Aspen Group, Inc is an education technology holding company that leverages its infrastructure and expertise to allow its two universities, Aspen University and United States University, to deliver on the vision of making college accessible and affordable.

United States University is looking for an experienced Program Director to join the College of Education.

The Program Director provides leadership, operational management, and oversight of daily administrative functions for designated programs under the guidance of the Dean of the College of Education. Specifically, the Program Director for Teacher Credentialing is responsible for planning, organizing, and supervising credentialing programs to ensure alignment with educational goals, accreditation standards, and program review requirements. In addition, the Program Director plays a key role in the recruitment, supervision, and evaluation of faculty, supporting those who advance the mission of the University. This includes mentoring and motivating faculty, advising students, delivering classroom instruction, evaluating student performance, and guiding students toward successful program completion. The Program Director also fosters and models effective teaching practices that promote academic excellence.

Duties/Responsibilities

Teaching and Advising

• Effectively facilitate learning and learner development through regular and substantive interaction.
• Participate in curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation in the discipline.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise standards for the progression, retention, and graduation of students.
• Use both disciplinary and institutional assessment and evaluation strategies to ensure student success and alignment with credentialing requirements.
• Evaluate program outcomes such as key performance indicators and learning outcome results.
• Leading program improvement efforts, including active contribution to and participation in the Educational Effectiveness program, academic program review, and annual student learning assessments; leading the improvement of curriculum to ensure that student needs and learning objectives are met and maintain alignment with all accreditation requirements.
• Outreach to community and prospective students.

Governance

• Providing leadership to program faculty, particularly in modeling and ensuring adherence to program, college, and University policies and decisions.
• Work with Dean to select adjunct faculty for teaching in the program.
• Participation in Shared Governance activities including developing, updating, and disseminating any program-unique policies and procedures necessary to ensure both program excellence and compliance with College and University policies and procedures.
• Maintaining selected programmatic accreditations and certifications.
• Maintaining a climate that promotes creativity and intellectual innovation.
• Other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

The above functions are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job. This is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Education and Experience

• A Master’s degree is required; a terminal degree (e.g., Ed.D., Ph.D.) is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in higher education, preferably in an online environment.
• Demonstrated experience in online teaching and the effective use of academic technology.
• Familiarity with distance learning platforms and best practices in virtual instruction.
• Experience with accreditation processes for teacher education programs, preferably with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) or equivalent state agencies.
• Possession of a clear teaching credential-preferably from California-or eligibility to obtain a California teaching credential.

Skills and Abilities

Leadership and Strategic Management

• Proven experience in leading and managing teams, projects, and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans and objectives aligned with institutional goals.
• Ability to think and operate both tactically and strategically to meet the university’s operational and financial needs.
• Strong time management and organizational skills in a dynamic, fast paced, and constantly evolving environment.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks and projects while maintaining high standards of quality and accountability.

Knowledge and Institutional Alignment

• Broad understanding of the philosophy and mission of the University.
• In-depth knowledge of teacher credential standards and requirements in California and Arizona.
• Familiarity with accreditation processes and institutional program review. Preference given to those who have experience with WASC, CTC, or ADE.

Communication and Interpersonal Effectiveness

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Ability to establish and maintain constructive working relationships and a high level of professional integrity.

Problem Solving and Analytical Skills

• Effective analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Capacity to assess complex situations, analyze data, and implement appropriate solutions.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement and quality outcomes.

Flexibility and Commitment

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and institutional needs.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for events such as graduation ceremonies, data summits, and accreditation site visits.

Work Environment

The essential functions of the job are usually performed in an environmentally controlled facility where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position may involve working in a combination of environments and may require travel. While performing the job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus. The work environment and physical demands described are representative of those required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

At Aspen Group Inc., we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and our community. Aspen Group inc., is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.