scheduling, event operations, and compliance with institutional policies.
• Utilize data analysis and market research to assess program performance and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

Marketing & Enrollment Growth:

• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop and implement outreach strategies that increase awareness and enrollment in CASCS programs.
• Monitor enrollment trends and key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments.
• Develop engagement strategies to retain and support adult learners throughout their educational journey.

Financial & Compliance Management:

• Oversee program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and strategic resource allocation.
• Secure funding through grants, corporate partnerships, and other revenue-generating initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation standards, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Master's degree in Education, Adult Learning, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in adult education, workforce development, or higher education administration.
• Strong background in strategic planning, program development, and team management.
• Experience overseeing multiple functional areas, including product management, operations, and market research.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyze market trends and implement data-driven strategies for program development.
• Knowledge of online and hybrid learning models and experience leveraging educational technologies.
• Familiarity with continuing education and licensure processes and higher education compliance standards.
• Strategic and forward-thinking mindset.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Passion for lifelong learning and the advancement of adult education.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience in marketing, student recruitment, and enrollment management strategies for adult learners.
• Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS) and other education technology platforms.

How to Apply: Attach your cover letter and resume. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Adam Downs (mailto:downsad@gvsu.edu or 616-331-6843). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at mailto:hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

Application Deadline: Application review begins May 23, 2025 and this posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6220415

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