Director, Operations

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.

Summary

The Director, Partnership Operations is a key leader responsible for driving the operational strategy and execution across WGU's partnership ecosystem. This role focuses on ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration, optimizing processes, and fostering a data-driven approach to improve client satisfaction and operational efficiency. The Director will oversee large-scale initiatives, guiding teams through complex projects while aligning operational strategies with organizational goals. This leader will work closely with executive leadership, Regional VPs, and external partners to support growth objectives and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Led the optimization of the CRM platform (Salesforce) and developed advanced data analytics processes, leveraging historical data and market trends for improved lead management and sales forecasting. Increased forecast accuracy by 15% and enhanced reporting through customized Tableau dashboards.

• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams to align operational processes with partnership and client goals, ensuring the effective execution of strategic initiatives. Collaborate with executive leadership and Vertical Leaders to drive operational excellence and implement scalable solutions.

• Oversee the development and execution of operational policies, procedures, and system enhancements that improve day-to-day efficiency and client experience. Lead organizational initiatives focused on long-term operational sustainability and scalability.

• Analyze partnership and sales data to inform strategic decision-making and performance improvement. Establish and lead reporting frameworks to evaluate operational performance, compliance, and partnership success.

• Lead cross-departmental initiatives to support sales operations, including developing project plans, overseeing execution, and driving measurable outcomes.

• Serve as a change agent, identifying opportunities for process improvement and leading efforts to implement transformative solutions across the partnership operations team.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional leadership capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to guide and inspire teams, influence organizational change, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data insights into operational strategies.

• Expertise in Salesforce CRM and Tableau, with a deep understanding of CRM management, reporting structures, and data analysis.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of building consensus among diverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Proven ability to lead large-scale projects and cross-functional initiatives in a matrixed environment.

• Strong financial acumen, with an understanding of budgeting, cost management, and ROI analysis in operational decision-making.

Competencies

• Thinks Strategically -Applies broad strategic direction, with university-wide impact, and in a distributed organization context. Anticipates beyond short term and thinks critically.

• Executes and Achieves Results -Focused on results, not just activity, Exceptional skill and demonstrated success in delivering and improving results in a higher education senior leadership role. Strong bias for, and practical experience in, measuring and improving.

• Managerial Courage -Willing to tackle difficult topics and conventional thinking in a respectful and productive manner, doesn't hold anything back that needs to be said.

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operations management, sales operations, or partnership operations, with demonstrated expertise in driving strategic initiatives.

• At least 7 years of experience leading high-performance teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a dynamic environment.

• Demonstrated success in optimizing processes, improving operational efficiency, and implementing scalable systems.

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, or a related field.

• Strong project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deliver high-impact results.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business administration, operations management, or related field.

• Experience working within higher education or a related industry.

• Extensive experience navigating large, matrixed organizations and working cross-functionally to achieve strategic objectives.

Location

Salt Lake

Travel requirements

25% - 35%

#LI-NB1

#D&I

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:

How to apply: apply online

Full-time Regular Positions(FT classification, standard working hours = 40)

This is a full-time, regular position 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.

The University is an equal opportunity employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.