Western Governors University

Vice President, Dean – School of Business

Western Governors University$120K — $180K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of ten years of relevant experience in higher education or related fields.
  • At least five years in senior leadership roles focused on program design and management.
  • Extensive experience in online program development and adapting to rapid changes in the education sector.
  • Recognized expertise in industry trends and educational advancements.

Responsibilities

  • Manage budget and financial performance, ensuring program growth and efficiency.
  • Use data-driven insights to enhance program quality and boost student engagement.
  • Lead development of competency-based programs that meet industry demands.
  • Cultivate partnerships with employers and industry leaders to aid student career opportunities.
  • Foster collaboration across teams to support shared goals and leverage expertise.
  • Strategically address challenges in dynamic environments to optimize program impact.
  • Encourage a culture of continuous improvement through data and experimentation.

Benefits

  • Eligibility for bonuses and comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Flexible paid time off with no accrual necessary and 11 paid holidays annually.
  • Access to a retirement savings plan and various supplemental coverage options.
  • Discounted tuition for employees pursuing further education at WGU.
  • Support for mental health and well-being through dedicated programs and resources.
Full Job Description
Job Description The Vice President and Dean of the School of Business is an academic and operational leader dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes and student success across a diverse, competency-based portfolio. In collaboration with WGU’s cross-functional teams, this role holds end-to-end responsibility for the creation, expansion, and ownership of market-relevant programs, cultivating industry partnerships, and implementing strategies that drive student progress, retention, completion, and career success. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to design, build, and scale programs that align with student and industry needs, driving both educational and employment outcomes.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:


P&L Ownership: Manage budget and financial performance, ensuring program growth and efficiency.
Student Success & Retention: Maintain a strong outcomes orientation, using data-driven insights to improve program quality and enhance student engagement.
Program Development & Market Relevance: Lead the creation of competency-based programs that respond to industry demands and maximize student career outcomes.
Strategic Partnerships: Develop and sustain partnerships with employers and industry leaders to enhance program visibility and connect students with career opportunities.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Drive collaboration with WGU’s shared service teams to support program goals and leverage diverse expertise.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Thrive in dynamic, matrixed environments, using strategic thinking to address challenges and optimize program impact.
Organizational Learning: Foster a culture of continuous improvement, using data and experimentation to refine program delivery and outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Student-Centered Approach: Deep understanding of student learning needs, with a focus on designing supportive, market-aligned educational experiences.
Industry Leadership: Recognized expertise in relevant industry trends and educational advancements, positioning you as a credible voice in external partnerships.
Strategic Influence & Collaboration: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, influence decisions, and build strong internal and external relationships.
Change Leadership: Embraces innovation and drives transformation to keep pace with industry and educational advancements.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Skilled in using data to guide program improvements, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Executive Communication: Communicates effectively across all levels, using clear and impactful storytelling to engage stakeholders and present ideas persuasively.

Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
Ten (10) years of relevant experience, with five (5) years in senior leadership roles involving program design, team management, and scaling educational initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications:
Doctorate in a relevant field.
Extensive experience in higher education, online program development, or rapidly evolving organizational contexts.
Proven success in leading change and structuring complex, dynamic programs.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to lift up to 15 pounds occasionally.

This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 with a mission to expand access to higher education. WGU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, and healthcare. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been recognized by the White House as an example of excellence in education innovation. WGU has a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their coursework at their own pace based on their mastery of the material.
Learn more about Western Governors University
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