Staff Careers

The Director of the Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight to advance the mission of OPCE in alignment with the strategic priorities of the College of Business (COB) and The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Reporting to the Dean of the College of Business, the Director is responsible for establishing strategic priorities, developing an effective organizational structure, and ensuring the financial sustainability of the unit.
This position oversees all aspects of OPCE’s day-to-day operations, including program development, budget management, evaluation, and administrative processes. The Director leads efforts to design, enhance, and deliver continuing education courses and programs that are responsive to industry needs, market demands, and community interests, while maintaining high academic and professional standards. The role also encompasses pursuing and securing contracts, cultivating external partnerships, and fostering collaboration across UAH colleges, centers, and administrative units.
The Director manages systems and processes related to registration, payment, and customer service, with responsibility for evaluating and implementing technology solutions that improve efficiency and enhance the student experience. Working in coordination with key university offices—including Sponsored Projects, Contracts and Grants Accounting, the Bursar, the Office of the Provost, and the College of Business—the Director ensures compliance with institutional policies and the effective administration of agreements, reporting, and contract initiatives.
Additionally, the Director is responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising OPCE staff, contracted subject matter experts, and student workers in support of the unit’s strategic objectives. The position also directs the development and implementation of marketing and promotional strategies in partnership with the Office of Marketing and Communications, utilizing a variety of platforms to engage the public and expand OPCE’s reach.
The Director participates in university initiatives and special projects as assigned, serving as the primary leader responsible for sustaining OPCE’s role as a vital contributor to lifelong learning, professional development, and community engagement.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Leadership and Strategic Management
• Provide leadership and direction for the UAH Office of Professional and Continuing Education (OPCE) based on its strategic priorities, and in alignment with the strategic goals of the College of Business (COB) and UAH.
• In collaboration with the Dean of the College of Business, develop and refine OPCE’s strategic priorities and organizational structure to effectively fulfill its mission.
• Lead and manage the day-to-day operations and administrative functions of OPCE.
• Direct program evaluation and assessment processes to ensure continuing education programming aligns with institutional and unit-level strategic priorities.
• Develop and manage the OPCE budget efficiently to support operational goals and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure the overall financial sustainability of OPCE by managing costs effectively and promoting growth in revenue streams.
• Oversee revenue generation from customized (credit and non-credit) courses and programs, support services, and commercial off-the-shelf and public non-credit courses.
• Develop, enhance, and oversee continuing education courses and programs to ensure responsiveness to market demands, industry needs, and community interests while maintaining high academic and professional standards.
Program Development, Partnerships, and Operations
• Lead OPCE in identifying, pursuing, and securing contracts that align with its mission, capabilities, and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with UAH colleges, centers, units, and external partners to design and deliver courses and programs consistent with OPCE’s goals and institutional mission.
• Partner with college stakeholders, area school districts, community organizations, and local businesses to provide programs that meet the needs of a diverse community.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and resource in the delivery of OPCE services and courses.
• Plan and direct systems and processes related to registration, payment, and customer support, including the evaluation of technology solutions to improve efficiency.
• Respond to student service concerns and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Coordinate with the Office of Sponsored Projects, Contracts and Grants Accounting, Office of the Bursar, Office of the Provost, and the College of Business to ensure the smooth execution of OPCE business operations.
• Oversee programming, scheduling, partnerships (including grant initiatives), contractual agreements, administrative duties, and reporting of relevant program information.
Personnel Management and Marketing
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and support full-time and part-time teaching, professionals, clerical staff, and student workers to advance OPCE’s strategic priorities.
• Provide direct supervision, performance management and evaluation of staff.
• Collaborate with the Office of Marketing and Communications to direct the development and implementation of marketing and promotional strategies, including the use of email, web, social media, text messaging, and other innovative outreach methods.
• Participate in special projects as needed, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree, 5-7 years of progressively responsible work experience (to include experience in continuing education, program management or professional development training) or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience
• Proficient in MS Office Suite
• 1-3 years of leadership experience with responsibility for supervising employees
• Experience developing proposals for grants or contracts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills and experience with office productivity suite tools
• Must have excellent interpersonal and presentation skills

• Master's or a PhD in Management, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred
• 5-7 years of leadership experience in supervising teams desired
• 5 or more years of experience developing contract proposals preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in program management desired

$85,000 - $90,000