Position Summary
The Director of Online Program Development and Support provides strategic leadership for the development, launch, and continuous improvement of NIU’s online academic programs. This role leads end-to-end program development efforts, working in close partnership with colleges, departments, and institutional leadership to design high-quality, market-responsive, and student-centered online programs. As part of Academic Affairs and CITL, the Director plays a central role in advancing NIU’s online growth strategy, supporting adult and returning learners, and ensuring alignment between program design, workforce needs, and institutional priorities.
The Director of Online Program Development and Support will report to the Associate Vice Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Digital Education (AVPTLDE).
Strategic Leadership and Program Development
- Lead the end-to-end development of new online programs, from concept through launch and evaluation.
- Partner with academic colleges and departments to identify, prioritize, and advance online program opportunities aligned with market demand and institutional goals.
- Ensure online programs are designed to meet the needs of adult, transfer, and returning learners, with a focus on flexibility, accessibility, and career relevance.
- Provide strategic oversight and accountability for program timelines, quality, and successful implementation.
- Contribute to the institutional strategy related to online portfolio growth and competitive positioning.
Program Design, Quality and Innovation
- Guide program-level instructional design approaches that ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with best practices in online learning.
- Lead development and scaling of fully online general education offerings and other high-impact program initiatives.
- Integrate evidence-based practices in online pedagogy, student engagement, and learning technologies.
- Promote innovation in program structure, delivery models, and credential design (e.g., stackable credentials, alternative pathways).
- Ensure alignment with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and quality frameworks.
Collaboration and Partnership Development
- Serve as a primary liaison between CITL and academic units for online program development initiatives.
- Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications (EMMC) as well as the Office of Online Learning to align program development with recruitment and marketing strategies.
- Partner with institutional stakeholders (e.g., advising, student support services, institutional research) to ensure holistic program design and student success.
Operations, Project Management and Team Leadership
- Oversee project management for online program development initiatives, ensuring coordination across multiple stakeholders and timelines.
- Provide leadership and direction to instructional design and development staff involved in program development.
- Allocate resources effectively to support program design, development, and implementation efforts.
- Monitor progress and remove barriers to ensure timely program launches.
Assessment, Data and Continuous Improvement
- Establish metrics and processes to evaluate program performance, including enrollment, retention, and student outcomes.
- Utilize data and market insights to inform program development decisions and continuous improvement efforts.
- Prepare reports and recommendations for academic and institutional leadership.
- Support alignment with institutional assessment, accreditation, and accountability expectations.
- Master’s degree in higher education, instructional design, educational technology, business, or a related field.
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in higher education, including online learning, instructional design, academic program development, or related areas.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional projects or initiatives.
- Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across academic and administrative units.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
- Knowledge of trends in online education, adult learning, and higher education innovation.
- Doctorate in higher education, instructional design, business, or a related field is highly preferred.
- Experience leading online program development at the program or institutional level.
- Familiarity with market analysis tools and enrollment strategy for academic programs.
- Experience supporting adult, transfer, or nontraditional student populations.
- Demonstrated success in scaling online or hybrid academic offerings.
- Knowledge of quality assurance frameworks (e.g., OLC Scorecard, Quality Matters).
- Experience working in a diverse and inclusive higher education environment.
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