Associate Director Programs Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Position Title:
Continuing Education Associate Director
Job Category:
Limited
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Cont Edu Prog Dir
Job Duties:
Key Job Responsibilities:

• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

• Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups advising and providing continuing education information and representing the interests of the unit

• Directs strategic planning initiatives and establishes unit objectives to ensure appropriate use of financial, administrative, and staffing resources, and alignment with the strategic plan

• Develops and audits the unit budget

• Develops operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives

Department:
School of Continuing Education CASL
Job Details:
The Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is the unified hub for lifelong learning and instructional excellence, dedicated to making a high-quality UWM education available to anyone, anywhere, at any time. We champion flexible, student-centered approaches that allow learners to move seamlessly across educational experiences-from youth programming and degree-seeking pathways to professional upskilling in continuing education. By partnering with instructors to design inclusive, technology-driven learning environments, CASL ensures that innovative learning extends beyond the traditional classroom. Join us in our mission to support educators and empower learners at every stage of their journey, providing the resources necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital and global landscape. Through strong community and employer partnerships, responsive support, and a commitment to continuous improvement, CASL works to cultivate a teaching and learning environment where all students can thrive.
Job Summary:
As a strategic leader within the Center for Advancing Student Learning (CASL), you will oversee the operational and personnel of continuing education. This pivotal role ensures the seamless integration of lifelong learning with CASL's broader portfolio, including academic programs, teaching initiatives, business development, and educational technology. You will be responsible for fostering innovation in workforce alignment and professional development, specifically
expanding access for working adults and non-traditional learners. By strengthening both internal and external community and employer partnerships, you will advance a cohesive vision that bridges the gap between credit and non-credit pathways, ensuring our offerings remain responsive to evolving industry needs.
Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of key strategies and initiatives that integrate continuing education across CASL's functional areas to enhance learning, access, and institutional impact.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and institutional initiatives related to lifelong learning.
• Supervise and manage staff, project teams, and program coordinators/managers.
• Identify emerging educational needs and workforce trends to guide program growth and innovation.
• Position the unit as a key contributor to institutional enrollment, revenue diversification, and community impact while fostering a collaborative, supportive, and innovative team environment.

Continuing Education & Program Development:

• Oversee the development, coordination, and evaluation of continuing education and non-credit programs.
• Facilitate pathways between non-credit and credit-bearing programs, including stackable credentials, workforce-aligned offerings, micro-credentials, and credit for prior learning.
• Advance collaboration with academic departments to design programs responsive to community and employer needs.
• Work closely with business development staff to identify new markets, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, employers, and public agencies to expand workforce-relevant programming

Operations and Administration

• Assist in managing budgets, contracts, and resource allocation across continuing education program areas.
• Support the development of sustainable financial models, including grant, partnerships, and fee-based programming
• Ensure compliance with institutional, federal, and state policies, and relevant regulations.
• Collaborate with marketing and registration teams to develop outreach strategies to help strengthen the unit's visibility and reputation locally and regionally.
• Use data, including labor market data, to inform decision-making and continuous improvement across program areas.

Work will be performed primarily onsite.
Compensation:
$115,000-130,000/annually. Salary will be determined by finalist's experience, training, education, and equity-based factors.
Required Qualifications:
1. Master's degree in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
2. Minimum of 4-6 years of relevant supervisory experience in continuing education, adult learning, workforce development, or a related area.
3. Demonstrated leadership in program development, budgeting, and team management.
4. Demonstrated experience working across functional areas or leading collaborative initiatives.
5. Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
6.Knowledge of labor market trends and employer engagement strategies.
7. Experience managing budgets or revenue-generating programs.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. PhD in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
2.Experience with workforce development, employer partnerships, or business development.
3. Experience in a public, urban research university.
4. Familiarity with online and hybrid learning modalities.
5.Track record of securing grants or developing revenue-generating programs.
Education:
Master's degree in higher education, public administration, business, or a related field.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants please apply online and provide both a resume and cover letter for consideration. Please apply no later than August 8, 2026
Contact Information:
Any questions please reach out to Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu.
Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.