Academic Director, Professional Studies

Penn Foster

Academic Director overseeing professional studies programs at Penn Foster Group. Driving curriculum improvement and student success in online education.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic direction and operational oversight of academic programs, ensuring alignment with workforce demands and accreditation standards. Proven ability to lead program evaluation, enhance online pedagogy, and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability among faculty and staff.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership Experience In Online EducationProgram Evaluation And Continuous ImprovementOnline Pedagogy And Instructional Best PracticesData-Driven Decision-MakingStakeholder Management Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Curriculum DesignProgram DevelopmentAccreditation CompliancePerformance MonitoringLearner Engagement Strategies

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingExcellent CommunicationCollaborationMentoringAccountability

Tools & Technologies

BrightspaceDynamic 365TableauLearning PlatformsAcademic Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Master’s Degree In Relevant DisciplinePhD Or EdD Preferred

Industry Keywords

Workforce-Aligned EducationOnline EducationQuality Assurance StandardsLearner-Centered TeachingInstitutional Initiatives

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Professional Studies portfolio.
Ensure alignment of programs with workforce demands, accreditation standards, and institutional goals.
Lead program evaluation, continuous improvement, and innovation in online pedagogy.
Identify opportunities for new program development and expansion.
Oversee curriculum design, updates, and instructional quality across all programs.
Ensure academic rigor, relevance, and alignment with industry standards.
Collaborate with instructional design teams to enhance learner experience and outcomes.
Lead, mentor, and develop faculty and academic staff.
Establish performance expectations and conduct evaluations.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and learner-centered teaching.
Monitor key performance indicators (retention, completion, satisfaction, and employment outcomes).
Implement initiatives to improve learner engagement and success.
Partner with support teams, operations, and other teams to optimize the learner journey.
Work closely with product, marketing, operations, and workforce partners.
Contribute to institutional initiatives and strategic planning.
Ensure programs meet accreditation, regulatory, and compliance requirements.
Support audits, reporting, and accreditation reviews.
Maintain documentation and processes aligned with quality assurance standards.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline required, PhD or EdD preferred
5+ years of leadership experience in online or distance education
Proven experience managing academic programs and faculty teams
Experience with career-focused or workforce-aligned education programs preferred
Strong understanding of online pedagogy and instructional best practices
Strategic thinking with operational execution capability
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Data-driven decision-making and analytical capability
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Experience with different technologies, learning platforms, and academic systems preferred, such as Brightspace, Dynamic 365, and Tableau

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical
Dental
Vision
Flexible spending
Generous paid time off
Sponsored volunteer opportunities
401K with a company match
Free access to online programs