Tufts University

Program Director, Pathways Programs

Tufts University • $108K — $162K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a relevant area
  • 7-10 years of related experience in higher education
  • Significant experience in developing and managing experiential learning or client-based academic programs
  • Advanced knowledge in program subject matter
  • Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills
  • Commitment to inclusive and impactful learning experiences

Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic oversight for Pathways programs
  • Lead market research and design portfolio strategy
  • Develop instructional materials aligned with pedagogical best practices
  • Manage the full lifecycle of portfolio programs
  • Oversee student services including admissions and academic progress
  • Develop reporting mechanisms and analyze program data
  • Identify opportunities for program improvement and expansion

Benefits

  • Initial funding for one year with strong possibility for renewal
  • Collaborative work environment with faculty and community partners
  • Opportunity to lead innovative academic offerings
  • Engagement in meaningful alumni initiatives
  • Access to professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
What You'll Do

The Program Director provides strategic oversight and leadership across all phases of the school's new and developing Pathways programs. With a strong foundation in adult education and experience with innovative academic offerings, the Program Director will oversee the development, expansion, and evaluation of current and new programming. This role will lead recruitment efforts, support alumni engagement, and foster collaborations across faculty, students, and community partners for this portfolio of programs.

  • Provides and applies advanced, specialized subject matter knowledge to develop, implement, supervise, and evaluate the programs within their portfolio.
    • Lead market research efforts and design a portfolio strategy that aligns with findings
    • Works closely with marketing and communications team to maintain a dynamic, student-facing web platform to promote the programs within their portfolio.
    • Develops instructional materials, ensuring alignment with the school's strategy and pedagogical best practices.
    • Manages the full lifecycle of the portfolio programs from design through evaluation, including space logistics, technology needs, and participant communications.
    • Prepares scopes of work, timelines, and deliverable summaries for assigned programs.
    • Develops, designs, writes, updates, revises, and adapts existing curricula (standardized and non-standardized) to fit the skill and knowledge of the learners.
    • Applies best practices in adult learning, instructional design, accessibility, and culturally-responsiveness throughout curriculum development.
    • Stays abreast of state and federal best practices in adult learning theory and implementation.
    • Evaluates curriculum design and implementation.
    • Leads meetings with both internal and external partners.
  • Oversees student services including admissions, registration, and student academic progress, providing advice and counsel to students about program options and requirements.
    • Partners with student services, academic advisors, and career services to promote opportunities and integrate them into students' academic planning.
    • Leads outreach, recruitment, and selection efforts for participants to assigned programs.
    • Drives alumni engagement initiatives
    • Supports faculty and learners to ensure academic alignment and meaningful student experiences.
  • Data Management, Reporting and Program evaluation
    • Develops reporting mechanisms and dashboards to inform decisions.
    • Collects and analyzes qualitative and quantitative data related to program implementation and program outcomes. - Monitor performance, enrollment trends, and program effectiveness.
    • Maintain UC's customer relationship management system, including data entry and contact management.
    • Conducts research, creates reports and results. Presents information and results to school leadership.
  • Identifies and implements opportunities for program improvement and expansion.
  • Oversees hiring and training of staff, evaluates workflow and productivity and conducts employee performance reviews.
  • Manages and analyzes budgets and prepares reports and projections. Writes grants and proposals for new funding opportunities or continued support.
  • Partners with relevant colleagues on marketing, advertising, and external relations. Collaborates with marketing/communications team on content and maintenance of website and designs and evaluates social media strategy.


What We're Looking For

Please note this role is initially funded for one year with a strong possibility for renewal.

Basic Requirements:
Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:
  • Master's degree in a relevant area.
  • 7-10 years of related experience, including experience in higher education.
  • Significant experience developing and managing experiential learning, applied research, or client-based academic programs, ideally in a higher education setting.
  • Advanced knowledge and experience in related program subject matter.
  • Advanced organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent initiatives and meet deadlines.
  • Commitment to advancing academically rigorous, inclusive, and impactful learning experiences
  • Strong project management, organizational, and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, senior leadership, students, and external partners.
  • Comfort using digital learning platforms, maintaining program websites, or supporting virtual learning environments.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, plan and launch new educational programs.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Background in pathway or pipeline programs that connect learners with relevant education and career building offerings.
  • Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing program-related data in educational settings.


Pay Range

Minimum $108,200.00, Midpoint $135,300.00, Maximum $162,400.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.

About Tufts University

Tufts University is a private research university in Massachusetts that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, and law. The university has several campuses throughout Massachusetts and a campus in France. Tufts was founded in 1852 and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The university is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment and to conducting research that addresses global challenges.
Learn more about Tufts University
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