Distance Education Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Director of Online Innovation and Development   Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)   Department:

41820 - Online - Development

  Advertised Salary: $75,000 - $82,000. Salary commensurate with education, experiences and other requirements.   Benefits:

Comprehensive benefits package (health care, vacation, etc.). Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Admin / Admin Temp Benefit Plans

  FLSA: Exempt   Temporary/Continuing:  Continuing   Part-Time/Full-Time: Full-Time   Union Group: N/A   Term of Position: 12 Month   At Will/Just Cause: At Will   Summary of Position: The Director of Online Innovation and Development leads institutional efforts to advance the development, expansion, and operational success of online academic programs. This role partners closely with colleges and academic departments to design and implement administrative structures, operational processes, and student support frameworks necessary for high-quality online program delivery.
The Director works with academic leadership to identify opportunities for innovation in online program models, student support strategies, and program delivery structures that improve access, flexibility, and student success. This position focuses on program-level strategy, operational infrastructure, and the overall student experience in online programs.
The anticipated start date for this position is May 2026. However, this is an estimated date and can be revised if needed.   Position Type: Staff   Required Education: Master's degree in higher education, organizational leadership, instructional design, educational technology, or a closely related field.   Required Work Experience: Five years of full-time professional experience demonstrating project management and strategic planning. Experience supervising staff and leading collaborative teams. Experience supporting the development, implementation, or administration of online or distance education programs, including experience teaching in an online environment.   Required Licenses and Certifications:     Physical Demands:

• Office Environment

  Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: Doctoral degree in higher education administration, instructional technology, or related field.   Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Online Program Innovation and Development
Partner with colleges and academic departments to support the development, expansion, and advancement of online academic programs.
Identify innovative approaches to program structure, scheduling, and delivery that improve access and flexibility for online learners.
Guide academic units through institutional processes related to launching or expanding online programs.
Support colleges in evaluating opportunities for new online programs aligned with institutional priorities and student demand.
Program Operations and Infrastructure
Assist colleges in designing the operational structures necessary to support online program delivery, including enrollment processes, advising models, scheduling, and student support services.
Work collaboratively with campus partners, including Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Advising, and Student Affairs, to ensure effective support systems for online students.
Support the development of clear program pathways and course rotations that enable timely progression and completion for online learners.
Cross-Campus Collaboration
Serve as a liaison between academic colleges and administrative units to ensure coordinated support for online programs.
Coordinate cross-functional efforts that support the successful implementation and operation of online programs.
Facilitate communication across units involved in the development and delivery of online programs.
Program Implementation and Continuous Improvement
Coordinate operational readiness for the launch of new online programs.
Identify systemic barriers affecting online students and work with campus partners to implement solutions.
Monitor the effectiveness of online program operations and recommend improvements that enhance student experience and program sustainability.
Institutional Strategy and Initiatives
Contribute to institutional planning and strategy related to online and distance education.
Identify opportunities for innovation in program delivery models and student support for online learners.
Support cross-functional initiatives that advance the university's online education portfolio.
Administrative Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with University policies and applicable laws.
Responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of designated information.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.   Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to areas of responsibility.
Serve and/or chair various University and community committees.   Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and administrative leaders.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, program development, and assessment.
Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to guide complex initiatives from planning through implementation.
Ability to coordinate cross-functional efforts and work collaboratively across organizational units.
Excellent written, presentation, and public speaking skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and function effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse backgrounds, including cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and life experiences.   Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Unofficial Transcript 1

  Optional Documents:     Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of master's degree.
Transcript must include institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.   Initial Application Review Date:
May 4, 2026   Open Until Position is Filled?: Yes   Posting Close Date:
    EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.     Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.