Associate Director of Lifelong Learning, Divinity School - Vanderbilt University

The Associate Director of Lifelong Learning creates and implements a strategic continuing education plan for the Vanderbilt Divinity School. The Associate Director is responsible for leading the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluations of online, hybrid, and alternative learning formats at the Vanderbilt Divinity School. The Associate Director is responsible for all operations related to lifelong learning offerings at the Vanderbilt Divinity School and facilitates research into and discussion of possible future online or hybrid degree programs with relevant stakeholders. The Associate Director is responsible for leading the Lifelong Learning Committee to further develop the lifelong learning program and in ongoing discussions about possible additional online/hybrid degree programs.



Reporting to the Faculty Director and PI for the Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, the Associate Director of Lifelong Learning creates and implements a strategic continuing education plan for the Vanderbilt Divinity School. The Associate Director is responsible for leading the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluations of online, hybrid, and alternative learning formats at the Vanderbilt Divinity School. The Associate Director is responsible for all operations related to lifelong learning offerings at the Vanderbilt Divinity School and facilitates research into and discussion of possible future online or hybrid degree programs with relevant stakeholders.



The Associate Director is responsible for leading the Lifelong Learning Committee to further develop the lifelong learning program and in ongoing discussions about possible additional online/hybrid degree programs. With the Committee’s guidance, the Associate Director works with Vanderbilt Divinity School faculty and staff, as well as collaborators across the University, to offer a catalog of quality online and in-person lifelong learning opportunities throughout the year. The Associate Director also provides administrative support, as needed, to students and faculty in the lifelong learning program.



Duties and Responsibilities:



Develop, Deliver, Promote, Evaluate Courses/Programming





+ Guides strategic planning and leads the design and implementation of online and in-person learning opportunities for the Divinity School’s lifelong learning program as part of the University’s greater continuing education initiative.



+ Recruits instructors to create online classes/course work for lifelong learning.



+ In coordination with the Office of Digital Education and the Center for Teaching, coordinates implementation and ongoing administration of enrollment manager (Destiny One) and assists in instructional design of courses offered in learning management system (Brightspace).



+ Manages all administrative items related to the VDS lifelong learning program, including working with other staff to ensure that the educational and classroom technology to support in-person and online courses and programming is in place.



+ Works with the VDS Communications team on strategy and design for marketing and web presence for the lifelong learning program.



+ Executes programming in a coordinated and logistically sound manner to maximize impact. This includes, but is not limited to securing reservations and catering, sharing information about the program offerings with internal and external stakeholders, submitting events to relevant calendars, and development of surveys and implementation of post-event evaluations and program assessments.



+ Supervises graduate and professional student fellows and creative project independent contractors.



+ Collaborates on the Lilly Pathways II grant to build online learning content for lifelong learning program, and potential new online/hybrid degree programs. Works with Lilly Pathways II Director to determine best use of funds and with faculty partners to imagine uses of new and developing technology for learning.



+ In coordination with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, directs and oversees the inquiry into the possibility of a new online degree and/or the migration of current degrees online working with OAAPRA and professional accreditation bodies as needed.





Strategic and Financial Planning





+ Determines course fees, instructor compensation, and revenue share agreements for the lifelong learning program in collaboration with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the VDS Chief Business Officer.



+ Manages annual Lifelong Learning budget, processing expenditures, and reviewing reports. Collaborates with the VDS Office of Finance and Administration to assure financial integrity through proper recording of expenditures and procedures in accordance with university guidelines.



+ Manages day-to-day operations and administration of the program, acting as the primary purchasing agent for the program in the procurement of supplies, equipment, and entertainment using the appropriate method, i.e., departmental One Card, eProcurement, Non-PO Payment Requests, etc.



+ Maintains an understanding of university and departmental financial policies related to area such as travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting to ensure compliance and proper stewardship of university resources.



+ Assists Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and VDS faculty with production of fundraising efforts for Lifelong Learning, including major and small grant applications.





Relationship Building and Reputation





+ Leverages the unique expertise of our faculty by developing new lifelong learning courses/programs that showcase this expertise.



+ Develops and maintains ongoing relationships with professional associations and advisory committees, business, community, and industry organizations in order to identify and assess their education and training needs.



+ Establishes, maintains, and manages internal and external relationships with multiple levels of individuals and organizations to facilitate the acceptance and recognition of Divinity lifelong learning programs.



+ Serves on the Lifelong Learning Committee to lead the development and implementation of the lifelong learning program and discussions of possible new online/hybrid degree programs.



+ Serves on the Academic Programs and Assessment Committee (APAC).



+ Represents VDS Lifelong Learning at National Network events and in committees as requested by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs or Dean.





Market Research and Needs Assessment





+ Conducts regular market research and needs assessments to identify courses/programs that meet the lifelong learning needs of our target audiences.



+ Addresses gaps in learning by keeping pace with changes at local, national and international levels.



+ Defines and identifies new clients, markets or services to achieve targets and strategic objectives by identifying and assessing the educational and professional development needs of individuals or groups.





Supervisory Relationships:



This position may have supervisory responsibility over a graduate research assistant for Lifelong Learning, as needed. This position reports administratively and functionally to the Faculty Director and PI for the Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative.



Qualifications





+ A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.



+ A Master’s Degree in Theological Education (M.Div. or equivalency) from an accredited institution of higher education is strongly preferred.



+ At least three years of relatable experience is necessary.



+ At least three years of experience in higher education administration is preferred.



+ Demonstrated experience overseeing continuing education programs is preferred.



+ Demonstrated ability and experience in networking, developing, and maintaining effective collaborative relationships with university and/or non-profit community organizations is preferred.



+ Demonstrated financial and budget management skills is necessary.



+ Effective oral and written communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills is necessary.



+ Demonstrated organizational and program management skills, and ability to coordinate efforts of large constituent groups is necessary.



+ Demonstrated supervisory skills, along with the ability to engage, develop and motivate staff is preferred.



+ Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and discretion is necessary.



+ Excellent interpersonal skills, along with the ability to build consensus and work effectively with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community is necessary.



+ Intermediate computing skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), database, registration and customer relationship management software is preferred.



+ Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value is preferred.








Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.