Senior Vice President- Leavitt School of Health

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Position: Senior Vice President, Leavitt School of Health
Location: Salt Lake City, UT Headquarters:  In-office
Travel: Up to 35%

Salary Range: $300,000-$375,000

Overview:
The Senior Vice President (SVP) of the Leavitt School of Health at Western Governors University (WGU) is a strategic leader, passionate about innovation in healthcare education. This role is pivotal in advancing the school’s mission to provide accessible, competency-based education that aligns with workforce needs and promotes economic mobility, particularly for underserved populations. The SVP is responsible for leading the school's vision, strategy, and operations, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of healthcare education by responding to industry trends and delivering a relevant and forward-thinking curriculum. Reporting directly to the Chief Academic Officer and Provost, the SVP will also play a key role in building partnerships across the academic and healthcare communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vision & Strategy:
  • Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan for the Leavitt School of Health, centered around five strategic priorities: Innovative Credential Pathways, Expansion of the Pre-licensure Nursing Program and RN to BSN Program, Industry Partnerships to Advance Student Career Opportunities, Curriculum and Assessment Alignment with Marketable Skills/Industry Standards, and Improving Success and Access for Underserved Students.
  • Anticipate and respond to trends in healthcare and postsecondary education, ensuring that the school’s offerings remain cutting-edge and responsive to the needs of a diverse student body, from first-time college students to working professionals.
• Operational Leadership:
  • Oversee all aspects of the school’s operations, including student enrollment and outcomes, program development, faculty recruitment and retention, and financial management. Ensure that the school’s infrastructure can scale effectively to meet growth targets.
  • Provide executive guidance to leadership within the school, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture that aligns with WGU’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Workforce Alignment:
  • Develop and maintain strategic relationships with employers, accrediting bodies, state boards, and other external partners to ensure the school’s programs meet industry standards and fulfill the demands of the fast-growing healthcare sector.
  • Ensure the curriculum is aligned with the skills and knowledge required by the healthcare industry, particularly in areas experiencing critical workforce shortages, such as nursing.
• Metrics & Continuous Improvement:
  • Partner with Institutional Analytics and Research to develop, refine, and evaluate key performance indicators that assess the school’s success in student enrollment, progress, and completion. Use these metrics to drive continuous improvement and alignment with WGU’s academic objectives.
  • Ensure that these metrics emphasize access and graduation for students from low-income backgrounds and students of color, reflecting WGU’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. 
• Financial Stewardship:
  • Engage in a collaborative budgeting process with school leaders and WGU’s financial team to ensure the school is well-funded and resources are allocated transparently and judiciously according to the school's and the university's strategic priorities.
  • Oversee the school's financial well-being, ensuring that all initiatives are financially sustainable and aligned with the long-term goals of WGU.
• Thought Leadership:
  • Serves as a thought leader within WGU and externally across healthcare education. Represent the university at national and regional forums, sharing insights and best practices that enhance WGU’s reputation as a leader in innovative educational strategies.
  • Looks ahead to anticipate changes in the healthcare and educational landscapes, and work