Director of Graduate and Non-Degree Programs

The Director of Graduate and Online Programs provides strategic, operational, and student-centered leadership for McIntire's full portfolio of graduate and online offerings, including both degree and non-degree programs. This portfolio may include master's degree programs, online and hybrid degree pathways, credentials (badges), and other non-degree programs designed to serve early-career professionals, working professionals, and lifelong learners.

The Director partners closely with faculty program directors and academic leadership to ensure that all programs-regardless of credential type or delivery modality-are delivered with academic rigor, operational excellence, and an exceptional student experience. The role balances strategic planning with hands-on execution and serves as a key integrator across academic departments, student success units, technology, and University partners. Must be flexible to work evenings and weekends as dictated by program needs and travel to the Washington, DC area for occasional classes is required.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Unit Leadership

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the Graduate and Online Programs unit, aligning unit priorities with McIntire School and University goals.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing professional staff team; hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff to ensure excellence in service delivery and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and manage unit budgets, including forecasting, monitoring revenues and expenses, and ensuring responsible stewardship of financial resources.
• Represent McIntire with internal and external stakeholders, including University partners, peer schools, vendors, and corporate or academic collaborators.

Student Success and Experience

• Serve as a senior advocate for graduate and online students, ensuring that policies, services, and program delivery support academic success, engagement, and persistence.
• Oversee student success functions for graduate and online programs, including onboarding, orientation, advising support, registration coordination, and milestone progression.
• Partner with faculty program directors to monitor student performance, engagement, and well-being, addressing concerns proactively and holistically.
• Collaborate with University offices (e.g., Registrar, Student Financial Services, Financial Aid, Veterans Affairs, IT, and Accessibility Services) to ensure students receive accurate, timely, and coordinated support.

Program Management

• Provide comprehensive oversight of the planning, execution, and evaluation of graduate and online programs, including degree, hybrid, and asynchronous offerings.
• Work collaboratively with faculty program directors to structure curricula, schedules, and delivery models that optimize learning outcomes and student experience.
• Oversee all operational aspects of program delivery, including academic calendars, class sessions, residencies, online modules, special events, and commencement activities.
• Ensure high-quality execution of courses across delivery modes by coordinating logistics, instructional resources, learning management systems, and academic materials.
• Partner with faculty to support course development and delivery within learning management systems and emerging educational technologies.
• Monitor program metrics, including enrollment trends, student progression, and operational performance, and prepare analyses and reports for school leadership.

Measures of Success

• Effectiveness and consistency of graduate and online program delivery across modalities.
• Quality of student experience, as reflected in satisfaction, engagement, retention, and outcomes.
• Strength and effectiveness of collaboration with faculty, staff, and University partners.
• Sound financial and operational management of programs and resources.
• Continuous improvement driven by data-informed decision-making and stakeholder feedback.

Education

• Master's degree

Experience

• Minimum of 6-10 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, with significant responsibility for graduate, professional, executive, and/or online programs and 2+ years formal management experience required.

Education

• Master's in Higher Education Administration, Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field.

Preferred Experience

• Strong people management skills, including staff development, performance management, and team building.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex academic or programmatic operations, including planning, delivery, and evaluation of degree and non-degree programs.
• Proven experience collaborating closely with faculty leadership, academic administrators, and cross-functional university partners.
• Strong judgment and diplomacy in addressing complex student, faculty, and policy-related issues.
• Direct experience managing and supporting graduate or professional student populations, including advising, onboarding, progression, and student success initiatives.
• Ability to use data and metrics (enrollment, retention, satisfaction, outcomes) to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience with budget development, financial forecasting, and resource management.
• Working knowledge of learning management systems (e.g., Canvas) and educational technologies.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

Anticipated Hiring Range:$100,000 - $110,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Anticipated Start Date:June 2026

Position Type & Work Location

• This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more aboutUVA benefits.
• This position is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule following completion of required in-person training and with supervisor approval. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as dictated by program needs and travel to the Washington, DC area for occasional classes is required.

About UVA and the CommunityTo learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visitUVA LifeandEmbark CVA.

Additional Requirements

• Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.
• This positionwill notconsider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

How to Apply

Please applyonline, by searching for requisition numberR0081759. Complete an application with the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter - must be included to be considered. Cover letter should include your interest in the position and how your relevant experience pertains to this position.

Upload all materials into the resume submission field. You can submit multiple documents into this one field or combine them into one PDF. Applications without all required documents will not receive full consideration. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on theUVA Internal Careers website. Review of applications will begin after April 14, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Reference checkswill be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

For questions about the application process, please contact Michele Jarman, Academic Recruiter.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.