Director, Center for Professional Learning

viterbo; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Viterbo University seeks a Director of the Center for Professional Learning (CPL) to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the CPL within the College of Business, Leadership and Ethics.

The Director will design, implement, and evaluate non-credit professional learning and executive education programs that meet the evolving needs of business, nonprofit, government, healthcare, and community partners.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education or related field.
• Master's degree required in business, leadership, or a related field.
• Experience with professional learning, executive education, or nonprofit leadership is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, administer, implement, and evaluate CPL programs.
• Assess market demand and identify opportunities for growth.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, healthcare orgs, educational institutions, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop innovative, experiential non-credit offerings.
• Lead integrated marketing and outreach strategies to increase enrollment and client engagement.
• Identify and pursue grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other external funds.
• Oversee grant-funded initiatives, including RESPOND and PATHWAYS projects.
• Develop and manage the Center's annual operating budget and contracts.
• Monitor financial performance, program outcomes, enrollment, and KPIs to drive improvement.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, partnership agreements, and facilitator compensation.
• Supervise Center personnel and foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Center and Viterbo University in professional associations and regional/national partnerships.
• Use market research and performance data to guide decision making.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Program development

Stakeholder collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Budget management

Communication & organization

Education

Master's degree in Business or related field

Job description

Viterbo University is seeking a Director of the Center for Professional Learning (CPL) to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Center within the College of Business, Leadership and Ethics. Reporting to the Dean, the Director is responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of professional learning and executive education programs that advance the mission of Viterbo University and respond to the evolving needs of business, nonprofit, government, healthcare, and community organizations.

The Director works collaboratively with University leadership, faculty, staff, and external partners to develop innovative educational opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, expand the Center's portfolio, and generate sustainable revenue. The Director is responsible for strategic planning, business development, financial stewardship, and operational excellence while enhancing the Center's regional and national reputation for high-quality professional learning.

This is a full-time, permanent twelve-month administrative position.

Responsibilities:

• Design, administer, implement, and evaluate innovative professional learning and executive education programs.
• Assess market demand and emerging workforce trends to identify opportunities for new programming and organizational growth.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with corporations, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders.
• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to develop innovative, experiential, and market-responsive non-credit educational offerings.
• Lead the development and implementation of integrated marketing and outreach strategies to increase enrollment, visibility, and client engagement.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for grants, contracts, sponsorships, and other external funding sources.
• Oversee the implementation of grant-funded initiatives, including the RESPOND and PATHWAYS grants and future externally funded projects.
• Develop and manage the Center's annual operating budget, including program budgets, facilitator contracts, and operational expenses.
• Monitor financial performance, program outcomes, enrollment, and other key performance indicators to support continuous improvement.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing structures, partnership agreements, and facilitator compensation.
• Supervise Center personnel, establish performance expectations, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Center and Viterbo University in professional associations, community organizations, and regional and national partnerships.
• Use market research, enrollment trends, and performance data to guide decision making and improve program effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, executive education, nonprofit leadership, corporate learning, or a related field.
• Master's degree in business, Leadership, Higher Education, Organizational Leadership, Adult Education, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field is required.

Skills:

• Proven ability to manage multiple, complex, and rapidly changing priorities
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative organization with limited direction
• Excellent communication and organization skills coupled with a desire to lead CPL initiatives
• High standards for both internal and external customer experience and service
• Ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing strategic plans
• Proficiency in analyzing data and using data in decision-making and reporting
• Track record of accountability and follow through on hard and soft deadlines as well as outcomes

Alignment:

Viterbo University seeks employees who will embrace the University mission and incorporate our values into their day-to-day work.

Mission:

The Viterbo University community prepares students for faithful service and ethical leadership.

Values:

• Contemplation, reflecting upon the presence of God in our lives and work
• Hospitality, welcoming everyone we encounter as an honored guest
• Integrity, striving for honesty in everything we say and do
• Service, working for the common good in the spirit of humility and joy
• Stewardship, practicing responsible use of all resources in our trust

About the University:

Viterbo University is a private, not-for-profit, Catholic, Franciscan institutions founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in 1871. Viterbo offers a student-centered liberal arts education with a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the university is nestled along the scenic Mississippi River and surrounded by the stunning bluffs. The local area combines natural beauty with a vibrant, welcoming community, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, arts and culture. Together, Viterbo and La Crosse provide an exceptional place to live, work, and make a difference.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship at this time.

The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex or engage in sex discrimination in any education program or activity that the university operates. Title IX's mandate not to discriminate on the basis of sex extends to students, employees, applicants for employment, and other persons in all aspects of the university's programs, activities, and operations. Inquiries regarding how Title IX applies to the university may be referred to the university Title IX coordinator, to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights, or to both.

Contact information for the Title IX coordinator is available at Title IX: Sex and Gender Discrimination or Harassment | Viterbo University