Senior Director of Online Learning

University of Washington; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Continuum College at the University of Washington seeks a Senior Director of Online Learning to scale online and hybrid education across UW. You will lead learning design, media production, and instructor development, partnering with schools and colleges to expand access and ensure inclusive, high-quality experiences.

The role oversees multi-million-dollar budgets, strategic partnerships, and cross-functional teams, with a focus on equitable student outcomes and continuous improvement of online

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in instructional design, learning sciences, education or other relevant field with 5+ years leading a faculty-focused team.
• Experience launching online education units within a university.
• Proven ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels in a complex environment.
• Experience developing tools, processes, and approaches to managing a design team.
• Strong analytic skills and data-driven decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to manage through innovation and change.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advance Continuum's strategy for online and hybrid education.
• Oversee scalable service models for launching and growing online learning.
• Ensure quality of online learning services and learner experiences.
• Lead multi-million-dollar budget planning, resource forecasting, and reporting.
• Collaborate with schools, colleges, and faculty to expand online offerings.
• Represent Continuum College on university committees and cross-functional initiatives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Stakeholder communication

Budget planning

Learning design oversight

Change management

Education

Master’s degree in instructional design or related field

Job description

Job Description

Continuum College at the University of Washington has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Director of Online Learning to join their team.

About This Opportunity

Continuum College at the University of Washington has an exciting opportunity for an established leader to scale up online education at one of the nation’s premier public universities. We are looking for a dynamic and effective leader who can take a successful existing operation and transform it to support the entire lifecycle of online education for the UW.

The Senior Director of Online Learning leads Continuum's strategy for expanding access to high-quality online and hybrid education in support of UW's commitment to educational excellence and lifelong learning. In partnership with UW schools and colleges, this role enables faculty and academic units to develop, launch, and grow online learning opportunities that meet the needs of a diverse population of learners. The Senior Director provides leadership for learning design, media production, and instructor development while coordinating closely with student-facing and administrative units, including marketing and student support, to ensure a high-quality experience for faculty and learners. The individual in this role will bring deep experience to bear on the needs of our students across a wide range of ages, disciplines, and learning modalities. They will manifest a commitment to equitable and inclusive leadership through meaningful engagement with a wide range of faculty, students, and staff. The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, innovative, and experienced educator with a passion to improve the educational experience and expand learning opportunities for all students.

Responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY (60%)

• Develop and advance Continuum's strategy for online and hybrid education in support of UW's commitment to educational excellence and lifelong learning.
• Guide strategic planning, prioritization, and resource allocation across the online learning portfolio, ensuring initiatives are aligned with institutional priorities and organizational capacity.
• Develop and oversee scalable service models that enable schools and colleges to successfully launch and grow high-quality online and hybrid learning opportunities.
• Ensure the successful planning, launch, and delivery of online learning initiatives through effective resource allocation, implementation oversight, partner communication, and performance reporting.
• Ensure the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of online learning services, course development practices, and learner-facing experiences.
• Ensure that schools, colleges, and faculty partners receive responsive, high-quality support throughout the lifecycle of online learning initiatives.
• Lead multi-million-dollar budget planning, resource forecasting, operational planning, and performance reporting for the online learning portfolio.
• Establish operational frameworks, models, and quality standards that support effective and scalable online learning development.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, instructional approaches, and best practices to inform the strategic direction of online learning services and programs.

PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION (20%)

• Build and sustain collaborative partnerships with UW schools, colleges, and academic units.
• Partner with associate deans, department chairs, and other faculty and staff to identify opportunities to expand and enhance online and hybrid learning offerings.
• Collaborate with student-facing and administrative teams, including enrollment services, registration, operations, marketing, and domain leads, to ensure a seamless experience for learners and faculty.
• Collaborate with Continuum’s senior leaders to establish annual and quarterly goals.
• Foster frequent, open, and positive interaction and collaboration between the Learning Experience team and other Continuum College teams.
• Represent Continuum College on university committees, task forces, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Establish and manage strategic relationships with selected contractors, vendors, and professional organizations.

TEAM LEADERSHIP (20%)

• Provide strategic leadership and people management for learning design, media production, course production, and instructor development teams, including direct supervision of 3 directors.
• Establish goals, priorities, and performance expectations aligned with organizational objectives.
• Hire, onboard, and mentor staff, providing opportunities for continued learning and skill development to support success in current roles and readiness for new challenges.
• Achieve results through others by demonstrating formal and influence-based leadership;
• Attract and recruit high-quality talent to Continuum College.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet the minimum 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.

• Master’s degree in instructional design, learning sciences, education or other relevant field AND Five or more years of experience leading a faculty-focused team (e.g., instructor development, instructional design)
• Experience launching and growing an online education unit within a university setting
• Proven ability to communicate with stakeholders at all levels in a complex work environment, including department chairs and deans
• Experience developing tools, processes, and approaches to managing a design team
• Strong analytic skills and a demonstrated ability to use data to make decisions
• Demonstrated ability to manage through innovation and change

Compensation, Benefits And Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$150,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum

$170,004.00 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.