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Associate Director of Academic Program Development

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Center for Innovation (UMCI) in Detroit is looking for an innovative professional to lead the strategy, design, development, and launch of interdisciplinary graduate programs that advance UMCI's mission and contribute to the economic vitality of Detroit.

Reporting to the Director of Academic Content Strategy, the Associate Director will be the strategic and operational lead for developing UMCI's new portfolio of master's degree offerings and its corresponding infrastructure - working at the intersection of academic innovation, institutional partnership, and market-aligned program design. You will work directly with leadership and faculty across U-M schools and colleges and central administrative units to co-create programs that reflect academic excellence, respond to workforce needs, and support UMCI's long-term financial and reputational sustainability.

You will have a hybrid work schedule with a blend of remote and onsite responsibilities at our Detroit office location at New Lab in Michigan Central.

View full job description here. (link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rwm7fIfW\_OddgEneGrfvQfStkMWF2rXhql44OzRnDa4/edit?tab=t.0) )

What You'll Do

Strategic Program Development

+ Lead the design and launch of new graduate programs, including academic vision, business planning, and stakeholder engagement

+ Define curricular frameworks and experiential learning models aligned with industry and market needs

+ Shape offerings that advance UMCI goals and contribute to academic unit growth

Cross-Campus Collaboration

+ Partner with faculty and leadership across U-M campuses to co-create future-focused, interdisciplinary programs

+ Represent UMCI in academic planning forums and ensure progress through governance and accreditation processes

+ Facilitate partnerships across departments, schools, and units

Program Operations & Resource Management

+ Develop program budgets, staffing models, and operational plans in collaboration with academic and finance teams

+ Manage project timelines, documentation, and scalable systems for academic program development

+ Oversee relevant vendor relationships and mitigate risks to ensure high-quality program delivery

Market Research & Evaluation

+ Conduct labor market and competitor analyses to inform program strategy and differentiation

+ Lead ongoing program evaluation and advise on improvements, growth, or sunset strategies

+ Stay abreast of trends in graduate education and hybrid/residential delivery models

Student & Employer Integration

+ Collaborate on student recruitment and support strategies that align with new program goals

+ Ensure learner experience is embedded into program design

+ Integrate employer-informed competencies and applied learning opportunities, such as internships or capstone projects

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

+ Generous time off

+ A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting

+ Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

+ Life insurance

+ Long-term disability coverage

+ Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

Required Qualifications*

+ Master's degree and 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in higher education program development, academic administration, or educational strategy.

+ Proven success in leading complex, multi-stakeholder academic program initiatives involving interdisciplinary or cross-campus partnerships.

+ Strong understanding of university governance, curriculum development, and academic policy in a research-intensive institution.

+ 2+ years of experience with program budgeting, operational planning, and enrollment modeling.

+ 2+ years of experience leading interdisciplinary program development across multiple schools or institutions.

+ Familiarity with RCM or hybrid tuition revenue-sharing models, faculty compensation planning, and financial planning for new academic offerings.

+ Expertise in adult and graduate education, hybrid delivery models, and innovation in curriculum design.

+ Commitment to equity, inclusion, and learner-centered design in all aspects of program planning and delivery

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

266728

Working Title

Associate Director of Academic Program Development

Job Title

Associate Director

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Modes of Work

Hybrid

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Um Ctr Innov Detroit

Department

UM Ctr Innovation in Detroit

Posting Begin/End Date

7/29/2025 - 8/05/2025

Salary

$115,000.00 - $130,000.00

Career Interest

Administration