Senior Director, Certificates

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

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.

Job Profile Summary:

The Senior Director of Certificates at WGU Academy, an affiliate entity of Western Governors University, will be a crucial role to expand access to affordable, short-term credentials that deliver job-ready skills to students across each of WGU’s disciplines: Business, Technology, Health, and Education. This role will be responsible for all Key Results of WGU Certificates, including student completion, return on investment, and equity in access and attainment. The role will drive the Certificates P&L, executing the go-to-market plan, recommending new offerings, and leading an outreach team of business development, account managers, and career specialists connected to large-scale employers who will serve as both suppliers of students and recruiters of graduates. The role will report to WGU Academy’s President and work cross-functionally with other key leaders of WGU Academy and WGU, including Platform and Product Innovation, Marketing, Enrollment, and Regional leadership.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Strategic Collaboration and Integration:

• Engage regularly and effectively with WGU's Schools of Health, Education, Technology, and Business, WGU’s President, CFO, COO, and CAO, and all the organizations serving WGU students.

Innovation in Short-form Credentials:

• Collaborate with WGU Academy leadership, with employers, and across WGU’s academic organization to design, execute, and scale innovative Certificate programs that deliver skills to graduates that employers will hire.
• Drive innovation in student payments, funding, and scholarships through employer-based and donor-supported models.

Build and Execute a National Go-to-Market Strategy:

• Work with WGU’s Marketing, Enrollment, and Regional Partnerships teams to establish employer relationships that change the lives of employees and open employment doors to Certificate graduates.
• Deliver both direct-to-consumer and B2B strategies that create student impact at scale.

Drive Results in Enrollment, Completion, and Return on Investment:

• Report weekly, monthly, and quarterly results, lead teams to deliver results for students, particularly on post-completion student success in employment.

Metrics Development and Continuous Evaluation:

• Work in partnership with research teams and school leaders to develop and refine metrics that assess the impact of Certificate programs.
• Ensure these metrics are used to drive continuous improvement and are aligned with the objectives of WGU and WGU Academy.

Leadership by Influence and Team Development:

• Lead within WGU’s culture, using influence to guide and coach others within WGU Academy. Emphasize the development of soft skills such as communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Enhance the capabilities of others across the university, ensuring they are equipped to handle the challenges of a dynamic academic environment.

Stakeholder Engagement and Thought Leadership:

• Represent WGU in external forums, bringing insights back to the university and disseminating successful practices outward, enhancing the university's reputation as a leader in innovative education strategies.
• Build robust networks with external educational and professional organizations to leverage external innovations and thinking, integrating these into WGU's short-term credential programs.

Financial Management and Resource Allocation:

• Refine a five-year vision for Certificates and drive financial sustainability for the venture.
• Collaborate with finance and school leaders to ensure Certificate programs are well-funded and resources are judiciously allocated according to strategic priorities.
• Facilitate discussions around resource allocation, ensuring transparency and alignment with the strategic objectives of the university and the specific needs of each s