Director, Online Education

Case Western Reserve University, United States

Updated: 25 days ago
Location: Campus, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime

A strong internal candidate has been identified.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Providing administrative leadership for the online and digital learning areas of the Weatherhead School of Management, the Director of Online Education works collaboratively with school leadership, faculty, Case Western Reserve University leadership, and third-party vendors to develop, implement and administer high quality online courses and services. Oversee management and delivery of online degree programs to ensure a quality student experience from application through degree conferral. Manage vendor relationships, both internal and external, relating to the development and delivery of degree and non-degree courses and programs offered in an online format. The primary focus of this position is to ensure excellent customer service and quality program management to ensure a first-class educational experience for students. The director of online education will be responsible for the development and implementation of online instruction to support Weatherhead School faculty. The director will provide support and recommendation to the school’s use of digital education materials used in all academic formats. This position works closely with university departments, leadership, and outside partners to ensure that all programmatic processes are integrated and efficient.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Manage the development of online degree courses, including work with faculty and instructional-design teams, monitor the timeline for mounting a course, and provide oversight for the quality of online classes Working in collaboration with the associate dean, department chairs, and faculty to develop and maintain curriculum plans, any necessary alternative academic calendars, courses, and teaching schedules for new non-traditional degree programs. Review all course evaluation reports to identify areas for improvement in course design and delivery and meet with faculty each semester to discuss opportunities for improvement. (30%)
  • Develop and implement high quality online activities and services to fulfill program goals and objectives in collaboration with staff and faculty leads for the school of management’s online program(s). Direct day-to-day strategic and implementation plan activities for the online program including the production of work plans, timetables, budgets, managing digital assets, and preparing special reports. Develop surveys and systems for evaluating progress toward academic and educational outcomes. Monitor adherence to accreditation requirements; generate data for accreditation reporting, as well as other internal and external progress reporting. (20%)
  • Ensure the coordination of technology services and training opportunities to promote user-friendly online experiences for faculty, instructors, and students; conduct training needs assessments and evaluate training effectiveness. Partner with University Technology team members to leverage existing programs and resources to continue to develop a sustainable online learning community. Manage Canvas or other learning management systems (LMS) used by the school or university. Organize professional development opportunities for the delivery of online education with faculty to include digital accessibility of content in cooperation with associate dean for curricular innovation (20%)
  • Lead student support services in-house, or with a vendor partner, to enhance the effectiveness and success of the online learning experience. Oversee the student academic experience from admission through graduation including, but not limited to, student orientation and onboarding, creating alternative academic plans for students, planning and implementation of residencies, course registration, student support, and the development of a student learning community. Identify opportunities for improvement in the student experience. Facilitate Zoom class sessions for faculty when needed (20%)

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    NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Represent the school at professional conferences and networks as needed. (5%)
  • Maintain certification and other online education quality assurance standards identified by the school and/or university. (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

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    CONTACTS

    Department: Continuous contact with Weatherhead faculty and colleagues in the office of Student Services and Academic Affairs regarding information on potential new course offerings, and staffing needs for existing courses. Moderate contact with the dean to discuss potential new programs, innovation, and strategic direction for the online program. 

    University: Moderate collaborative contact with university technology, registrar, financial aid, office of disability resources, compliance, and any other school exploring online learning.

    External: Moderate contact with contracted and potential online education vendors. students and vendor partner(s) of the online and digital learning initiatives

    Students: Moderate contact with prospective and enrolled students interested in online learning options as needed.

     

    SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

    Direct: Student employee(s).

     

    QUALIFICATIONS

    Experience: 7 years of work experience, preferably in academic administrative leadership or specialized training in computer technology and educational instructional design. Experience in online learning preferred. 

    Education/Licensing: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Training in online educational program delivery, instructional design and computer technology preferred.

     

    REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Ability to plan, develop, and implement strategic plans and programs.
  • Ability to provide academic, professional, and administrative leadership at the graduate level. Attention to detail is essential, as well as solid organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously under deadline pressure. Ability to work independently, be self-motivated, and make administrative and procedural decisions. 
  • Ability to work with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles of quality distance education programs. Ability to plan, coordinate, manage, and implement complex curricular, instructional, and inter-school initiatives.
  • Experienced with production of a variety of media particularly print publications and social media. 
  • Computer experience required, including working knowledge of Windows office programs (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and learning management systems (LMS).
  • Experience with creative problem solving. Comfortable with a level of ambiguity, ability to balance long-term goals with incremental improvements, and work effectively with the department and school at large. 
  • Must possess good social and interpersonal skills, display creativity, be able to work cooperatively with students, alumni, faculty, and staff within a variety of university departments. 
  • Must be able to react to and manage confidential and time-sensitive matters. Must be able to maintain confidentiality of student records, budget information, and program documents.
  • Develop and monitor departmental budget for the Online Education department. The budget must be tied to the department plan and school strategic plan and will be developed with input from finance staff and senior leadership. 
  • Must have keen strategic planning and organizational skills, exquisite attention to detail, excellent assessment skills and judgment, ability to amass information and evidence in order to problem-solve knowledgeably and effectively while being cognizant of academic (such as accreditation requirements) and institutional parameters. 
  • Ability to meet consistent attendance.
  • Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.

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    WORKING CONDITIONS

    General office working environment. Must be able to work flexible and long hours, including evenings and weekends, often without advance notice. Some travel may be required. This position is eligible as a remote position.

     

    This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

    In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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    Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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