Executive Director, Online Operations

Summary

Reporting to the Co-President of Business Operations, the Executive Director of Online Operations is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of online education for West Coast University. The Executive Director of Online Operations is responsible for collaboratively analyzing, developing and implementing a business model which provides successful strategies for attraction, retention and achieving positive student outcomes while advancing fiscal results. The Executive Director of Online Operations additionally plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of online education. The role will work in close partnership with Academic leaders and shared services partners to develop scalable high quality online educational programs, including the identification of new programs. Provides leadership in the interpretation, coordination, and administration of university policies and procedures on student enrollments, financial aid, student aid, student retention, career services, educational/support staff and human capital administration. Will be responsible for directing and meeting operational budgets and prepares reports relating to all functional areas. This role is based in the Irvine, CA or Richardson, TX location and consistent in-person presence is expected in order to achieve collaboration with other related functions.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Responsible for the comprehensive coordination of overall leadership and evolutionary vision of the online learning goals for the University. 
• Works collaboratively with the University academics, admissions, finance and marketing staff, as well as other key offices and resources, to develop a comprehensive online business model that stretches from the recruitment to the graduation and placement of online students and supports a student centered learning experience.
• Works with academic leadership in all aspects of creating a set of successful online learning programs, including, but not limited to, curriculum design, identification and integration of new technologies, program development and learning products. 
• Researches, identifies, and recommends new online academic programs.
• Responsible for administration of online learning strategies including design elements, accelerated development methods, program pricing and financial aid packaging of new programs and offerings. 
• Utilizes a standards-based approach to quality assurance of operations including working with internal QA and Compliance to ensure appropriate adherence to regulations and policies.
• Oversees the development, maintenance and implementation of all online learning-related policies and procedures ensuring compliance.
• Plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs and evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of online education and financial sustainability of the Online Operations Department in collaboration with Program Directors, campus Administration, faculty, and support staff.
• Develops and manages annual budget, ensuring effective budget planning and fiscal responsibility. Ensures campus achieves all budgeted profit and loss metrics. 
• Assures high academic standards through the establishment of appropriate student evaluation mechanisms.
• Actively engages in and promotes student academic achievement assessment processes and procedures and uses this data to improve instructional methodologies.
• Monitors student retention and satisfaction and assists in developing action plans for improving student retention/satisfaction.
• Establishes sound decision making and governance process that presents the full benefit of technology to build the West Coast University brand and capitalizes on opportunities for program and geographic growth.
• May represent the University externally to media, regulatory agencies, funding agencies, and the general public as appropriate and directed by manager.
• Adheres to established operating policies, procedures and approaches for computing and information technology consistent with Company policies and objectives and ensures appropriate execution.
• Maintains professional appearance for position and serves as a role model, leader and mentor to the campus community.
• Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the Company’s Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and states laws, and applicable professional standards.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance, reports to work as scheduled and assures time worked and/or time-off is recorded properly.
• Attends in-services and other required meetings.
• Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or company information as required.
• Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
• Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in education, administration, business management, student affairs, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in education, administration, business management, student affairs, or related field strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Experience

• A minimum of five years successful enterprising dynamic senior level management experience in managing, challenging, and leading an online division in higher and/or proprietary education.
• Demonstrated success and experience managing a multi-million-dollar business that translates to running a $50M business.
• Experience in entrepreneurial approaches to establish new initiatives.
• Success as a change agent.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in the area of online degree learning.
• Experience in education management/administration, advanced education, post-masters continuing education, distance/extended learning, or related field leading and managing educational programs.
• Experience with and working knowledge of Microsoft Office. 
• Knowledge of instructional design practices with the ability to convey complex technical concepts.
• Knowledge of project management and the use of metrics to identify resource needs and provide accountability.
• Knowledge of learning theories, instructional design, and outcomes-based assessments.
• Knowledge of learning management systems, computer platforms, and authoring software.
• Knowledge of the functional needs of online instructors and students.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision, administration, systems management, and community organization as applicable to specialized program area. 
• Knowledge of state, federal and local laws/regulations relating to programs, governmental compliance and other regulatory standards such as Title IV, ABHES, BPPE, WASC and other accreditation standards.

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