Associate Director, Academic Programs Position Available In Gaston, North Carolina

External Applicants:

Please ensure all required documents are ready to upload before beginning your application, including your resume, cover letter, and any additional materials specified in the job description.

Cover Letter and Supporting Documents:

Navigate to the “My Experience” application page. Locate the “Resume/CV” document upload section at the bottom of the page. Use the “Select Files” button to upload your cover letter, resume, and any other required supporting documents. You can select multiple files.

Important Note:

The “My Experience” page is the only opportunity to attach your cover letter, resume, and supporting documents. You will not be able to modify your application or add attachments after submission.

Current Employees:

Apply from your existing Workday account in the Jobs Hub. Do not apply from this website. A cover letter is required for all positions; optional for facilities, campus services, and hospitality roles unless otherwise specified. Job Description Summary The Associate Director, Academic Programs, plays a critical role in the development, management, and growth of innovative academic programs within the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Wake Forest University. Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Academic Programs, the Associate Director provides strategic leadership in market research, program administration, and stakeholder engagement. The Associate Director is responsible for in-depth market analysis, data-driven decision-making, and the continuous improvement of graduate-level program offerings. This role collaborates with Academic Directors and Executive Director to lead a portfolio of programs, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of working professionals in the Charlotte community and beyond. The Associate Director also manages key SPS academic events that increase student engagement with industry leaders and others.

Job Description Essential Functions:

Lead comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and needs assessments to identify and capitalize on opportunities for new and existing graduate-level academic programs, providing data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making across SPS in collaboration with the Dean, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs, and Executive Directors. Produce detailed reports and presentations analyzing adult learner demographics, workforce trends, emerging skill gaps, competitive landscapes, and potential program differentiators, as well as quantify market opportunities and potential return on investment (ROI) for educational offerings. Lead the implementation and optimization of academic program operations for the academic programs team. Develop and manage operational processes, systems, and workflows to support the effective delivery of academic programs. Collaborate with Executive Directors to adherence to best practices in academic administration. Support program reviews and continuous improvement, while delivering data-driven insights to enhance program quality and effectiveness and meet the feasibility and potential profitability expectations of SPS. Provide oversight for Wake360, the in-person event for students, faculty, and stakeholders, and other key SPS academic events, partnering with other SPS team members to manage themes, logistics, communications, budget and key performance indicators (KPIs) ensuring alignment with the overall academic program strategy and maximizing contribution to the School’s goals. Assure integration of academic programs on the SPS website and other marketing materials, in collaboration with the Assistant Dean, Marketing, Enrollment Management, and Student Services. Provide comprehensive administrative support for Program Advisory Boards, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and materials, documenting meeting minutes, and tracking action items. Assist Executive Directors in leveraging board expertise to ensure program alignment with industry trends and needs, and support the implementation of board recommendations for curriculum and program enhancements.

Other Functions:

May be assigned special projects.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, or a related field. A minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in academic program administration, market research, or a related field, with significant leadership and management experience. Strong understanding of the professional and continuing education market, adult learners, competitive landscape, and emerging trends. Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans for academic programs and initiatives. Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills with a demonstrated ability to interpret complex data, identify key trends, and translate them into actionable strategies and recommendations. Outstanding leadership, communication (written and verbal), interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate with senior leadership, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability in fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. Advanced project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

Master degree in Business, Education, or a related field. Experience leading and managing a diverse portfolio of academic programs in a professional studies or continuing education environment. Demonstrated success in developing and implementing innovative academic programs that meet market needs. Experience in developing and managing significant industry partnerships and advisory boards. Experience with online and hybrid learning modalities. Strong financial acumen with experience in budget development, management, and financial oversight. Familiarity with accreditation standards and processes.

Accountabilities:

Reports to the Assistant Dean. Responsible for own work. Budgetary responsibilities. Ensures compliance with university policies and accreditation standards.

Disclaimer:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by the employee’s supervisor. To help provide a safe learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final candidates being considered for employment. Wake Forest seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. Wake Forest University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in employment for individuals with disabilities. Additional Job Description Wake Forest University Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. Founded in 1834, the University is ranked among the top thirty national universities according to U.S. News & World Report. With other 5,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate and professional students, the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate, which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the work. Click here for quick facts about the University The School of Professional Studies The School of Professional Studies (SPS) is the newest school of Wake Forest University. SPS houses innovative graduate degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, as well as relevant Executive Education courses, for working professionals. SPS is focused on developing accessible and market-relevant programs that build upon Wake Forest’s current areas of strength as well as delivering future professional development education that is essential to the growing economy of Charlotte, where the School is located, and the surrounding region. SPS is at the frontier of what’s next for Wake Forest University as the university boldly expands into Charlotte with the construction of an Innovation District in partnership with Atrium Health. SPS is an exciting strategic initiative for the university benefiting from strong support from the university community, including administration and trustees, and the business and civic leaders of Charlotte. SPS has a vision to develop a new kind of leader. It helps working professionals rise to the challenges of today’s dynamic job market by teaching in-demand skills and awarding sought-after credentials. The School empowers its students to adapt, grow, and excel, shaping them into leaders who will guide businesses into the future with integrity. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, SPS offers fully online programs students can complete from anywhere, as well as opportunities to network, learn, and connect in person. Learn more about the School of Professional Studies online at https://sps.wfu.edu. Charlotte, North Carolina The fifth fastest growing city in the U.S., Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina, with more than 874,000 residents. The city is the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the Charlotte metropolitan area, especially in the financial sector. It is the second largest financial banking center in the U.S. after New York City. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, Charlotte is one of the nation’s top cities expected to experience continued economic growth, particularly for start-ups. Charlotte has opportunities and activities of a large city with the welcoming community of a small town. Great school systems, a variety of parks and outdoor venues, eclectic food scene, wonderful museums, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment venues make this city one to enjoy year around. Business Insider ranked the city 14th in its list of 50 Best Places to Live in America. Like many great cities, Charlotte has attracted people from across the world who now call it home. The different ethnicities, ages, and religions found within the city have enhanced Charlotte’s culture and sense of community. Time Type Requirement Full time Note to

Applicant:

This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor. In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment. Equal Opportunity Statement The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status. Accommodations for Applicants If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.

About WFU:

Wake Forest University, formed in 1834, has experienced decades of growth and innovation. WFU is a distinctive university that combines a liberal arts core with graduate and professional schools and innovative research programs. The University embraces the teacher-scholar ideal, which prizes the personal interaction between students and faculty. It is a place where exceptional teaching, fundamental research and discovery, and the engagement of faculty and students in the classroom and the laboratory are paramount. Wake Forest University is a community that seeks the enlightenment and freedom which come through diligent study and learning. Its higher goal, however, is to give life to the University motto “Pro Humanitate,” as members translate a passion for knowledge into compassionate service. The community shares a tradition that embraces freedom and integrity and acknowledges the worth of the individual. The heritage, established by the school’s founders and nurtured by succeeding generations, promotes a democratic spirit arising from open-mindedness and discourse. Wake Forest fosters compassion and caring for others. Its collective strength and character are derived from the values and distinctive experiences of each individual; therefore, it affirms the richness of human intellect and culture and its contribution to knowledge, faith, reason, and dialogue. Furthermore, it strives toward a society in which good will, respect, and equality prevail. To that end, Wake Forest University rejects hatred and bigotry in any form and promotes justice, honor, and mutual trust.

The University is comprised of:

the undergraduate college, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Divinity, School of Law, and School of Medicine (located on the Bowman Gray campus with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center) and today enrolls about 4,846 undergraduates and 2,823 students in graduate programs at its principal location, the Reynolda campus. Students at Wake Forest University enjoy a great deal of access to and interaction with world-class faculty both in and out of the classroom setting with a student-faculty ratio of 11:1. Wake Forest employs approximately 2,772 full and part-time faculty and staff. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the fifteen-team Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the university has adopted the motto “pro humanitate,” which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the world. Wake Forest has a strong commitment to holistic, eight-dimensional well-being for students, faculty and staff as evidenced in the Thrive initiative. Winston-Salem, North Carolina Wake Forest is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a beautiful, mid-sized city centrally located in the Piedmont-Triad region of North Carolina. Winston-Salem is a family-friendly city with high quality schools, numerous outdoor recreational activities and events, and is known for its vibrant and thriving arts scene. Winston-Salem residents enjoy close proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (1.5 hours) and Atlantic beaches (4 hours), a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, a very reasonable cost of living, and an eclectic variety of restaurants, wine bars, and breweries for dining with friends and family. Winston-Salem offers many of the amenities of a large city but with the sense of community and quality of life of a smaller town.