12/07/2012 20940

HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER

DEFINITION:

This is responsible professional educational, administrative, and managerial work in the development, improvement, and coordination of higher education programs within the commonwealth.

An employee in this job is responsible for planning, directing, and implementing a division level program to improve higher education in the state. Work involves directing, coordinating, and supervising the conduct of studies of higher education programs and services, providing leadership and direction of program approval services for higher education institutions to award associate degrees or offer expanded programs; and directing the delivery of advisory assistance and the licensure of private higher education schools. Work also includes directing periodic evaluations of institutional programs to assure adherence to established requirements; providing direction, leadership, and coordination in the development, implementation, and revision of higher education short-term and long-range plans; developing and enforcing State Board of Education regulations; participating in the development and implementation of program policies, goals, and priorities for statewide programs; and modifying and implementing policies. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional and clerical employees. Work is performed with considerable independence, subject to review through conferences, written reports, and evaluation of program results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

Directs the provision of advisory services to higher education institutions in the implementation of academic program or degree approvals and improvement of educational programs.

Plans and directs the review, evaluation, analysis, and approval of new and existing programs for higher education institutions.

Coordinates and supervises the conduct and preparation of studies on aspects of higher education.

Coordinates and supervises the approval, licensure, and regulation of private licensed schools within Pennsylvania.

Participates in the development, determination, and implementation of program policy and ensures coordination with overall departmental goals.

Interprets and implements departmental programs, policies, regulations, guidelines, and procedures.

Reviews, analyzes, evaluates, and revises or recommends the revision of program objectives, policies, and standards.

Provides leadership to degree-granting institutions in obtaining and amending charters, in obtaining approval to operate or to cease operations or in effecting mergers with other degree-granting institutions.

Reviews, evaluates and approves institutions and programs for approval to operate.

Develops operational goals and methods to implement program planning policies.

Develops and recommends budget, staffing and other management requirements for effective program operation; controls divisional activities in compliance with established Commonwealth practices and procedures.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates' work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of higher education.

Knowledge of higher education organizational structures, roles, and relationships.

Knowledge of higher education theories, regulations, and guidelines.

Knowledge of accreditation and program approval practices of higher education institutions.

Knowledge of curriculum planning as applied to higher education.

Knowledge of management concepts, methods and practices in higher education.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of educational methods.

Knowledge of research methods and techniques as applied to educational programs.

Knowledge of educational psychology.

Ability to analyze and interpret written materials.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

One year as a Higher Education Associate 2 (Higher Education) or a Higher Education Associate 2 (Teacher Education);

                                                                                                                                     or

Five years of professional education experience including three years in higher education or basic education and a master’s degree;

                                                                                                                                    or

An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes four years of professional education experience including three years in higher education for the Higher Education parenthetical and three years in basic education for the Teacher Education parenthetical.