Executive Director Washington, DC - USA -

Posted: Tuesday September 08, 2009
Organization American University

Position Information:
American University is forming a new division entitled the Washington Professional Development and Training Programs and seeks its inaugural Executive Director. This is a new position that will be responsible for creating, implementing and managing a strategic vision for the division. He/she will have the unique opportunity to create programs that advance experiential learning and promote intellectual growth driven by education and technological innovations.

The Executive Director will provide leadership for existing programs with total revenues of $16 million, and direct the development, marketing and delivery of new, creative and academically sound programs while generating sustainable revenue sources. The newly created division will develop programs that meet the educational needs of working professionals through both traditional and non-traditional curricula that will enable students to gain new skills and ways of thinking for innovative learning, personal growth, and career redesign. The position reports to the Provost.

American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse and academically able student body from throughout the U.S. and nearly 140 countries and providing opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world. A short distance from Washington's centers of government, business, research, commerce, and art, the 84-acre traditional-style main campus is located in a scenic residential area of northwest Washington. Originally planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, the noted architect of New York City's Central Park, AU's campus was designated a national arboretum and garden in 2003.

The University is seeking an experienced, accomplished and enthusiastic Executive Director for the Washington Professional Development and Training Programs who will:

+Formulate and implement long term and short term goals for the newly created division. Ensure that goals and plans support the mission and strategic objectives of American University. • Develop guidelines and procedures in collaboration with Deans and Vice Provosts to ensure efficient and effective operations of the Division, while providing linkage, where appropriate, to the other academic units. • Lead, mentor, supervise and evaluate activities and performance of staff and instructors. Evaluate existing programs, determine their viability in serving target populations, their financial foundation, and recommend, revise, and implement changes as necessary. Develop customize training programs for business, industry, government, through credit and non-credit educational programs. Coordinate with training providers to design and deliver timely training and consultant-related services. Recruit, hire and supervise instructional staff.
+Identify and assess needs to develop and implement new programs that ensure profitability, growth, new revenue streams and sustainability. Collaboration with other organizations in the region and abroad may be considered. Design marketing strategy to promote new programs with entrepreneurial mindset. Conduct market research and environmental scan for new program concepts.
+Coordinate and collaborate with all areas of Academic Affairs to supply appropriate training for business, government and industry as appropriate with an emphasis on economic growth.
+Collaborate with representatives in the business community, government agencies and the local workforce to identify and assess needs and develop training across a wide spectrum of topics.
+Represent AU’s programs throughout the Washington Metropolitan area and be responsible for building and maintaining strong community relationships and collaborative partnerships with corporate, governmental, non-profit and civic organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Significant (10 years) senior management experience in developing business, industry, and government educational partnerships; significant related professional experience working with business and industry or an educational institution; knowledge of economic development activities; demonstrated skills in administration, marketing, and continuing adult education; developed and managed successful professional development and training programs in higher education and demonstrated the ability to work collegially with students, faculty, administrators, and support personnel, demonstrated budgeting and managerial experience.

The successful candidate will have an understanding of lifelong learning and excellent skills in working with people. Required academic qualifications: Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Education, or a related area. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, and evidence of advanced analytical capabilities and utilization of data for development of tactics required.

The position will remain open until filled. Suggested application deadline: October 1, 2009

How to Apply: Please consult www.american.edu/careers for the full position description and required qualifications. To apply, please send cover letter and resume to Human Resources, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016 or to careers american.edu, or fax