Director, Portfolio Development & Innovation, Smeal College of Business

Penn State Executive & Professional Programs delivers non-degree custom and open-enrollment professional development for working professionals and organizations. We combine university expertise, practical application, strong client partnership, and a high-quality learner experience to help individuals and organizations achieve learning goals.

The Director of Portfolio Development & Innovation will be a key partner to the Managing Director, helping translate departmental strategy into coordinated actions and measurable results. The role requires business acumen, learning strategy, project management, and collaboration skills to advance strategic priorities, strengthen portfolio performance, and drive continuous improvement across custom and open-enrollment programs.

Additionally, the Director will contribute to client discovery and solution development, program and portfolio quality, and the effective use of technology and AI to improve business processes and learner experiences.

This opportunity is well suited for an emerging or experienced leader with a background in professional or executive education, corporate learning, consulting, client services, or a related field who is excited to help grow and strengthen a professional education business within a highly regarded business school. Business acumen, professional presence, initiative, and the ability to turn strategy into action are essential.

• Working with the Managing Director, develop plans to transition strategic priorities into actionable plans, milestones, and review cycles that support disciplined execution and portfolio performance.
• Establish and maintain portfolio-level quality and performance standards that strengthen learner outcomes, program relevance, and competitive positioning.
• Monitor portfolio performance and market information to identify opportunities to improve, expand, reposition, or discontinue programs, working with portfolio leaders to inform decisions.
• Partner with marketing to align portfolio priorities, positioning, messaging, and campaigns with program and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain dashboards and reporting that provide visibility into strategic progress, portfolio performance, and areas requiring attention.
• Supervise assigned team members, providing clear priorities, guidance, and accountability in support of departmental goals.

• Identify and advance technology-enabled improvements that strengthen operational efficiency, learner experience, and business performance.
• Coordinate the effective use of key business platforms, including LMS, CRM, and data and analytics systems, working with internal partners and vendors as appropriate.
• Advance practical uses of AI that improve productivity, personalization, decision-making, and business processes while supporting responsible use.
• Support strong data practices that improve data quality, reporting, and data-informed decision-making.

• Partner with portfolio leaders to translate market and performance insights into program improvements and portfolio recommendations.
• Serve as Program Director for select open-enrollment and custom programs, coordinating program planning and delivery while ensuring a high-quality learner and client experience.
• Monitor program quality and participant feedback and work with faculty and internal partners to identify and implement improvements.

• Participate in client conversations to understand business and capability needs and help shape custom learning solutions in partnership with business development and program teams.
• Coordinate across operations, faculty, marketing, technology, and University partners to support seamless program planning and execution.
• Manage select custom client relationships, monitoring program delivery, client satisfaction, and evolving needs to support strong, long-term partnerships.

• Master’s degree in business, education, organizational development, learning and development, or related
• 10 or more years of relevant experience in professional or executive education, corporate learning, talent or leadership development, consulting, client services, or another program-based environment
• 3 or more years of fulltime supervisory experience
• Demonstrated business acumen
• Experience consulting with senior leaders to assess professional development needs, identify opportunities, and develop strategic solutions
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication, and change leadership skills
• Executive presence and ability to communicate effectively with clients at all levels, faculty, and colleagues
• Strong presentation, facilitation, organization, and follow-through

• Experience with custom learning, executive education, leadership development, or cohort-based professional development.
• Familiarity with program evaluation, portfolio management, CRM or learning platforms, and practical uses of AI.

• This role supports live programs and follows an event-driven schedule. During select program weeks, expect early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends; on-site presence is required for in-person deliveries.
• When programs are not in session, schedules are more predictable and include flexible/hybrid work (per unit policy) to balance time.
• Regional/national travel is required for offsite programs.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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