University of Wisconsin System

ATTENTION:

The Universities of Wisconsin are a premier system of public higher education serving more than 162,000 students. Awarding nearly 37,000 degrees annually, the universities are Wisconsin's talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Through a constellation of 13 universities statewide, the Universities of Wisconsin are a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world.

The Universities of Wisconsin, Office of Online & Professional Learning Resources (OPLR), is seeking a Program Manager, Technology Systems and Innovations Programs, to lead and support a portfolio of online technology-focused academic programs. These programs include those in cybersecurity, information systems, and related emerging fields.

Through a unique collaborative model, OPLR manages interdisciplinary programs in partnership with campuses throughout the UW System. The UW System campuses provide curriculum, faculty, and academic support services, while OPLR leads operational strategy, including program management, marketing, instructional design, media production, and student services. Our student population includes both traditional aged students and working adults seeking flexible, high-quality online academic offerings.

This role is responsible for a portfolio of programs related to technology and digital transformation, with flexibility to adapt to new offerings as the portfolio evolves. The Program Manager plays a key role in advancing both the success of individual programs and contributing to department-wide strategy and collaboration. The ideal candidate brings strong project management skills, cross-functional leadership, and a creative mindset for growth and innovation in adult online education in a multi-stakeholder environment.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Director of Program Administration, this position supports the Universities of Wisconsin's mission to expand access to high-quality education for a wide range of learners. By leading a dynamic program portfolio and fostering strong partnerships, the Program Manager drives student success, program growth, and innovation in the rapidly evolving field of technology education.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Oversight & Strategy

• Provide comprehensive management and strategic oversight of a portfolio of technology-related academic programs.
• Develop and implement annual goals, growth strategies, and process improvements aligned with organizational priorities.
• Monitor program performance using key metrics; identify and implement enhancements to support impact, efficiency, and relevance.
• Identifies opportunities for program and service improvement and contributes to the development and implementation of new program ideas, from concept to launch.
• Maintains an understanding of current and upcoming accreditation standards. Coordinates with faculty, staff, and advisory boards to maintain accreditation of the program(s).
• Ensures industry and academic relevance and currency of the program by networking with local, state, and national professional organizations, working with campus partners to integrate new technologies and emerging content into program curriculum, and facilitating strong advisory boards.

Project Management & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Both lead and contribute to multi-stakeholder projects involving internal teams (marketing, recruitment, instructional design, student services) and campus faculty and administrators.
• Drive efficiency by establishing and managing systems to align program operations with campus processes for admissions, registration, credit evaluation, and student support.
• Collaborate with peers across program areas to share best practices and implement initiatives that strengthen the overall portfolio.
• Manage program budgets and ensure that revenue targets are met, and expense limits are not exceeded.

Enrollment Growth & Innovation

• Develop, implement and monitor program growth strategies, coordinating closely with marketing, recruitment and student coaching teams to ensure program success and growth.
• Provide data, research, and feedback loops to inform marketing approaches and identify new growth opportunities.
• Support innovative approaches to program design, delivery, and market positioning, especially for working adult learners.

Partner & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the lead liaison among internal teams and campus and external partners for assigned programs.
• Maintain strong, transparent communication of information and data about student progress, program success and goal attainment with faculty, advisors, administrative staff, and other key stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual accountability within and across internal teams and partners.

Leadership & Departmental Contribution

• Actively participate in internal planning and cross-program initiatives that enhance OPLR's operational effectiveness and strategic alignment.
• Apply adaptive leadership practices to help the team navigate evolving priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Stay informed on trends in higher education, technology workforce needs, and online learning innovation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, applicants must have:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Experience in program or project management, preferably involving cross-functional teams and external partnerships
• Experience in higher education, adult learning, or continuing education
• Ability to travel occasionally, mainly in Wisconsin

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Well qualified applicants will also have a substantial amount of experience in a combination of the following:

• Master's degree in a related field
• Expertise and/or certifications in fields such as cybersecurity, information technology, AI, or digital systems is highly desirable

COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

Inclusive Excellence is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for Universities of Wisconsin. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the Universities of Wisconsin community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning, research, scholarship, creative activity, community service, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

Universities of Wisconsin fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who serve the State of Wisconsin and the public good.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This offer of employment is conditional pending the results of a criminal background check and a reference check process that includes questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment. If you have prior work history within the past 7 years with Universities of Wisconsin, your personnel file will also be reviewed for employee misconduct. If the results are unacceptable, the offer will be withdrawn or, if you have started employment, your employment will be terminated.

The Universities of Wisconsin will not sponsor a work visa for this position at the time of hire or anytime during employment. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9 upon hire.

WORK LOCATION

The office location is located at 780 Regent Street in Madison, WI. This position has an expectation of partial in-person work, with the remaining work performed remotely. Specifics regarding in-person expectations will be discussed during the interview process. Telecommuting agreements are subject to change at any time.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The position is a full-time, salaried (exempt), Academic staff position.

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $75,000 - $85,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.

Universities of Wisconsin employees receive an excellent benefits package. To learn more about the benefits package, review the Universities of Wisconsin Employee Benefits Quick Guide (FA/AS/LI). Use the Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator to calculate the estimated value of your compensation and benefits.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials as soon as possible. Applicant screening will begin immediately and be ongoing through 11:59 pm, Saturday, June 14, 2025.

1. Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select, Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.

2. To receive full consideration, interested applicants are required to apply online and provide:

• Resume (PDF Format)
• Cover letter addressing your experience and education as it applies to all minimum and preferred qualifications (PDF Format)

3. Submit your application.

Failing to submit the required application documents may disqualify your application.

SPECIAL NOTES:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request by contacting Shelby Buchanan, HR Manager, at Shelby.Buchanan@wisconsin.edu .

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellent through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Questions may be addressed to: Shelby Buchanan, HR Manager, at Shelby.Buchanan@wisconsin.edu .

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