Northwestern University Looking for Associate Director, Office of Professional Education Full Time

Job ID: 44677

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Department: MCC Office of Prof Education
Salary/Grade: EXS/8

About McCormick:

Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science is redefining engineering education and research through its pioneering “Whole-Brain Engineering” philosophy, integrating the elements of left-brain thinking – analysis, logic, synthesis, and math – with the kind of high-level right-brain thinking that fosters intuition, metaphorical thought, and creative problem solving. Augmenting the analytical core of engineering with substantial initiatives in design, entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development, and unusual collaborations that span disciplines, Northwestern Engineering students and faculty are prepared to take the world in a whole new direction.

Northwestern Engineering comprises more than 1,800 undergraduate students, 2,000 graduate students, 190 faculty members across nine academic departments and varied programs, centers, and institutes. Northwestern Engineering staff members support innovative academic programs, an intellectual footprint that deepens the frontiers of knowledge, partnerships that catalyze education and research, and a diverse culture that embraces different viewpoints and ideas.

Job Summary:

Associate Director, Office of Professional Education (OPE) Oversees several programs at the McCormick School of Engineering. Provides direction and thought leadership to develop strategic administrative initiatives that meet the mission/objective of the programs and faculty directors.Oversees the effective, compliant, & efficient daily management of all operational, financial, & business functions in support of the programs/ & in coordination with McCormick’s Office of Professional Education (OPE), McCormick central offices such as HR, IT, &. Represents programs on internal & external business affairs & is viewed as an expert resource regarding programs administrative affairs.

Weekend and evening work, and travel required.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Oversees & ensures that day-to-day operations are appropriately managed, efficient and effective.
• Operationalizes goals & objectives; ensures that resources are created or obtained.
• Manages customer service; creates associated practices & procedures & metrics to measure success.
• Analyzes data & recommends & implements changes & improvement to better ensure attainment of mission.
• Manages logistics requirements, including facilities, venue, scheduling, technology, instruction, catering, etc.

Communication, Outreach & Recruitment

• Directs program/project marketing/branding efforts.
• Identifies and implements short- and long-term strategies and plans to meet program/project goals.
• Engages in outreach/field relations serving a number of goals, including recruitment, participation, sponsorship, relationship building, etc. to support continued program/project development & improvement.
• Interacts with internal/external resources & organizations to identify new markets & opportunities.
• Builds relationships with program/project alumni to develop and cultivate professional networks, financial resources, and sense of community among alumni.

Evaluation

• Oversees development & implementation of evaluation processes, quantitative & qualitative measurements that ensure that program/project benchmarks are successfully attained and communicated in a timely and efficient manner.
• Manages evaluation processes; recommends & implements changes for enhancement; monitors effectiveness through follow-up evaluation studies.
• Collaborates with internal/external resources to develop meaningful outcome measurements and methods of program/project evaluation that will lead to enhancement.

Events

• Develops a comprehensive program of events such as lectures, symposia, speaker series, workshops, conferences, cultural events etc. in collaboration with internal & external resources. Graduation, Orientation, etc.

Human Resources

• Oversees recruitment & selection process; Performance Excellence plan for each employee; & merit increase process. Supports staff professional development.
• Manages & provides consultation regarding complex performance problems & issues; administers leaves; approves timesheets & oversees completion of annual staff Conflict of Interest survey.

Program Development

• Manages the ongoing development and refinement of the program’s/project’s current and future curriculum and course offerings in consultation with subject matter experts.
• Provides leadership for planning, scheduling, delivering and maintaining program(s)/project(s) to sustain quality instruction in all educational activity.

Strategic Planning

• Creates & leads a coordinated program of activities designed to increase program/project objectives.
• Develops & executes strategies to involve internal/external constituents and cultivate new individual, corporate, institutional &/or foundation collaborations.

Student Support

• Oversees recruitment, application evaluation, interview, selection and notification of students or participants.
• Establishes admissions criteria in accordance with associated NU policy.
• Manages student orientation, registration, student life, graduation, etc.
• Addresses student matters, such as academic probation and other issues escalated from staff.
• Ensures that an advising system is in place to support all students, including working directly with prospective and enrolled students on issues ranging from qualifications for enrollment, course and placement planning, as well as career planning.
• Oversees academic year course schedule; monitors course registration & enrollments.
• Create and maintain student-focused environment and services that allow students to concentrate on school, enjoy the experience, and solve problems quickly. This includes acting as a liaison to other university offices, relaying concerns to the board and instructors, having a strong presence on class days, communicating important issues to students and planning activities and functions that help students feel connected to the program.
• Manages classroom activities, including scheduling, room arrangements, developing materials for the Course Management System, and providing for audio-visual and other class needs.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor’s or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 4 years program/project administration or other relevant experience.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information onEEO is the Law.