Academic Program Quality Manager

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas (KU), through the School of Professional Studies (SPS), which is located on the KU Edwards Campus (KUEC) in Overland Park, Kansas, in the Kansas City Metropolitan area, is seeking a qualified individual to fulfill the role of Academic Program Quality Manager. KUEC has been a KU presence in Kansas City for 30 years, playing a crucial role in the Greater KC professional community. The campus now offers an extensive portfolio of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates with classes geared toward working professionals, available in the evening, online, and in-person.

The KU School of Professional Studies (SPS) was created in 2019 with a vision to transform students' lives and improve communities through innovative, student-focused, and exemplary academic programs that lead to rewarding careers in an array of fields that serve the workforce needs of Kansas and beyond. The school offers a variety of disciplines, course formats, class schedules, student services, aid, and more to meet the needs of students who may work full-time, have considerable commitments outside of the classroom, have prior college-level education, or otherwise need a different approach to earning academic credentials. SPS continues to launch new degree programs aimed at supporting the needs of future students and is poised for significant growth over the next five years.

KUEC and SPS have a reputation for employing innovative teaching techniques and serving the unique needs of working professional students. KUEC and SPS faculty enjoy an interdisciplinary and collaborative atmosphere focused on supporting faculty in building rewarding careers while improving the success of students we teach. Employees typically enjoy a hybrid work environment, providing sufficient flexibility for a healthy work-life balance.

The Academic Program Quality Manager, as part of the Center for Faculty and Academic Administration team, is responsible for assisting SPS Program Directors in ensuring the highest standards of academic quality and integrity across all programs within SPS. This role involves assisting in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of academic policies, procedures, and assessment strategies to enhance program effectiveness and student learning outcomes.

The successful candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm, energy, and the ability to communicate about academic program quality, including: quality assurance, assessment and evaluation, curriculum development, and accreditation. This position reports to the Associate Dean - Center for Faculty and Academic Administration. The position will require local travel, as well as flexible hours to include occasional evenings and weekends. This position serves the educational needs of a Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT) program. Specific percentages of effort for JCERT are determined each year.Details regarding KU benefits can be found here: Benefits

Job Description80% Academic Program Quality Assurance

Quality Assurance Support: Partners with SPS Program Directors and faculty to develop and assist in the implementation of quality assurance processes for academic programs, including annual program reviews, accreditation compliance, and continuous improvement activities. Also works with SPS Program Directors, faculty, and the KU Center for Online and Distance Learning to assist programs in achieving "Green" QM review status for all online courses and in complying with the KU Syllabus Policy. Assist in surveying regional employers and alumni to collect feedback about curriculum, skills, and academic/industry alignment.

Assessment and Evaluation Support: Partners with the KU Center for Teaching Excellence, SPS Program Directors, and faculty to assist in designing and managing comprehensive assessment plans to evaluate program effectiveness and student learning outcomes. Assists SPS Program Directors to collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and strategic planning.

Curriculum Development Support: Collaborates with SPS Program Directors and faculty to ensure curricula are aligned with institutional goals, accreditation standards, and industry best practices. Assist with facilitating curriculum revisions, new program development, and analyzing labor market data.

Accreditation Support: Partners with appropriate SPS Program Directors and faculty to assist in achieving or maintaining accreditation status by preparing necessary documentation, coordinating site visits, and reviewing compliance documents with accrediting bodies' standards.

Faculty Support: Collaborates with the Center for Faculty and Academic Administration, the KU Center for Online and Distance Learning, and the KU Center for Teaching Excellence, assist in providing training and support to faculty on best practices in teaching, assessment, and curriculum development. Promote professional development opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement Support: Assists in engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and industry partners, to gather feedback and ensure programs meet the needs of the community.

Reporting Support: Assists in preparing and presenting reports on program quality, assessment outcomes, and improvement plans to senior leadership and governing bodies.

20% School/Campus/University Service Responsibility

Collaborates with other SPS faculty and staff on the implementation of the SPS strategic plan.

Participates in relevant School and University meetings related to academic program quality, program assessment, and accreditation.

Participates in committees or projects as assigned and represents SPS programs at regional/national events as assigned.

Provides support to SPS and KUEC administrative staff for executing campus events. Assumes other responsibilities as assigned by the Associate Dean - Center for Faculty and Academic Administration at the KU Edwards Campus.Position Requirements

Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one at the time of appointment.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the time of appointment.Required Qualifications

Master's Degree from an accredited institution in Education, Higher Education Administration, Analytical Sciences, Statistics, or a related field.

Three years' experience in program management, quality assurance, or a related area.

Strong analytical skills, excellent written and verbal communication, and presentation skills as evidenced by application materials and interviews.

Three years' experience with accreditation processes, curriculum development, and assessment.Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Education, Higher Education Administration, Analytical Sciences, Statistics, or a related field.

Five years' experience in academic program management, quality assurance, or a related area within higher education.

Three years' experience working with Tableau or other similar visual analytics programs in support of academic program outcomes, as evidenced in application materials

Three years' experience working with course management software platforms such as Canvas, as evidenced in application materials

Three years' experience working with the Quality Matters Higher Education Rubric for evaluating the quality of online course design.

Additional Candidate InstructionsIn addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

Cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications.

Resume

List of three (3) professional references

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins July 1, 2025, and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants are identified.

Contact Information to ApplicantsJohn Bricklemyer

Advertised Salary Range$65,000-$82,997Application Review BeginsTuesday July 1, 2025Anticipated Start DateMonday August 4, 2025 Apply to Job

Permanent