Lead Academic Program Manager (Department Chair), Cloud & Network Engineering

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and you’re committed to working hard to play your part in building that future—consider WGU as the next step in your career.

Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
 

Grade: Professional 313

Pay Range: $123,000.00 - $190,700.00

Job Description

 

Location: Salt Lake City HQ

About the role

WGU's Cloud and Network Engineering programs prepare students for careers in high‑growth technology domains. As Lead Academic Program Manager, you will be accountable for these programs from concept through continuous improvement. That means you're as comfortable ideating about a new degree as you are in a data dashboard tracking student outcomes six months post-launch.

This is a high-ownership individual contributor role. You'll lead by influence across a complex, matrixed organization -- working with our program development team, instructional faculty, program mentors, marketing, and external partners.

Primary Responsibilities

• Program strategy: Conduct market research, competitive analysis, skills and competency definitions, and positioning. Define the program roadmap and underlying rationale.
• Program development: Lead cross-functional work with subject matter experts, the program development team, and the broader organization to build degree programs that deliver strong student outcomes and labor market relevance.
• Post-launch performance: Track KPIs including applicants, enrollment, progress, retention, and alignment with employer needs.
• Stakeholder alignment: Align cross-functional stakeholders on priorities, decisions, and execution.

What success looks like

Based on analysis and understanding of key metrics and their underlying drivers, act based on which programs are performing well, which require attention, and proactively identify and address risks or gaps.

Our ideal candidate has

• Proven experience leading cross-functional initiatives—driving outcomes through influence, relationships, and a clear vision.
• Strong analytical skills: proficient with data analysis, able to synthesize insights, and communicate data‑driven recommendations to inform decisions.
• Experience managing or developing educational programs, products, or similar complex initiatives with measurable outcomes
• Ability to navigate process-heavy organizations without letting process stifle innovation
• Ability to communicate effectively across a wide range of audiences, from students to senior leaders

Preferred:

• Experience with curriculum and/or assessment development
• Up-to-date knowledge of cloud computing, networking, AI Ops, ML Ops, or adjacent technical fields.
• Experience with online program marketing, SEO, or digital acquisition metrics

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical / engineering field (computer science, software engineering, networking, cloud computing, or related). In lieu of a master's, a bachelor's degree plus 7 years of directly relevant experience will be considered.
• 4+ years of experience in product management, program management, educational program development, or a closely related role

Reports to: Associate Dean and Director, Academic Programs

Physical Requirements:
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

This position requires occasional travel of up to 20%, including required attendance at designated company summits (typically one to two per year). Additional travel may include conferences, visits to company locations, and other business-related events as needed. Additional travel may be assigned as needed to support business requirements.

Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It’s not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.