Chief of Digital Learning

Marquette University invites applications and nominations for the position of Chief Digital Learning, who will advance the mission and reputation of the University in the United States and around the world. Marquette is on track to build out a diverse portfolio of engaging online programs that will establish the Catholic Jesuit Online Education Model of the 21st Century. The university has been using online education as an integral part of the residential student experience for the past decade, and now requires someone who can disrupt the distance learning market within the mission of the strategic plan, Beyond Boundaries.

Founded in 1881, Marquette University is one of 28 Catholic, Jesuit universities in the United States and is the largest private university in Wisconsin. Marquette’s mission is the search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. Marquette has a tradition of excellence in Catholic Jesuit liberal arts education and a proud history of being an urban-serving college. Among its peers, Marquette is distinguished for its emphasis on connecting academic excellence and service to others, and has had – and continues to have – a profound impact on Milwaukee’s economy and community. In 2017, U.S. News and World Report ranked Marquette 86th among national universities.

The University has embarked on a transformation guided by the President and Provost/EVP for Academic Affairs. Dr. Michael R. Lovell became Marquette’s 24th President in 2014, the Provost, Dr. Daniel J. Myers, began his duties in 2015. Together with the rest of the leadership team and the campus community, they are implementing Marquette’s ambitious strategic plan, Beyond Boundaries. This plan requires extraordinary investment and innovative new partnerships to bolster how Marquette delivers transformational education and student experiences, thrives in the new and dynamic environment of higher education, builds its endowment, advances research and scholarship, and reimagines and reshapes its infrastructure.

Reporting directly to the Provost, the Chief of Digital Learning will work closely with the Associate Provost for Educational Development, the production lead for online programming at Marquette University. In order to be a leader in transforming the educational experience, the university seeks an experienced, motivating, and dynamic leader who can facilitate the rapid growth of digital education at Marquette. The Chief of Digital Learning will work with campus to develop a vision and roadmap for digital learning at Marquette. S/he will work closely with faculty and academic leaders on how best to leverage new programs and successfully grow existing programs in the online space.

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with deep digital education and technology acumen, with evident entrepreneurial DNA. Candidates may come from a variety of industries and backgrounds, but a strong understanding of the nuances associated with academic institutions, and how to work within the university environment is paramount. This individual will have a passion for education, innovation and digital learning. The successful candidate for this position will have a strong background in promoting scalable growth in a highly competitive distance learning market. S/he will be familiar with challenges facing higher and adult education, and have a track record for thriving in an academic environment. This person will be well-versed in the broad range of possibilities for digital education in a global market; this includes continuing education, certificates, micro-credentials/badging, and other so-called “unbundled” learning opportunities. Equally significant qualifications include integrity, a high level of energy, excellent oral and written communication skills, and exceptional interpersonal relationship and team-building skills. The successful candidate will be a strong, strategic partner to the President, Provost, and campus leadership, and will have a record of successful organizational decision-making. Providing transparent leadership is critical for this person to be successful. 

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to:

Ms. Stephanie Fujii or Ms. Meredith Rosenberg

Marquette@russellreynolds.com                                              Marquette@russellreynolds.com

Marquette University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.