Director (multiple opportunities)

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Washington Continuum College seeks a Director to lead a major program portfolio, aligning strategy, people, resources, and processes to deliver scalable educational offerings across learners and partners. You will drive portfolio planning, execution, and continuous improvement, translating data into informed decisions and ensuring accessibility and impact.

The role oversees managers and professionals, manages budgets, and collaborates across Continuum College and the broader UW

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight to ensure programs, people, resources, and operational processes function effectively, predictably, and at scale to achieve defined outcomes.
• Lead the implementation, scaling, and continuous improvement of programs within the portfolio in alignment with Continuum College and UW priorities.
• Translate data, feedback, and performance measures into program-level decisions and refinements.
• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to learner needs and the communities they serve.
• Establish and monitor metrics related to participation, outcomes, quality, and impact.
• Identify opportunities to pilot, scale, or adapt programs within established frameworks.
• Provide strategic leadership and people management for programs, including direct and indirect supervision of staff.
• Hire, onboard, and mentor staff to support success in current roles and readiness for new challenges.
• Manage budgets, planning cycles, and resource allocation across the portfolio.
• Build and sustain partnerships with faculty, community organizations, employers, public agencies, or other UW units.
• Represent UW Continuum College programs in portfolio-relevant regional or national settings, as appropriate.

Job description

Job Description

Continuum has an outstanding opportunity for three Directors to join us!

About This Opportunity

The Director leads a major program portfolio within UW Continuum College and is responsible for ensuring that programs, people, resources, and operational processes function effectively, predictably, and at scale to achieve defined outcomes. Working within UW and Continuum College strategy, the Director provides strategic leadership for portfolio level planning, execution, and continuous improvement; leads and develops professional staff; and ensures that programs deliver meaningful value to learners, partners, and the University.

This role manages managers and senior professionals, oversees budgets and planning cycles, and works collaboratively across Continuum College and the broader UW community. The Director serves as a key leader in translating strategic priorities into high-quality, scalable educational offerings.

Key Responsibilities

PORTFOLIO STRATEGY AND OVERSIGHT 55%

• Provide strategic oversight to ensure that programs, people, resources, and operational processes function effectively, predictably, and at scale to achieve defined outcomes.
• Lead the implementation, scaling, and continuous improvement of programs within the assigned portfolio in alignment with Continuum College and UW priorities.
• Translate data, feedback, and performance measures into program-level decisions and refinements.
• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to learner needs and the communities they serve.
• Establish and monitor metrics related to participation, outcomes, quality, and impact.
• Identify opportunities to pilot, scale, or adapt programs within established strategic frameworks.

STAFF LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT 25%

• Provide strategic leadership and people management for programs and initiatives, including direct and indirect supervision of staff.
• Hire, onboard, and mentor staff, providing opportunities for continued learning and skill development to support success in current roles and readiness for new challenges.
• Manage budgets, planning cycles, and resource allocation across the assigned portfolio.

EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION 20%

• Build and sustain partnerships relevant to the assigned portfolio, including faculty, community organizations, employers, public agencies, or other UW units.
• Collaborate with partners to ensure offerings remain current, relevant, and mission aligned.
• Represent UW Continuum College programs in portfolio relevant regional or national settings, as appropriate.

Requirements

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, public policy, workforce development, or related field.
• 5 years of leadership experience in education, professional learning, workforce programs, or related domains.
• Experience leading teams, managing resources, and delivering outcomes within complex program portfolios.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively across organizations and stakeholder groups.

Program Portfolios Currently Hiring

Applicants may be considered for the following portfolios based on background, experience, and organizational needs.

Credential Readiness Programs

Focuses on strengthening academic readiness and expanding equitable onramps into postsecondary education. This portfolio includes programs such as UW in the High School, Youth & Teen initiatives, adult re‑entry pathways, and bridge programs that prepare learners for successful entry into certificate and degree programs.

Lifelong Learning Programs

Centers on public‑facing, non‑credential learning that translates UW research and expertise into accessible learning experiences. This portfolio includes lifelong learning institutes, research translation initiatives, community‑based learning models, and digital learning formats that support wellbeing, civic engagement, and intellectual connection across the lifespan.

Workforce Programs

Advances workforce‑aligned education through short‑form credentials, certificates, and applied learning experiences in high‑demand fields. This portfolio partners with employers and industry stakeholders to ensure programs respond to labor market needs and support upskilling, reskilling, and career advancement.

Final portfolio assignments will be based on candidate experience and organizational priorities.

UW Continuum College

(Continuum) expands the reach of the University of Washington with programs like UW Professional & Continuing Education, International & English Language Programs, Youth & Teen Programs, and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the UW that meet the needs of various learners at all phases of their lives. We are focused on removing obstacles to relevant educational opportunities by addressing geographic, financial, length of commitment and time constraints, increasing access to knowledge for more people. As a diverse community that values inclusivity and collaboration, we foster a respectful, supportive workplace where innovation comes to life. By looking ahead and experimenting with new approaches, we’re creating new educational opportunities to help people thrive in a world of change.

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $120,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum $120,000.00 annual

Benefits

Other Compensation: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) 100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit Not Applicable

About The UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.