Associate Director of Credential Pathways

Associate Director of Credential Pathways Job Description

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Innovative and Lifelong Learning (I&LL), this highly visible position plays a key role in continuing the momentum of I&LL in the credentialing space by designing and growing comprehensive credential-rich pathways at MSU Denver. The Associate Director of Credential Pathways collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop and manage the expansion of industry-recognized and relevant credentials in credit and noncredit programs, identifies credential opportunities, builds case studies, documents pathways, and creates tools and resources that can be used by stakeholders to ensure alignment with industry-relevant credentials; conducts outreach to industry and serves as industry/external liaison for the unit; conducts research on industry needs and trends and ensures teams have what they need to create and deploy pathways that are meaningful to students and employers; and leads process and training.

Essential Functions:

Partnership-building and external collaboration (40%)
Establish and steward partnerships with community organizations, municipalities, and industry focused on workforce development and credentials.

• Serve as liaison between I&LL and employers in identifying workforce skill and knowledge gaps and viable credentialling solutions.
• Collaborate with the Industry Partnership team within the Classroom to Career Hub to build and strengthen partnerships with employers, government agencies, professional/industry associations, and other employers specifically around credentials.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, accrediting bodies, and industry leaders for alignment and endorsement of the credentials.
• Engage with workforce development entities and related organizations in Denver and Colorado to understand needs and leverage opportunities.
• Foster strong partnerships with key actors in the credential field to leverage best practices and innovate.
• Convene employers to understand workforce knowledge and skill gaps; conduct competitive analyses and secondary research to understand the competition in these areas; and triangulate data to identify potential new credential development.

Credential pathway development (40%)
Develop, and perform ongoing review of, a comprehensive plan for the expansion and development of credentials. At MSU Denver, credentials are defined as learning that is not a degree, for both credit and noncredit.

• Work with faculty, the MSU Denver Badging Committee, the Office of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness, and Policy Development, and Online Learning, and I&LL team members to document current, and potential future, credential pathways from entry level to advanced degrees across high-growth, high-need industries, leaning into stackable opportunities; lead discussions with academic departments and leverage market research.
• Market research and needs assessments - Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify high-demand skills and competencies; engage with industry stakeholders, alumni, and faculty to assess skills gaps and potential credential opportunities.
• Lead efforts, with the I&LL AVP, faculty, and the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Design, to embed high-value credentials into courses, certificates, and degree program development.
• Create case studies that communicate to students and employers about the value of credentials in providing specific skills that hiring managers want and that make them more competitive.
• Develop quality assurance mechanisms for credentials development and deployment.
• Engage employers, professional associations, and industry experts in the design, development, and review of credential programs.
• Enhance credential transparency. Give prospective learners accurate and comprehensive information about credentials, their outcomes, associated costs, and potential career pathways.
• Work closely with I&LL Project Manager for all new credential development ensuring it is on the course development pipeline schedule and providing necessary information.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive credential pathways roadmap for MSU Denver.

Training & communication (10%)

• Collaborate and build a culture of credential engagement across campus and with industry and employer partners.
• Develop and facilitate training for staff and faculty about credential pathways.
• Ensure that all MSU Denver credentials information is appropriately located on the MSU Denver Credential Hub landing page; review regularly for updates and closures.
• Lead maintenance of credential content on the Credential Hub to ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with marketing team to develop recruitment strategies and outreach materials for new credentials.

Measurement (10%)

• Collect and report data on the array of credentials offered, including completion data, employment outcomes, and learning satisfaction; create a tracking system to capture this information.
• Implement a feedback loop for continuous improvement, incorporating learner and employer feedback into credential adjustments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business, education, communications, psychology, or related discipline required.
• Minimum of three years of relevant program development, curriculum development and training development.
• Minimum of three years of strategic and/or business planning experience.
• Expertise in and skill in building programs and teams, fostering innovation, measuring progress and impact, and delivering results with an ability to focus on strong implementation.
• Demonstrated experience leading large projects and taking initiative.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of relevant program development, curriculum development, and professional experience in higher education credentials and/or training.
• Extensive knowledge and experience working with credentialling.
• A demonstrated, pro-active problem solver.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, particularly in a corporate setting.
• Knowledge of credentialing standards and accreditation requirements.
• Ability to navigate complex and nuanced situations, leveraging creativity and adaptability to find innovative solutions.
• Excellent analytical skills with exceptional organizational skills and the ability to think strategically.
• Outstanding professional and persuasive communication skills (writing, document design, presenting, speaking).
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to provide effective team leadership, leading cross-functional teams and projects.
• Business development experience.

Schedule Information

• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Evenings and Weekend Work: As needed
• Schedule: hybrid with some in-office days required
• Visit our website for more information on our University's Alternative Work Arrangementspolicy.
• Travel: Rarely; as needed.

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $84,000 - $96,000.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Applicant instructions

Please apply through MSU Denver Careers and submit your cover letter and resume. Select Begin Your Job Search, then search for JR103271. Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Applications that do not contain all required documents may not receive full consideration. Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former). For full consideration please apply by Tuesday, 12/17/2024 at 11:59pm.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.