Director Academic Pathways/Credential Strategy (Remote)

Director Academic Pathways/Credential Strategy (Remote) Waterbury, CT Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Project team coordination CAPM Academic program development Strategic management Doctoral degree Accreditation standards (regulatory compliance area) New product development 5 years Faculty collaboration Program development Project timeline management Improving operational efficiency Taxonomy Master's degree Change management Analysis skills University teaching experience Networking through strategic partnership building Higher education teaching Metadata Senior level Strategic partnerships Cross-functional team management Project stakeholder communication Teaching Cross-functional communication Metadata management Instructional design Educational program management Stakeholder management Full Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Academic Pathways & Credential Implementation is a high‑impact execution specialist responsible for operationalizing Post University's strategic initiatives in Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), micro‑credentials, embedded credentials, and innovative academic pathways. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Innovation & Program Delivery, this Director turns strategic concepts into functional academic processes, products, tools, and launch‑ready deliverables. The Director manages cross-functional workstreams, builds academic artifacts, coordinates with Deans and Instructional Designers, and ensures timely delivery of new programs, credentials, pathways, and PLA structures—supporting institutional priorities across Growth & Innovation, Academic Strength, Career Readiness, and Operational Efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Ecosystem Development Build templates, rubrics, tools, and process maps for all PLA models. Coordinate with Program Chairs and Instructional Design to complete learning outcome alignments. Prepare draft credit‑equivalency guides for certification bodies and employer partners. Support Strategic Partnerships in operationalizing community college articulation and transfer pathway models. Translate employer training content into draft credit recommendations and workflow‑ready academic documentation. Prepare requirements and academic documentation for PLA system implementation (AcademyOne, EAS, etc.). 2. Credential Product Development (Embedded, Micro‑Credentials, CE, Certificates) Build structural components of embedded credentials, micro‑credentials, and noncredit/CE modules in collaboration with Program Chairs and ID. Create draft product packages—including outcomes, assessments, curriculum outlines, and alignment maps—based on workforce relevance and academic standards. Prepare documentation for academic review, catalog inclusion, external alignment, and implementation. Ensure credential products integrate cleanly with academic pathways and PLA structures. 3. Digital Badge Design & Implementation Develop badge criteria, metadata templates, naming conventions, visual standards, and issuance rules. Collaborate with IT, Registrar, Marketing, and ID to configure, test, publish, and distribute badges. Build a badge taxonomy and map badge sequences to micro‑credentials, CE offerings, and stackable pathways. Ensure digital badges reflect academic integrity and support learner mobility. 4. Academic Pathways Execution (2+2, 4+1, Certificate‑to‑Degree, Stackable Models) Create pathway maps, curriculum sequences, and stackability frameworks for innovative pathways. Translate pathway concepts into fully built academic artifacts with ID and Program Chairs. Draft pathway‑related academic documents including catalog language, progression charts, and sequence tables. Ensure alignment with accreditation standards, transfer policies, and institutional strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will hold a master's degree (required) and a doctorate (preferred) in a relevant discipline. They will bring 5-7 years of experience in academic operations, program development, and curriculum design collaboration, including work in PLA/CPL, and micro-credentials. Experience partnering with large employers and third-party tuition providers is essential. PMP certification is required. Additionally, the candidate should have 10+ years of teaching experience in higher education and at least 5 years of experience in evaluation and portfolio assessment.

COMPETENCIES INCLUDE

Execution & Follow‑

Through:

Converts strategy into operational deliverables with minimal oversight

Academic Documentation Expertise:

Skilled in curriculum mapping, writing, structuring, and academic artifacts.

Project Management:

Strong timeline management, stakeholder coordination, and deliverable tracking. PMI Certification (PMP or CAPM) or equivalent.

Collaboration:

Works effectively with Deans, faculty, ID, PMO, Registrar, IT, and Strategic Partnerships.

Analytical Ability:

Synthesizes complex information and builds clear academic structures.

Design Orientation:

Creates clear, scalable academic materials and workflow documentation.

Knowledge Areas:

Micro‑credentials Digital badges and metadata standards Academic pathways and transfer structures PLA/CPL models

Communication:

Strong academic writing, clear documentation, stakeholder communication.

Professionalism & Ethics:

Models integrity, reliability, and student‑centered decision‑making.

Change Leadership:

Guides teams through new systems, processes, and academic innovations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and physical demands are characteristic of those in an academic and/or office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position is remote-friendly, but the individual is expected to be on campus regularly and be available for on-campus events and special occasions as needed.