Director, Portfolio Development & Innovation - Smeal College of Business

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

About Penn State Executive Programs

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.

Position Summary

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.

For full consideration, please submit your resume/CV and a cover letter.

Key responsibilities

Strategy Execution & Portfolio Performance

• 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.

Innovation, AI & Technology Enablement

• 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.

Program & Portfolio Management

• 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.

Client & Cross-Functional Partnerships

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Work Modality and Schedule

• 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree
10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $137,280.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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