Higher Education Policy & Administration Program Director

Northwestern University; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision

Paid leave

Tuition benefits

Retirement benefits

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) seeks a program director for the Higher Education Administration and Policy program in Evanston. The director will shape the program's intellectual vision, ensure high-quality teaching, and serve as ambassador across admissions, marketing, and operations to advance sustainability.

The role includes strategic leadership, curriculum development, faculty recruitment and mentoring, admissions decisions, and collaboration with

Qualifications

• Earned doctorate in a relevant field.
• Minimum five years of administrative experience with growth in responsibilities.
• Five years of teaching higher education topics.
• Knowledge of multiple functional areas in higher education institutions.
• Scholarly work in higher education topics.

Responsibilities

• Provide intellectual and strategic leadership for the program, including curriculum, pedagogy, and evolving identity while ensuring academic excellence and alignment with institutional goals.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and maintain compliance with Northwestern and SESP academic standards.
• Lead faculty recruitment, hiring, placement, and evaluation, and manage instructional resources aligned with budget and strategic priorities.
• Define admissions criteria in partnership with SESP graduate admissions and make final admission decisions.
• Build strong relationships with students and alumni and advocate for them throughout the school, the university and the broader higher education community.
• Work closely with the SESP Graduate Studies Student Services team to support student success, career development, and a vibrant program community.
• Partner with SESP Marketing and Communications to guide program messaging and support recruitment efforts. Represent the program externally, building partnerships with industry, schools, and academic networks.
• Work with the SESP graduate studies business team to develop and manage the program budget, ensuring responsible and strategic use of resources aligned with program goals.

Skills

Leadership experience in admin roles

Teaching higher education topics

Knowledge about higher education

Scholarly work in higher education

Education

Doctorate in relevant field

Job description

Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) seeks a program director for the Higher Education Administration and Policy program in Evanston. The director will shape the program's intellectual vision, ensure high-quality teaching, and serve as ambassador across admissions, marketing, and operations to advance sustainability.

The role includes strategic leadership, curriculum development, faculty recruitment and mentoring, admissions decisions, and collaboration with