Academic Director, Professional Studies

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Penn Foster

WebsiteLinkedInAll Job Openings

201 - 500 employees

📚 Education

👥 B2C

🤝 B2B

Education • B2C • B2B

Penn Foster is an online, accredited career school and college that provides self-paced, career-focused diplomas, certificates, associate and bachelor’s degrees across vocational and professional fields. Its programs cover healthcare, veterinary technology (including an AVMA-CVTEA accredited Vet Tech program), skilled trades (HVACR, electrician, plumbing), business, IT, criminal justice, design, and high school diplomas accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Penn Foster serves primarily individual learners with flexible, online study options and also offers training solutions for organizations and employers.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Professional Studies portfolio. • Ensure alignment of programs with workforce demands, accreditation standards, and institutional goals. • Lead program evaluation, continuous improvement, and innovation in online pedagogy. • Identify opportunities for new program development and expansion. • Oversee curriculum design, updates, and instructional quality across all programs. • Ensure academic rigor, relevance, and alignment with industry standards. • Collaborate with instructional design teams to enhance learner experience and outcomes. • Lead, mentor, and develop faculty and academic staff. • Establish performance expectations and conduct evaluations. • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and learner-centered teaching. • Monitor key performance indicators (retention, completion, satisfaction, and employment outcomes). • Implement initiatives to improve learner engagement and success. • Partner with support teams, operations, and other teams to optimize the learner journey. • Work closely with product, marketing, operations, and workforce partners. • Contribute to institutional initiatives and strategic planning. • Ensure programs meet accreditation, regulatory, and compliance requirements. • Support audits, reporting, and accreditation reviews. • Maintain documentation and processes aligned with quality assurance standards.

🎯 Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline required, PhD or EdD preferred • 5+ years of leadership experience in online or distance education • Proven experience managing academic programs and faculty teams • Experience with career-focused or workforce-aligned education programs preferred • Strong understanding of online pedagogy and instructional best practices • Strategic thinking with operational execution capability • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills • Data-driven decision-making and analytical capability • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment • Experience with different technologies, learning platforms, and academic systems preferred, such as Brightspace, Dynamic 365, and Tableau

🏖️ Benefits

• Medical • Dental • Vision • Flexible spending • Generous paid time off • Sponsored volunteer opportunities • 401K with a company match • Free access to online programs