Program Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Utah

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Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:

Grade: Professional 312Pay Range: $109,900.00 - $170,400.00

Job Description

The Senior Strategist is responsible for enhancing the educational experience for our students and stakeholders. This role leads strategic initiatives aimed at improving existing solutions and processes, fostering collaboration across teams, and driving continuous improvement in our program offerings.

Location: This position will be located in our Salt Lake City, UT office.

Job Duties

• Leads efforts to identify areas for improvement within existing solutions and processes related to program experience. Develops strategic plans to address identified gaps and enhance overall effectiveness.
• Conducts thorough analysis of current solutions and processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for optimization.
• Designs comprehensive strategies aligned with organizational goals and priorities to drive positive change and enhance program experience.
• Develops actionable plans and initiatives based on strategic objectives, ensuring clear goals, timelines, and accountability measures are in place.
• Collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, including academic departments, technology, operations, and student services, to implement strategic initiatives effectively.
• Utilizes data and analytics to inform decision-making processes and measure the impact of strategic initiatives on program experience.
• Leads change management efforts to ensure the successful implementation of strategic plans and initiatives, including stakeholder engagement, communication, and training.
• Drives a culture of continuous improvement within the Program Experience Solutions team and across the organization, fostering innovation and best practices.
• Leads the development and execution of strategic plans and projects aimed at enhancing program experience and achieving organizational objectives.
• Works with senior leaders across partner teams to align strategic priorities, share best practices, and drive collective success.
• Fosters collaboration and alignment across partner teams to ensure a unified approach to program experience enhancement and organizational goals.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

KSAs

• In-depth understanding of higher education industry trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Advanced project management skills, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Familiarity with change management principles and methodologies.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Understanding of accreditation standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices related to program development and institutional compliance.
• Proven ability to design and assess curriculum effectiveness, learning outcomes, and student engagement strategies, particularly within a Competency-based Education model.
• Proficiency in data analysis and use of relevant software tools.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing complex projects from initiation to completion.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and principles, including instructional design methodologies tailored to adult learners in diverse academic settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with academic departments, faculty members, subject matter experts, and instructional designers to develop and deliver high-quality educational programs.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure alignment with departmental goals and objectives.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation to inform program development decisions, assess program efficacy, and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Clear and concise communication skills, with the ability to articulate program objectives, outcomes, and value propositions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to explore innovative approaches to program development, incorporate emerging technologies, and adapt to evolving trends and student needs in higher education.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Education, or related field.
• 5 years of experience in strategic planning, program management, or a related field within higher education or a similar industry.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives and driving positive change within complex organizations.
• Experience developing and refining educational programs, courses, and curricula within the higher education sector.
• Experience with online learning platforms, learning management systems (LMS), and educational technologies used in online and hybrid learning environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Education, or related field.
• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration across departments.
• Experience with change management methodologies (e.g., ADKAR, Kotter's 8-Step Model).
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment, promoting equity and access in education.
• Track record of successful implementation of strategic initiatives resulting in measurable outcomes and impact.

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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.