Remote Director, Online Professional Studies

pennfostercarrus; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision

401K with company match

Paid time off

Sponsoring volunteer opportunities

Online programs access

Job summary

Penn Foster Group is seeking an experienced Academic Director, Professional Studies to lead and oversee program areas including English, Business, Early Childhood Education, Legal Studies, Skill Trades, and cross-disciplinary coursework within degree programs.

The role requires 5+ years of leadership in online education, a Master’s degree (PhD/EdD preferred), and a track record of program quality and strategic growth.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline required; PhD or EdD preferred.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in online or distance education.
• Proven experience managing academic programs and faculty teams.
• Experience with career-focused or workforce-aligned education programs preferred.
• Strong understanding of online pedagogy and instructional best practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Professional Studies portfolio.
• Ensure programs align with workforce demands, accreditation standards, and institutional goals.
• Lead program evaluation and continuous improvement of online pedagogy.
• Identify opportunities for new program development and expansion.
• Oversee curriculum design and instructional quality across programs.
• Collaborate with instructional design teams to enhance learner outcomes.
• Lead, mentor, and develop faculty and academic staff.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct evaluations.
• Foster accountability and learner-centered teaching.
• Monitor retention, completion, satisfaction, and employment outcomes.
• Partner with support, operations, and product teams to optimize the learner journey.
• Work with product, marketing, operations, and workforce partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Online education

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Curriculum development

Communication

Team leadership

Educational technology

Education

Master’s degree

PhD or EdD preferred

Tools

Brightspace

Dynamic 365

Tableau

Job description

Penn Foster Group is seeking an experienced Academic Director, Professional Studies to lead and oversee program areas including English, Business, Early Childhood Education, Legal Studies, Skill Trades, and cross-disciplinary coursework within degree programs.

The role requires 5+ years of leadership in online education, a Master’s degree (PhD/EdD preferred), and a track record of program quality and strategic growth.