Manager - Program Planning, Assessment & Development

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Job Profile:

Job Duties:

The Program Planning, Assessment and Development Manager advances OPLR-supported distance education program quality and growth through existing program assessments and new program planning and development, in collaboration with UW universities. This position serves a lead role in identifying programmatic needs and employing OPLR resources and personnel, in coordination with campus resources and expertise, in the collaborative assessment, planning and development of recognized high-need learning opportunities in the online environment.   

The Program Planning, Assessment and Development Manager will oversee program development across the unit in collaboration with the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programming and will cultivate relationships and work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders to shape educational offerings. This person will maintain awareness and knowledge of emerging educational trends, conduct needs analysis and viability assessment to recommend new programs. In coordination with the Senior Director, the Manager will assess existing programs for market relevance, financial viability and other program improvements or enhancements, recommending possible changes to maintain program viability and positive student outcomes. The Manager will work closely with faculty, industry representatives, and other subject matter experts in the development of rigorous and relevant online curricula. They will work closely with the Senior Director in developing and maintaining positive relationships with campus partners, engaging and exciting faculty in the development process, coordinating with Program Managers, and developing and managing timelines for curriculum development and program approvals. The Manager reports to the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programming. 

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the recognized lead for program planning, assessment and development within OPLR. 

• Work with the Senior Director, the Office of Academic Affairs, and external vendor(s) in performing regular opportunity research to identify prospective new programs for development and implementation, including developing new program concept proposals, (collaborative or single-partner proposals to UW universities), System and accreditor approval processes, and implementation project management with UW universities and OPLR operational units.  

• Lead custom research projects related to existing programs, working closely with Sr. Director, Director–Program Administration and Program Managers in the assessment of existing programs and in recommending updates or improvements to the programs to promote program viability.   

• Conduct qualitative research to include focus groups and key informant interviews as a means to collect information for application in the program planning, assessment and development processes. 

• Conduct viability assessment to determine go/no-go position for new program development. 

• Assist in the development, maintenance and regular revision of comprehensive program assessment and development plans. 

• For new and existing programs, facilitate curriculum development/revision processes for programs consistent with OPLR’s approaches and timelines. Serve as communication liaison for faculty and campus administrators through project completion. 

• For new and revised programs, facilitate the new/revised program launch process, including project management and communications with respective UW universities, UWSA offices and OPLR teams. The launch process may include serving as or collaborating with a Program Manager during early development/launch stages.   

• Assist campuses in program approval process to include, but not limited to, documenting work product from curriculum planning and research sessions, drafting governance and accreditor approval documents, presenting to key governance groups on program and budget detail, assisting in data collection, and other duties as required or requested. 

• Assist in development and monitoring of complex budgets, adhering to established and/or recognized policies, procedures, and business practices. Manage, interpret and maintain compliance around partnership models.   

• Serve as the program planning, assessment and development lead in various internal and external teams, projects, and committees. 

• Provide interim program management support in the absence of an assigned program manager and assist in the hiring process for new program managers. 

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programs.  

• In the future, this position may be responsible for supervising personnel. 

Department:

The Universities of Wisconsin Office of Online and Professional Learning Resources (OPLR) provides leadership, resources and services to support the ongoing development and growth of online distance education programs with Universities of Wisconsin campus partners. These offerings include undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, and independent learning courses. These partnerships and programs deliver on the vision of the Wisconsin Idea by connecting and creating synergies among the UW campuses across the state and making education both attainable and accessible to people wherever they work and live.  

Currently OPLR manages an innovative and collaborative suite of distance education programs in four areas: correspondence, course sharing, collaborative and competency-based education (UW Flexible Option). 

Compensation:

The Program Planning, Assessment & Development Manager is a full-time salaried (exempt), academic staff, position.  

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $85,000- $96,000 commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications.  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree. 

• At least four years of experience working in or with higher educational institutions, including experience in the planning, development, assessment, implementation or management of online, continuing education, and/or professional development programs.

• Strong entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship building.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Strong research and data analysis skills.
• In-depth knowledge of best practices, emerging trends, and competitive market landscape in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree. 

• Experience as higher education faculty or administrator (e.g., department chair, associate dean), with experience operating within a shared governance environment. 

• Familiarity with federal/state compliance issues and experience with general or specialized accreditors and their expectations for quality distance education programs.  

• Familiarity with competency-based education and the distinct differences of CBE curricular and regulatory expectations. 

• Experience developing complex revenue and budget models and managing budgets.  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• The ability to motivate stakeholders and guide teams toward identified goals and outcomes.  

• Excellent problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze situations, identify problems and then to formulate creative solutions. 

• High tolerance for ambiguity, the ability to adapt quickly to change, and the maturity and humility to learn from a variety of stakeholders and partners. 

• The ability to articulate complex ideas in an accessible manner, to engage stakeholders toward a shared vision, and positively support the values of OPLR and the Universities of Wisconsin. 

• Ability to foster collaborative relationships, engage internal and external stakeholders, and resolve conflicts toward positive outcomes. 

Work Location:
The office location is located at 780 Regent Street in Madison, WI. An in-office requirement is expected one day per week with the option to work the remaining days off-site/remote. However, depending on business needs, there may be occasions when additional in-office presence is requested. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time. 

How to Apply:

Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through November 4 , 2026. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.  
 

To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:  

• Resume (PDF Format)  

• Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)  
   

Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application. 

Contact Information:

Questions may be addressed to Kristina Williston, HR Generalist at [email protected].

Accommodation Request

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting [email protected]. 

Criminal Background Check and Reference Check Policy

This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence, and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with the Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.

Employment Authorization

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 employer sponsorship) on, before, or after the effective date of appointment.   

Confidentiality

The Universities of Wisconsin will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7). 

Benefits Information

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees  or University Staff   Please see this link for total compensation information: Universities of Wisconsin Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to provide you with total compensation information. 

Clery Act information 

The Universities of Wisconsin provides statistics on campus crime in its Annual Security Report.  For more information on university campus statistics see https://www.wisconsin.edu/compliance/clery/.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.