Job Description for the Director of Professional and Continuing Studies position. Review job description, requirements, and qualifications. Apply or register interest for the position.

Title: Director of Professional and Continuing Studies

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: Strategic Initiatives

Department: Office of Professional and Continuing Studies

Position Summary

The Director provides institutional leadership for Elon University's innovative approach to professional and continuing education for students, alumni, faculty, staff, university partners, potential employers, and our local communities as defined in the Boldly Elon strategic plan. In collaboration with a wide range of campus partners—including Academic Affairs, Alumni Engagement, the Student Professional Development Center (SPDC), University Advancement, Office of Leadership and Professional Development (OLPD), Admissions/Collegiate Start, National Campus Programs and others across campus—as well as external partners and organizations, the Director designs and implements a full menu of learning opportunities under the centralized organizational umbrella of the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies, which includes the Elon NEXT program portfolio. The Director supervises the Assistant Director and their work coordinating the LIFE@Elon program. The Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and recruiting for competitive offerings in continuing education initiatives, workshops, short courses, certificates, and more. In partnership with Alumni Engagement and SPDC, this position conceives and directs alumni lifelong learning and professional development strategy. The Director works closely with Elon's six schools and colleges to develop programs, promotes and tracks learners' success across all programs, and facilitates the functioning of a Professional and Continuing Studies advisory board. This position reports to the Associate Vice President for University Advancement and Strategic Initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide leadership for professional and continuing education opportunities campus-wide, emphasizing building, marketing, and implementing a variety of advancement opportunities in partnership with the Alumni Office and across Elon's schools and college.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.

Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

28 annual days off, including holidays and vacation.

Immediate tuition remission for undergraduate courses

Tuition remission for approved graduate-level courses after 12 months of employment.

Retirement plan with an 8 percent contribution from the university.

Immediate eligibility for health, dental and vision insurance, along with free acute care and lab services at our onsite Health & Wellness Clinic.

Free use of campus fitness facilities.

Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.

Eligibility for tuition remission at Elon for spouses, qualifying domestic partners and dependents begins at two years of service. After two years of employment, eligibility begins for participation in the Tuition Exchange, a national scholarship exchange program that enables dependents to enroll in nationally recognized partner colleges and universities.

Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Master's degree in higher education, professional development, continuing education, or a related field with minimum 3 years of experience with the following relevant work experience: Excellent leadership and organizational abilities, with demonstrated success in leading a cross functional team of professionals and managing budgets
Experience in marketing design and implementation
Experience in developing business strategy and making data-driven decisions

Preferred Education and Experience

Terminal degree (i.e., MFA, MD, JD, PhD) in Higher education, professional development, continuing education, or a related field.

Job Duties

• Thought Leadership and Strategic Planning Work with the university community to drive the strategic plan for professional and continuing studies that aligns with Boldly Elon 2030 strategic plan. Provide leadership for the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies, which includes the Elon NEXT program portfolio. Build the professional and continuing studies curricular offerings and manage enrollment efforts Direct alumni lifelong learning strategy in partnership with Alumni Engagement goals. Encourage the implementation of innovative approaches and offerings (e.g., professional development training for Alumni, VR offerings, drone training, and engaged online education) Research and analyze market trends and potential for new and existing educational offerings 
• Communication, Outreach, Partnerships, and Marketing Coordinate with deans and department heads across all units at Elon to ensure the professional and continuing studies curriculum is meeting university goals and leveraging the strengths of Elon faculty. Collaborate with the Student Professional Development Center and Alumni Affairs to host regional alumni engagement learning and networking, supporting on-going professional development, planning, and coordinating social media, and other engagement strategies. Partner with divisional areas across campus (Registrar, Teaching Learning and Support, SPDC, and Alumni Engagement) to build new programming and expand the reach of lifelong learning. Expand enrollment in Professional and Continuing Studies offerings by building partnerships with companies, organizations, accrediting bodies, and other populations for customized training programs. Create, distribute, and manage marketing and communications initiatives including website, social media, public relations, and paid marketing materials. 
• Supervision and Daily Operations Supervise Assistant Director of Professional and Continuing Studies, provide oversight of vision and strategic direction for LIFE@Elon, and provide strategic direction to coordinate other university-hosted learning offerings to community (e.g., Collegiate Start)Manage and propose short- and long-range operating plans for budgets, programs and services, personnel, technology, and spaces. Coordinate faculty schedules and work with HR to design and execute faculty contracts. Manage credentialing opportunities in partnership with the Registrar, Provost's Office, and the Micro credential Advisory Committee (MCAC)Other duties as assigned 

Special Instructions to Applicants: Please submit a cover letter and resume highlighting relevant experience.