Director of NXT GEN and Online Programs - University of Minnesota - Crookston

About the Job

Director of NXT GEN and Online Programs

The University of Minnesota Crookston is seeking a Director of NXT GEN and Online Programs to provide leadership and strategy for the newly launched NXT GEN set of programs on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus and to create sustainable quality strategy for all Online programs of the campus. The position located in Crookston is a full-time, 12-month, annual renewable position starting in March 2023 or until filled. The Director will report to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs with a direct communication to the Chancellor and Director of the Veden Center.

NXT GEN
The NXT GEN series of programs are academically rigorous and adhere to the principles of Andragogy to provide Minnesota residents and beyond with opportunities to earn a Baccalaureate degree. Most programs originate with a 21-credit series of courses providing training in management and leadership among other core competencies.

The inaugural cohort of the NXT GEN program launched in October 2022 and is supported by a newly developed high-tech platform, created by the University of Minnesota and their partner, Google Cloud. After the students in the online pilot cohort complete their certificate programs, UMN Crookston intends to make evidence-based adaptations to scale the program. It will be the responsibility of the director to initiate and oversee these changes and work with the faculty on needed curriculum changes.

Online Programs
The University of Minnesota Crookston has provided asynchronous online education for more than 15 years. Currently, the University has 14 online degrees and provides a complete higher education experience for online degree seeking students including student academic advising and student engagement.

Job Duties
Draft a strategic plan for online education for the Crookston campus, emphasizing and developing pathways to Baccalaureate degree completion. Development, implementation and oversight of metrics.

Lead the development of program goals and objectives; assessment of activities and pedagogy of the programs; contribute to student recruitment and retention initiatives; and support research and community outreach.

Collaborate with faculty and the Student Success Team on the UMN Crookston campus.

Map competencies of the curriculum offered in the Google Platform.

Oversee Quality Matters and quality of the NXT GEN and online programs offered.

Provide and/or make available to faculty educational opportunities to enhance understanding of effective online education and its tenets.

Further develop the programs and foster equity and a sense of belonging among all students; and participate in recruitment, assessment, and retention efforts.

Coordinate with those involved in marketing for the programs, as well as IT and instructional designers to develop and implement standards consistent with competency-based educational pedagogy.

The position requires regular office hours and engagement in service activities on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Masters degree
• Six years of related experience in pedagogy, instructional and curriculum design or closely aligned field.
• Experience in working with online higher education programs
• On-site with occasional evening and weekend work

Preferred

• A Ph.D. in educational leadership, instructional technology, or instructional design or other closely aligned fields.
• 10 years of experience in innovative online higher education programming.
• Experience with career enrichment programming
• Knowledge of mental and emotional health needs of adult college students
• Experience developing and launching new programs

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University's Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit: https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

About the U of M

University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC)

With a strong tradition of technology-enhanced teaching and learning, the University of Minnesota Crookston (UMC) serves as the U's major outpost in Northwest Minnesota. UMC provides both experiential, career-oriented degree programs as well as high-quality online programs, while connecting its teaching, research, and outreach to rural economic development and service to the region and beyond.