Senior Director, Healthy Learning Center – NEST

National University; United States; Remote; USD 79,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative educational institution is seeking a Senior Director to lead the operations of newly established Healthy Learning Centers. This pivotal role involves overseeing the development of multiple locations, ensuring high-quality student services, and fostering community partnerships. The ideal candidate will bring extensive leadership experience in higher education, a strategic mindset, and a passion for enhancing student engagement. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of educational support services while driving operational excellence in a collaborative environment. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact on student success and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in higher education or operations.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures essential.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of multiple Nest locations and manage growth strategies.
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance student services.

Skills

Leadership in Higher Education

Strategic Planning

Customer Service

Interpersonal Relations

Change Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Tools

Technology Utilization

Job description

Compensation Range:

Annual Salary: $79,930.00 - $107,900.00

Position Summary

National University has developed a new physical space called the Nest Healthy Learning Centers (HLC) to support students in addressing their individual and academic needs. The Senior Director oversees the model and operations of these centers, as well as future expansion planning. In collaboration with the AVP, the Senior Director provides leadership and guidance to the Center and HLC Directors in managing university centers, offsite locations, and programs. Responsibilities include driving growth, retention, student services quality, budget management, and community engagement. The Senior Director also serves as a liaison for the AVP, supporting student operations, academic advising, and faculty initiatives. They apply their knowledge of university programs, policies, and procedures to staff development, maintaining institutional standards, and resolving departmental concerns. Additionally, this role supports institutional and offsite activities as needed and is accountable for fostering a positive leadership culture, team outcomes, and the growth and development of staff at campus and offsite locations.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with Workforce and Community Education (WCE) leaders to plan future Nest locations, exploring potential partnerships with WCE partners.
• Oversee the development of new Nest locations in coordination with WCE, Legal, Facilities, and other departments, including responsibilities such as lease review, construction planning, and furniture selection.
• Prepare and present operational and fiscal reports to senior and executive leadership.
• Assist Center Directors/Nest HLC Directors in creating and executing targeted engagement and retention strategies for specific student populations. Guide and monitor all aspects of campus and offsite academic operations in partnership with relevant departments to ensure high-quality educational experiences for students.
• Work with Nest site leadership, Harmony Academies, and internal military/veteran support teams to ensure the presence of ongoing events and services for these populations at flagship and additional Nest locations.
• Participate in committees and task forces to enhance policies, procedures, business practices, and strategic operations at National University.
• Support Center Directors/HLC Directors with student case management and provide conflict resolution services for students, staff, and faculty in coordination with the Office of Student Success and the Office of Student Affairs.
• Develop and present operational reports to senior/executive leadership.
• Assist Center Directors/Nest HLC Directors with regional and programmatic outreach, building strategic partnerships with community colleges, local government agencies, school districts, businesses, and civic organizations.
• Collaborate with college stakeholders to plan and coordinate campus/offsite operational functions.
• Provide support to Center Directors/Nest HLC Directors as needed.
• Assist the AVP of Campus Operations in hiring, training, and developing Center Directors, Nest HLC Directors, and Associate Directors.
• Work with AVP of Campus Operations to assess team talent and identify future leadership and growth opportunities within the organization.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the AVP of Campus Operations based on business needs.
• Provide leadership to Center Directors, Nest HLC Directors, and Associate Directors, supporting campus/offsite operations and facilities teams.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Provides oversight of Center Directors, NEST Healthy Learning Center Directors and Campus Support Specialists.

Requirements:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in Higher Education, Student Advising, Operations, or Facilities Management.
• Minimum of 12 years of higher education, facilities management, student advising, or operations required.
• Experience in higher education with multiple site experience preferred.
• Experience working in a technology-driven enterprise preferred.
• All skills, abilities, and education will be considered for the minimum qualifications.

Competencies/Technical/Functional Skills:

• Knowledge of academic and business workings of a higher education institution.
• Knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Skilled in holistic, strategic, and long-term planning, able to see the big picture.
• Skilled in leading multiple direct reports.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Display a high level of integrity.
• Skill in business acumen and leadership agility.
• Skill in interpersonal relations and strategic planning.
• Skill in positive change management.
• Positive culture leader.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in utilizing technology, including the ability to navigate websites, perform word processing, create spreadsheets, and send email and electronic messages.

Location: Remote (San Diego, CA or surrounding area only)

Travel: Travel required as needed. 25-35%