Jobs at Member Institutions & APLU

The Division of Educational Ventures at Oregon State University (OSU) is a growing, innovative, and collaborative organization with a commitment to providing high-quality online education. The division extends OSU’s exceptional learning experiences including microcredentials, certificates, and degrees available to students throughout Oregon and around the world.

The division includes Ecampus, offering over 100 online and hybrid degree programs; the Ecampus Research Unit (ECRU), conducting and supporting original research in online teaching and learning; the Corporate and Workforce Education Unit (CWE), creating pathways for learners employed by partners in business and government; the Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE), providing workforce development for the outdoor recreation industry; the Open Educational Resources Unit (OER), aiding faculty in adopting open course materials; and the Alternative Credential Unit (ACU), developing short-form educational opportunities

The Division of Educational Ventures (DEV) is a leader in national online education, our online bachelor’s program is currently ranked in the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and has ranked in the top 10 for nine consecutive years.

The Director of Alternative Credentials is a full-time (1.0 FTE), professional faculty position for Educational Ventures at OSU. DEV currently operates on a hybrid schedule. Tuesdays and Thursdays are designated in-office days, as well as additional days as needed.

Position Summary:

The Director of Alternative Credentials, under the leadership of the Executive Director of Academic Programs and Learning Innovation, is a leadership role within the Division of Educational Ventures at Oregon State University. This position will be responsible for driving the development, implementation, and management of innovative alternative credential programs, including microcredentials, credit for prior learning, noncredit to credit pathways, and/or other emerging forms of alternative credentials. The Director will collaborate closely with academic affairs, faculty, staff, and partners across the university, particularly within the Division of Educational Ventures and Ecampus, to enhance educational pathways and expand access to high-quality learning experiences.

Oregon State University and the Division of Educational Ventures maintain and enhance a collaborative and inclusive community that is dedicated to equity and equal opportunity. All employees of this division are responsible for ensuring that these commitments are achieved. This position supports these goals directly by developing educational programs that meet the needs of diverse learners in collaboration with diverse partners.

Key Responsibilities Include:

30% Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Develop a comprehensive strategy for the creation and growth of alternative credential programs that align with the university’s mission and goals, creating value for students and the institution.
• Provide visionary leadership and collaborate with key partners to set the direction for alternative credential initiatives.
• Execute plans to provide accessible and affordable pathways for learners while increasing revenue for the university.

25% Program Development

• Oversee the ideation, design, and development of diverse alternative credentials that address the needs of a wide range of learners and industries.
• Collaborate with academic affairs, faculty, subject matter experts, and instructional designers to ensure the quality, rigor, and relevance of alternative credential programs.
• Contribute to the development of policies that support new program and credential types.

25% Partnerships and Collaboration

• Cultivate partnerships within a context of shared governance with Academic partners, external organizations, industries, and educational institutions to enhance the credibility and value of alternative credentials.
• Collaborate closely with the Ecampus team to align alternative credential initiatives with online education strategies and initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Division marketing team on the creation of compelling content that highlights the benefits and outcomes of alternative credentials.
• Collaborates across units within the division and with other OSU units, such as the Offices of the Registrar and Curricular Management, regarding policies and systems to support new educational opportunities.
• Influences prospective partners to encourage collaboration and innovation.

15% Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement

• Establish benchmarks and goals for the unit using data from competing educational program providers.
• Collect and analyze data related to enrollment and learner outcomes, program effectiveness, and industry relevance to inform ongoing program enhancements.
• Implement a continuous improvement cycle to refine and adapt alternative credential programs based on feedback and data insights.

5% Professional Development and Service

• Contribute to ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion as part of assigned duties and/or services by the intentional examination of systemic policies and practices that, even if they have the appearance of fairness, may in effect serve to marginalize some and perpetuate disparities.
• Review relevant literature and attend professional meetings and conferences to inform strategic planning and evidence-based decisions. Shares knowledge and expertise with colleagues, networks and presents at conferences and professional association meetings.
• Keep informed about changing laws, rules, and regulations regarding the delivery of alternative credentials in Oregon and beyond.
• Communicate the division’s work within the division and university and external colleagues with reports, presentations, and other professional communications.
• Provides service to both the unit and university by working on departmental, division, university, regional and national committees and projects.

For more information and details please go to https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/145403

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in the field of education, business, communications, or related field
• At least five years of higher education leadership experience, in colleges or universities, and/or in higher education adjacent industries.
• At least five years of program development experience or curriculum development experience
• Outstanding professional and persuasive communication skills (writing, document design, speaking)
• Experience navigating complex and nuanced situations, leveraging creativity and adaptability to find innovative solutions.
• Foundational knowledge about topics relevant to the alternative credentials and credit-for-prior learning landscape.
• Experience working effectively with cross-unit or cross-functional teams, including individuals who are not direct-reports.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with alternative credentials
• Experience or familiarity with workforce development
• Experience with professional education programs
• Experience writing grant proposals and/or administering grants
• Experience working with student success outcomes

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. 

Benefits: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Vacation leave (15 hours/month), sick leave (8 hours/month), and 10 paid holidays (+1 Special Day).
• Professional development opportunities

• Cell phone provider discounts available at AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile/Sprint

• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Summary of Benefits: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee

• Total Rewards Package Calculator – https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator

Pay range: The anticipated starting salary is $100,000 – $110,000. The starting salary will be commensurate with education, skills, experience and internal equity.

Work environment:

• Ecampus currently operates on a hybrid schedule, Tuesdays and Thursdays are designated in-office days as well as additional days as needed.
• Typical office environment.
• This position may require travel.
• This position may require working events after hours or on the weekends.

How to apply: If you are excited about the opportunity to work with a mission-driven organization please submit an application using the link – https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/145403 Posting #P07436UF

Closing date: 11/13/2023