Director of Distance & Online Learning

Job Summary

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Director to lead our Distance and Online Learning initiatives. This senior position is responsible for the overall strategy, development, and management of our online education programs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of academic technology and pedagogical best practices for virtual environments, with a proven track record of growing and scaling successful online learning platforms. This is a critical role that requires a blend of academic expertise, technical proficiency, and strategic business acumen to ensure our online offerings are innovative, high-quality, and accessible to a diverse student body.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the growth and expansion of online and distance learning programs.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of innovative online courses and learning platforms.
• Manage the entire online learning team, including instructional designers, technologists, and support staff, providing mentorship and strategic guidance.
• Collaborate with academic departments to convert and optimize existing curriculum for effective online delivery.
• Conduct market research to identify new program opportunities, emerging educational technologies, and best practices in online learning.
• Oversee the budget for the online learning division, ensuring financial sustainability and return on investment.
• Ensure all online programs adhere to academic standards, quality assurance protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage partnerships with external technology providers and industry experts to enhance the online learning experience.

Qualifications and Skills

Required:

• Master's degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 10+ years of work experience, with a significant portion in a leadership role within an online or distance learning department at a recognized university or college.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in learning management systems (LMS), online collaboration tools, and instructional technology.
• A proven track record of successfully growing online student enrollment and program offerings.
• Exceptional leadership, project management, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• A PhD in Educational Technology or a related field.
• Experience with accreditation processes for online programs.
• Experience in marketing and student recruitment for online learning.