Manager – Program Planning, Assessment & Development

Universities of Wisconsin

. Advance OPLR-supported distance education program quality and growth through program assessments and new program planning and development .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $85,000 - $96,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program development, assessment, and management within higher education, with a strong focus on online and continuing education. Proven ability to cultivate relationships, lead teams, and navigate compliance and accreditation processes effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentData AnalysisProject ManagementStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program AssessmentOnline Education ManagementBudget ManagementResearch MethodologiesNeeds AnalysisViability AssessmentCurriculum PlanningGovernance DocumentationCompliance KnowledgeCompetency-Based Education

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsCustomer ServiceProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsRelationship Building

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationShared GovernanceAccreditationEmerging TrendsMarket Relevance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Advance OPLR-supported distance education program quality and growth through program assessments and new program planning and development
Identify programmatic needs and coordinate OPLR resources with campus expertise
Oversee program development in collaboration with the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programming
Cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders to shape educational offerings
Monitor emerging educational trends and conduct needs analysis and viability assessments
Assess existing programs for market relevance, financial viability, and improvements
Collaborate with faculty, industry representatives, subject matter experts, campus partners, and Program Managers on online curriculum development
Develop and manage timelines for curriculum development and program approvals
Conduct opportunity research and develop new program concept proposals
Lead custom research projects and qualitative research, including focus groups and key informant interviews
Facilitate curriculum development, revision, program approval, and launch processes
Document curriculum planning and research outcomes and draft governance and accreditor approval documents
Present program and budget details to governance groups and assist with data collection
Develop and monitor complex budgets and maintain compliance around partnership models
Serve as lead on internal and external teams, projects, and committees
Provide interim program management support and assist in hiring new program managers
Report to the Senior Director for Academic Partnerships and Programming
May supervise personnel in the future

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
At least four years of experience working in or with higher educational institutions
Experience in planning, development, assessment, implementation or management of online, continuing education, and/or professional development programs
Strong entrepreneurial and leadership skills
Strong customer service and relationship building
Excellent problem-solving skills
Exceptional organizational and project management skills
Strong research and data analysis skills
In-depth knowledge of best practices, emerging trends, and competitive market landscape in higher education
Master’s degree preferred
Experience as higher education faculty or administrator preferred
Experience operating within a shared governance environment preferred
Familiarity with federal/state compliance issues and accreditors preferred
Familiarity with competency-based education and CBE curricular and regulatory expectations preferred
Experience developing complex revenue and budget models and managing budgets preferred
Ability to motivate stakeholders and guide teams toward goals and outcomes
Ability to analyze situations, identify problems and formulate creative solutions
Ability to adapt quickly to change and learn from stakeholders and partners
Ability to articulate complex ideas accessibly and engage stakeholders toward a shared vision
Ability to foster collaborative relationships, engage stakeholders, and resolve conflicts
Eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
Resume and cover letter required in PDF format

Benefits

Comp & perks

Full-time salaried (exempt) academic staff position
Option to work remaining days off-site/remote after one in-office day per week
Excellent benefits package
Health and retirement contributions information provided
Accommodation support for applicants with disabilities
Confidentiality for applicants who request it in writing