Associate Director, Professional Development Program Operations and Systems

Department

UCPE Professional Development Programs

About the Department

Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, seasoned professionals all, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Director of Professional Development Programs and Registration, the Associate Director of Professional Development Program Operations and Systems leads strategic and operational efforts for a portfolio of non-credit professional development certificate programs. This role oversees centralized registration, student records, and student account operations; supervises program and registration functions; and ensures effective use of student information and learning management systems. As a subject matter expert, the Associate Director advises on operational strategy, policy interpretation, and system optimization to maintain accurate, compliant, and scalable program operations while delivering a high-quality student experience from enrollment through completion.

Functioning with minimal oversight, the Associate Director develops, implements, and refines processes that support the full program lifecycle, including student onboarding, registration, course delivery, and program completion. Working closely with academic and administrative partners, the role improves workflows, strengthens system usage, and enhances communication and operational support to benefit both students and instructors. By balancing strategic planning with hands-on management, the Associate Director ensures that professional development programs are delivered consistently, compliantly, and in support of program growth and student success.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic leadership and independently oversees operations for program management, registration, and systems that support professional development programs. 
• Serves as the primary operational authority for program and registration systems, making decisions on process design, system configuration, and workflow optimization. 
• Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff responsible for program management and registration operations, exercising discretion in performance management, workload allocation, and priority setting. 
• Establishes clear operational procedures and performance expectations to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery.
• Develops and delivers training programs to ensure staff proficiency in student information systems, registration platforms, and related operational tools.
• Monitors system usage and operational workflows to ensure accurate data management and effective use of institutional systems.
• Identifies operational inefficiencies and leads the design and implementation of solutions, exercising independent judgment in prioritizing and executing improvements.
• Collaborates with internal departments and external partners to support institutional initiatives and improve the overall student experience.
• Evaluates, assigns, and prioritizes tasks to ensure operational effectiveness and timely completion of program and registration activities.
• Supports system upgrades, workflow changes, and the implementation of new technologies that improve registration and program administration.
• Develops documentation and internal guidelines that standardize processes and support staff training and continuity of operations.
• Provides strategic oversight of registration operations and student account processes to ensure accurate enrollment management, financial compliance, and effective student communication. 
• Oversees the administration of registration processes, including individual and group enrollments, course changes, w