Director Academic Pathways/Credential Strategy (Remote)

Position Summary

The Director of Academic Pathways & Credential Implementation is a high ‑ impact execution specialist responsible for operationalizing Post University’s strategic initiatives in Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), micro ‑ credentials, embedded credentials, and innovative academic pathways. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Innovation & Program Delivery, this Director turns strategic concepts into functional academic processes, products, tools, and launch ‑ ready deliverables.

The Director manages cross-functional workstreams, builds academic artifacts, coordinates with Deans and Instructional Designers, and ensures timely delivery of new programs, credentials, pathways, and PLA structures—supporting institutional priorities across Growth & Innovation, Academic Strength, Career Readiness, and Operational Efficiency.

Essential Functions

• Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Ecosystem Development
• Build templates, rubrics, tools, and process maps for all PLA models.
• Coordinate with Program Chairs and Instructional Design to complete learning outcome alignments.
• Prepare draft credit‑equivalency guides for certification bodies and employer partners.
• Support Strategic Partnerships in operationalizing community college articulation and transfer pathway models.
• Translate employer training content into draft credit recommendations and workflow‑ready academic documentation.
• Prepare requirements and academic documentation for PLA system implementation (AcademyOne, EAS, etc.).
• Credential Product Development (Embedded, Micro‑Credentials, CE, Certificates)
• Build structural components of embedded credentials, micro‑credentials, and noncredit/CE modules in collaboration with Program Chairs and ID.
• Create draft product packages—including outcomes, assessments, curriculum outlines, and alignment maps—based on workforce relevance and academic standards.
• Prepare documentation for academic review, catalog inclusion, external alignment, and implementation.
• Ensure credential products integrate cleanly with academic pathways and PLA structures.
• Digital Badge Design & Implementation
• Develop badge criteria, metadata templates, naming conventions, visual standards, and issuance rules.
• Collaborate with IT, Registrar, Marketing, and ID to configure, test, publish, and distribute badges.
• Build a badge taxonomy and map badge sequences to micro‑credentials, CE offerings, and stackable pathways.
• Ensure digital badges reflect academic integrity and support learner mobility.
• Academic Pathways Execution (2 2, 4 1, Certificate‑to‑Degree, Stackable Models)
• Create pathway maps, curriculum sequences, and stackability frameworks for innovative pathways.
• Translate pathway concepts into fully built academic artifacts with ID and Program Chairs.
• Draft pathway‑related academic documents including catalog language, progression charts, and sequence tables.
• Ensure alignment with accreditation standards, transfer policies, and institutional strategy.
  
  

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a master’s degree (required) and a doctorate (preferred) in a relevant discipline. They will bring 5–7 years of experience in academic operations, program development, and curriculum design collaboration, including work in PLA/CPL, and micro-credentials. Experience partnering with large employers and third-party tuition providers is essential. PMP certification is required. Additionally, the candidate should have 10 years of teaching experience in higher education and at least 5 years of experience in evaluation and portfolio assessment.

Competencies Include

• Execution & Follow ‑ Through: Converts strategy into operational deliverables with minimal oversight
• Academic Documentation Expertise: Skilled in curriculum mapping, writing, structuring, and academic artifacts.
• Project Management: Strong timeline management, stakeholder coordination, and deliverable tracking.
• PMI Certification (PMP or CAPM) or equivalent.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with Deans, faculty, ID, PMO, Registrar, IT, and Strategic Partnerships.
• Analytical Ability: Synthesizes complex information and builds clear academic structures.
• Design Orientation: Creates clear, scalable academic materials and workflow documentation.
  
  

Knowledge Areas

• Micro ‑ credentials
• Digital badges and metadata standards
• Academic pathways and transfer structures
• PLA/CPL models
• Communication: Strong academic writing, clear documentation, stakeholder communication.
• Professionalism & Ethics: Models integrity, reliability, and student ‑ centered decision ‑ making.
• Change Leadership: Guides teams through new systems, processes, and academic innovations.
  
  

Work Environment/Conditions

The work environment and physical demands are characteristic of those in an academic and/or office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position is remote-friendly, but the individual is expected to be on campus regularly and be available for on-campus events and special occasions as needed.