Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, workforce development, or related field.
5 years of leadership experience in education or related domains.
Experience managing resources and delivering outcomes in complex program portfolios.
Strong analytical and communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across organizations and stakeholder groups.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic oversight to ensure effective functioning of programs and resources.
Lead implementation and continuous improvement of programs.
Translate data and feedback into program-level decisions.
Ensure programs are inclusive and responsive to learner needs.
Establish and monitor success metrics for program impact and quality.
Identify opportunities to adapt programs within strategic frameworks.
Manage budgets and resource allocation effectively.
Benefits
Access to comprehensive healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Employee assistance programs for mental health support.
Retirement savings plans with employer contributions.
Generous vacation and paid leave policies.
Continuous learning opportunities and professional development resources.
Full Job Description
Job Description
The Director leads a major program portfolio within UW Continuum College and is responsible for ensuring that programs, people, resources, and operational processes function effectively, predictably, and at scale to achieve defined outcomes. Working within UW and Continuum College strategy, the Director provides strategic leadership for portfolio level planning, execution, and continuous improvement; leads and develops professional staff; and ensures that programs deliver meaningful value to learners, partners, and the University.
This role manages managers and senior professionals, oversees budgets and planning cycles, and works collaboratively across Continuum College and the broader UW community. The Director serves as a key leader in translating strategic priorities into high-quality, scalable educational offerings.
Key Responsibilities
PORTFOLIO STRATEGY AND OVERSIGHT 55%
Provide strategic oversight to ensure that programs, people, resources, and operational processes function effectively, predictably, and at scale to achieve defined outcomes.
Lead the implementation, scaling, and continuous improvement of programs within the assigned portfolio in alignment with Continuum College and UW priorities.
Translate data, feedback, and performance measures into program-level decisions and refinements.
Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to learner needs and the communities they serve.
Establish and monitor metrics related to participation, outcomes, quality, and impact.
Identify opportunities to pilot, scale, or adapt programs within established strategic frameworks.
STAFF LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT 25%
Provide strategic leadership and people management for programs and initiatives, including direct and indirect supervision of staff.
Hire, onboard, and mentor staff, providing opportunities for continued learning and skill development to support success in current roles and readiness for new challenges.
Manage budgets, planning cycles, and resource allocation across the assigned portfolio.
EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION 20%
Build and sustain partnerships relevant to the assigned portfolio, including faculty, community organizations, employers, public agencies, or other UW units.
Collaborate with partners to ensure offerings remain current, relevant, and mission aligned.
Represent UW Continuum College programs in portfolio relevant regional or national settings, as appropriate.
REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Minimum qualifications:
Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.
Bachelor's degree in education, public policy, workforce development, or related field.
5 years of leadership experience in education, professional learning, workforce programs, or related domains.
Experience leading teams, managing resources, and delivering outcomes within complex program portfolios.
Strong analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
Experience working collaboratively across organizations and stakeholder groups.
Program Portfolios Currently Hiring
Applicants may be considered for the following portfolios based on background, experience, and organizational needs.
Credential Readiness Programs
Focuses on strengthening academic readiness and expanding equitable onramps into postsecondary education. This portfolio includes programs such as UW in the High School, Youth & Teen initiatives, adult re-entry pathways, and bridge programs that prepare learners for successful entry into certificate and degree programs.
Lifelong Learning Programs
Centers on public-facing, non-credential learning that translates UW research and expertise into accessible learning experiences. This portfolio includes lifelong learning institutes, research translation initiatives, community-based learning models, and digital learning formats that support wellbeing, civic engagement, and intellectual connection across the lifespan.
Workforce Programs
Advances workforce-aligned education through short-form credentials, certificates, and applied learning experiences in high-demand fields. This portfolio partners with employers and industry stakeholders to ensure programs respond to labor market needs and support upskilling, reskilling, and career advancement.
Final portfolio assignments will be based on candidate experience and organizational priorities.
UW Continuum College (Continuum) expands the reach of the University of Washington with programs like UW Professional & Continuing Education, International & English Language Programs, Youth & Teen Programs, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the UW that meet the needs of various learners at all phases of their lives. We are focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. As a diverse community that values inclusivity and collaboration, we foster a respectful, supportive workplace where innovation comes to life. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we're creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum: $120,000.00 annual Pay Range Maximum: $120,000.00 annual Other Compensation:
Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/ Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00% Union/Bargaining Unit: Not Applicable
