Director of Academic Operations and Strategy

Who We Are:

National Louis is a 135+ year old university that has been grounded in the values of innovation, access, excellence, and equity from its inception. As an institution, we believe in providing access to educational opportunity and that education is our greatest lever for social and economic mobility. We are a student-focused community that is committed to continuous improvement and superior student service.  We believe that through education we are able to empower change and build healthy communities. Our hard-working community is based on collaboration and respect for all team members and students.

What You Will Do:

The Director of Academic Operations and Strategy provides strategic and operational support to the Office of Academic Programs and Accreditation, with a focus on academic operations, scheduling, credit for prior learning, and transfer strategies. The position leads the strategy and administration of credit for prior learning (CPL), collaborating across internal stakeholders, including faculty, marketing and enrollment and the Online division to expand CPL offerings and position CPL as a driver of adult learning enrollment. The position also supports the Vice Provost and team in managing the execution of key initiatives and strategic projects for the department. The role works across institutional departments and with external partners to advance student-centered processes and improve the quality and effectiveness of academic programs and registrar services.

• Lead the university’s strategy for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), collaborating across Colleges and program leadership, online division, marketing and enrollment, and others to expand CPL portfolio. Develop and implement policies, internal and external CPL materials, outreach strategies, and ongoing evaluation of program impact. Maintain internal and external partnerships to expand CPL opportunities and ensure alignment with best practices.
• Serve as the administrator for the CPL program and processes, including counseling and advising students, faculty payroll, training and student-facing materials, data collection, and proctoring exams at three locations monthly (Lisle, Chicago, Wheeling)​.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen student transfer pathways. Streamline policies and processes, research and apply national best practices, and analyze transfer data to support equitable access, student mobility, and continuous improvement.
• Manage the planning, development, and implementation of institutional surveys related to courses, students, and employees. Coordinate across departments to ensure alignment with institutional goals, timely administration, and high response rates for meaningful analysis. Collaborate with the Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness and University Registrar to report, disseminate, and utilize survey data to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Play a central role in institutional events and planning efforts, including serving as a lead on the commencement planning committee and participating in committees related to accreditation and academic operations.​
• Support the Vice Provost of Academic Programs and Accreditation in managing strategic projects that advance the quality and effectiveness of academic programs, operations, registrar services, and institutional accreditation.

• Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Leadership, Public Policy, or related field, strongly preferred. Those with a Bachelor's Degree plus significant relevant experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in higher education, required.
• At least 3 years of experience leading cross-departmental projects.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience designing, administering and analyzing surveys for students, faculty or staff.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience with academic scheduling systems and course planning, preferably in higher education.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to set the right tone depending on the audience and message.
• Some experience managing or supporting Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or other nontraditional credit pathways in higher education including understanding and supporting the magnitude of experiential learning, and the benefits it provides both students and institutions are critical to this position.
• Background in teaching/instruction is key to this position not only to advise on CPL options and accelerated pathways to graduation, but how faculty and staff can create unique and engaging adult and online student experiences.
• Knowledge/background related to the marketing and outreach opportunities available to reach all students, and faculty/staff/administrators regarding CPL.  Should be able to leverage those skills to advocate for adult and online student experience.
• Ability to develop and create on-going training opportunities for all programs/departments who have a vested interest in CPL.
• Capacity to handle multiple assignments and priorities yet still fulfill all commitments. Readily accepts new responsibilities and adapts well to changes in procedures. Gives appropriate priorities to various work demands.
• Travel to campuses in the Chicagoland area, required (Lisle, Chicago, and Wheeling).

NLU Inclusion Statement:

National Louis University is deeply committed to serving its community, advancing access and equity, and ensuring that all individuals are welcomed and valued.  We are dedicated to fostering a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion remain at the core of who we are. These are more than just words to us: they are truly a way of life for the NLU community. We recognize that differences in abilities, age, ethnicity, gender (identity and expression), race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and background bring richness to our work environment. We affirm diverse perspectives, innovative contributions, and authentic presentations of self from every member within the NLU community. We believe inclusion is grounded in the actions we intentionally take each day. Our goal is to inspire and empower NLU employees and community members to cultivate an environment where we collectively focus on uplifting and advancing our institutional culture.

At National Louis University, we offer our employees an innovative environment to work together and inspire the ideas that will make an impact. As our external environment changes, our employees are provided the opportunities and tools needed to grow both personally and professionally to remain successful. NLU employees and dependents are offered a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to, Health Insurance benefits, Retirement benefits, Paid Time Off and Educational Opportunities. Additional information regarding full-time staff benefits can be found here.

The salary range of the grade for this position is $70,086 to $105,129 annually.  Compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.  Offers are based on multiple factors permitted by law, including but not limited to: budgetary considerations, job-related knowledge/skills, experience, market considerations, tenure and standing with the university (applicable to current employees), and internal equity. 

Please Include the following along with your application:

• Resume (Required)
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Current NLU employees please also submit an Internal Posting Form