Senior Manager of Credentials

Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Innovative and Lifelong Learning (I&LL), this highly visible position plays a key role in building on the momentum of I&LL in the credentialing space by designing and growing credential pathways in high-need industries. The Senior Manager of Credentials collaborates with academic departments, industry, government agencies, and nonprofit organization to develop and manage the expansion of industry-validated credentials in credit and noncredit programs; conducts outreach to industry and serves as industry/external liaison for the unit; conducts research on industry needs and trends and ensures teams have what they need to create and deploy pathways that are meaningful to students and employers.

Essential Functions:

Employer Partnerships and Credential Development (40%)

• Establish and facilitate stakeholder convenings for the development of frameworks and pathways across high-need industries, as determined by the 2024 Colorado Talent Pipeline Report and other research.
• Serve as a liaison to college and university faculty, employers, workforce experts, industry partners and other stakeholders, providing regular communication on updates and opportunities to engage.
• Meet with key leaders in various external stakeholder groups to understand the knowledge and skills gaps that they face when hiring new employees or for their current employees.
• Lead partners including academic departments, business and industry representatives, and non-governmental and non-profit organizations in evaluating and crosswalking learning needs of industry with non-degree credentials.
• Identify viable credentialing solutions in collaboration with MSU Denver's academic departments.
• Conduct competitive analyses and secondary research to understand the competition in each identified area and how to best proceed to ensure success, e.g., enrollment, profitability.
• Collaborate with MSU Denver's Industry Partnership team within the Classroom to Career Hub to build and strengthen partnerships with employers, government agencies, professional/industry associations, and other employers specifically around credentials.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, accrediting bodies, and industry leaders for alignment and endorsement of the credentials.
• Engage employers, professional associations, and industry experts in the design, development, and review of credential programs.

Academic Partnerships and Credential Development (40%)

• Develop, and perform ongoing review of, a comprehensive plan for the expansion and development of credentials. At MSU Denver, credentials are defined as learning that is not a degree, for both credit and noncredit.
• Work with faculty, the MSU Denver Badging Committee, the Office of Curriculum, Academic Effectiveness, and Policy Development, and Online Learning, and I&LL team members to document current, and potential future, credential pathways from entry level to advanced degrees across high-growth, high-need industries, leaning into stackable opportunities; lead discussions with academic departments.
• Create and utilize a strategic vetting document for work with academic departments to document need for specific skills and credentials.
• Lead efforts, with the I&LL AVP, faculty, and the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Design, to embed high-value credentials into courses, certificates, and degree program development.
• Develop quality assurance mechanisms for credentials development and deployment.
• Enhance credential transparency. Give prospective learners accurate and comprehensive information about credentials, their outcomes, associated costs, and potential career pathways.
• Work closely with I&LL Project Manager for all new credential development ensuring it is on the course development pipeline schedule and providing necessary information.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive credential pathways roadmap for MSU Denver.

Training & Communication (10%)

• Collaborate and build a culture of credential engagement across campus.
• Foster strong partnerships with key actors in the credential field to leverage best practices and innovate.
• Develop and facilitate training for staff and faculty about credential pathways.
• Ensure that all MSU Denver credential information is appropriately located on the MSU Denver Credential Hub landing page; review regularly for updates and closures.
• Lead student recruitment efforts in partnership with the marketing team.

Measurement (10%)

• Collect and report data on the array of credentials offered, including completion data, employment outcomes, and learning satisfaction; create a tracking system to capture this information.
• Implement a feedback loop for continuous improvement, incorporating learner and employer feedback into credential adjustments.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Demonstrated experience tracking complex data and creating data capture processes and tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to turn findings into executable plans
• Outstanding professional and persuasive communication skills (written, document design, presentations, speaking).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, critical thinking skills, and a collaborative spirit.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and leading high performing, cross-functional teams and large projects.
• Ability to build trust, strong relationships, and demonstrate commitment to collegiality and mutual respect.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in business, education, or related discipline
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in educational credential design and development.
• Minimum of three years of industry experience in business development, sales, or training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in business, education, or related discipline
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, particularly in a corporate setting
• Knowledge of credentialing standards and accreditation requirements

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our University and mission.

Schedule Information

• Full time, 40 hours a week
• Exempt
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm
• Schedule: Hybrid schedule with both in person work and remote opportunities
• Travel: Local, up to 30%

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $64,500 - $86,000.The full salary range is $64,500 - $107,600.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Instructions to Apply

Please apply through MSU Denver Careers and submit your cover letter and resume. Select Begin Your Job Search, then search for JR103481. Internal applicants must apply through their MSU Denver Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs'. Applications that do not contain all required documents may not receive full consideration. Professional references and their contact information will be requested from the finalist. At least one reference provided must be a supervisor (either current or former). Please apply by Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 at 11:59pm for full consideration.

Open Until Filled

The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as accessto a long-term disability (LTD) plan.Visit MSU Denver'sbenefits websiteto learn more.

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.