Director of Online Program Development & Support (4503)

Position Information

Posting Detail Information

Working Position Title Director of Online Program Development & Support (4503) Classification Director Position Number 00004503 Open Date 05/07/2026 Close Date Priority Review Date 06/05/2026 Employee Class Staff Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time FTE 1.00 Position Status Regular FLSA Exempt Job code 1330SPS03 Union Representation Non-Union Union Code N/A Unit/Department Ctr for Innov Teach & Learn College/Unit Ctr for Innov Teach & Learn Division Academic Division Location AC 110 Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page https://citl.niu.edu/jobs

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

The Director of Online Program Development and Support is a key member of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) leadership team, providing strategic leadership for online program development, instructional design, and faculty support services. Reporting to the Associate Vice Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Digital Education, this individual leads and coordinates efforts to design, develop, and sustain high-quality online and hybrid programs and courses.

This role provides vision and direction for instructional design and development initiatives that support faculty, teaching staff, and graduate teaching assistants across all course modalities, with a particular emphasis on advancing fully online programs, expanding access for adult and returning learners, and integrating emerging technologies into teaching and learning. The Director works collaboratively with academic departments and institutional partners to align program development efforts with university priorities related to enrollment growth, student success, and innovation in teaching and learning.

About CITL

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning's provides comprehensive services supporting excellent teaching and learning at Northern Illinois University.

Vision

The Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning's vision is to be a catalyst for transformative learning experiences for faculty and students.

Functions

The major functions of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning are as follows:

• Coordinate, develop, and deliver professional development for faculty, instructors, teaching assistants, and other teaching staff, addressing teaching excellence, online pedagogy, and technology integration.
• Conduct individual and group consultations for teaching staff-faculty, instructors, TAs-focused on course design (face-to-face and online), technology integration, and effective teaching strategies.
• Provide leadership, service, and support for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of online programs and courses, ensuring alignment with quality standards and student-centred design.
• Partner with academic units to guide the development of new online programs, promote flexible learning pathways, expand access, and support institutional enrollment goals.
• Support student success in online learning contexts by collaborating campus-wide to remove barriers, anticipate learner needs, ensure equitable access, and create virtual spaces of belonging for online students.
• Connect faculty, staff, and academic units to broader university resources and support, including instructional technology, student services, enrollment management, and and other support offices to enable a seamless teaching and learning experience.
• Create, curate, and disseminate resources and toolkits on effective teaching, online learning best practices, technology integration, inclusive pedagogy, and the student online-learning experience.
• Engage with the university at-large as a resource and partner, serving as a strategic leader in teaching innovation, online learning, faculty concerns, institutional policy, and community-building for learners and instructors alike.
• Monitor emerging trends, champion innovation, and lead anticipatory guidance in online teaching and learning-ensuring CITL and NIU remain responsive, forward-looking, and inclusive in digital education environments.

Position Summary

The Director of Online Program Development and Support provides strategic leadership for the development, launch, and continuous improvement of NIU's online academic programs. This role leads end-to-end program development efforts, working in close partnership with colleges, departments, and institutional leadership to design high-quality, market-responsive, and student-centered online programs. As part of Academic Affairs and CITL, the Director plays a central role in advancing NIU's online growth strategy, supporting adult and returning learners, and ensuring alignment between program design, workforce needs, and institutional priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Development

• Lead the end-to-end development of new online programs, from concept through launch and evaluation
• Partner with academic colleges and departments to identify, prioritize, and advance online program opportunities aligned with market demand and institutional goals
• Ensure online programs are designed to meet the needs of adult, transfer, and returning learners, with a focus on flexibility, accessibility, and career relevance
• Provide strategic oversight and accountability for program timelines, quality, and successful implementation
• Contribute to the institutional strategy related to online portfolio growth and competitive positioning

Program Design, Quality, & Innovation

• Guide program-level instructional design approaches that ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with best practices in online learning
• Lead development and scaling of fully online general education offerings and other high-impact program initiatives
• Integrate evidence-based practices in online pedagogy, student engagement, and learning technologies
• Promote innovation in program structure, delivery models, and credential design (e.g., stackable credentials, alternative pathways)
• Ensure alignment with institutional policies, accreditation standards, and quality frameworks

Collaboration & Partnership Development

• Serve as a primary liaison between CITL and academic units for online program development initiatives
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications (EMMC) as well as the Office of Online Learning to align program development with recruitment and marketing strategies
• Partner with institutional stakeholders (e.g., advising, student support services, institutional research) to ensure holistic program design and student success

Operations, Project Management & Team Leadership

• Oversee project management for online program development initiatives, ensuring coordination across multiple stakeholders and timelines
• Provide leadership and direction to instructional design and development staff involved in program development
• Allocate resources effectively to support program design, development, and implementation efforts
• Monitor progress and remove barriers to ensure timely program launches

Assessment, Data, & Continuous Improvement

• Establish metrics and processes to evaluate program performance, including enrollment, retention, and student outcomes
• Utilize data and market insights to inform program development decisions and continuous improvement efforts
• Prepare reports and recommendations for academic and institutional leadership
• Support alignment with institutional assessment, accreditation, and accountability expectations

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

N/A

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

N/A

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in higher education, including online learning, instructional design, academic program development, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, cross-functional projects or initiatives.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills across academic and administrative units.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Knowledge of trends in online education, adult learning, and higher education innovation.

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Doctorate in Higher Education, Instructional Design, Business, or a related field is highly preferred.
• Experience leading online program development at the program or institutional level.
• Familiarity with market analysis tools and enrollment strategy for academic programs.
• Experience supporting adult, transfer, or nontraditional student populations.
• Demonstrated success in scaling online or hybrid academic offerings.
• Knowledge of quality assurance frameworks (e.g., OLC Scorecard, Quality Matters).
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive higher education environment.

Physical demands/requirements

• Regular office-related duties
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Using computer/electronic equipment for extended periods of time
• Occasional lifting and moving items weighing up to 25 lbs.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date July 1, 2026 Anticipated Appointment End Date Percent of Staff Year 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week 37.50 Working Hours M-F, 8am-4:30pm Salary $100,000.08 - $110,000.16/Annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range $4,166.67 - $4,583.34/Semi-monthly Earn Type Salary

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

Application Procedure

For full consideration, please visit https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92096 to submit the following materials by June 5, 2026:

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter - Please include your interest in employment with NIU and how your previous experiences position you for success in the role for which you are applying.
• Current Resume
• List of Three Professional References
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)

Applications submitted after June 5, 2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

Special Instructions Quick Link to Applicant https://employment.niu.edu/postings/92096 Is Background Check Required? Yes EEO Statement Summary

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

Visa Policy

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person's disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form. For further assistance, please contact the office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) at ada@niu.edu.

Safety Information

NIU provides annual reports on campus security and fire safety.

Read the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

Contact the Ethics and Compliance Office at 815-753-9364 for a hard copy.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial with official required at hire)
• List of at least 3 Professional References

Optional Documents

• Military Discharge Documents ONLY (DD214/DD215/NGB22/DD256)
• Other

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).