Director, Project Management & Operations - Partner Support

Risepoint assists primarily regional universities in increasing their access and impact by making their academic programs available to students online. Founded in 2007, Risepoint's mission is to expand access to high-quality, affordable, and workforce-relevant education, especially for working and adult students. Risepoint brings single-minded dedication to student success, an integrated set of services, and data-driven performance to our collaboration with university partners.

Partner Support at Risepoint serves as the operational bridge between our university partners and internal teams-ensuring that online programs are launched smoothly, run efficiently, and are supported with consistency and precision. We collaborate closely with enrollment, marketing, and technology teams to streamline processes, resolve issues, and enhance the student experience. With a deep understanding of higher education operations, our team provides dedicated, day-to-day support that drives alignment, removes friction, and empowers partners to focus on what matters most: student success.

Job Summary

The Director of Project Management & Operational Initiatives leads Risepoint's Partner Support Project Management Office (PMO), overseeing the successful delivery of new partner and program launches while driving internal initiatives that improve operational effectiveness across the PS organization. This role manages a team of Project Managers and is also responsible for leading high-impact internal projects that support continuous improvement, efficiency, and cross-functional alignment.

The Director champions a culture of innovation, collaboration, and operational precision-aligning closely with Risepoint's REACH values and the PS vision to drive transformation, eliminate obstacles, and empower success.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of Project Managers responsible for executing partner and program launch projects.
• Establish and maintain best-in-class project management standards, tools, and reporting practices.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance coaching aligned to both departmental goals and individual career growth.

Partner Launch Project Oversight

• Ensure all new partner and program implementations are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with Risepoint's operational excellence standards.
• Oversee project pipeline accuracy and support executive visibility into key milestones and risks.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex launch dynamics, working cross-functionally to solve challenges.

Internal Operational Project Leadership

• Lead cross-functional operational initiatives that support Partner Support team performance, efficiency, or scalability.
• Manage intake, prioritization, and execution of internal projects such as process redesigns, tool rollouts, or SOP evolution/enhancement.
• Partner with PS leadership to align internal initiatives to team goals and KPIs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence

• Serve as a key collaborator with Enrollment, Marketing, Student Experience, and Technology teams to ensure alignment and cohesion across partner-facing projects.
• Build trust and influence at all levels to remove friction points and ensure smooth handoffs between functions.
• Proactively identify and mitigate cross-functional risks before they impact partner or student outcomes.

Feedback Loops & Continuous Improvement

• Design and implement structured feedback loops to capture voice-of-partner and voice-of-internal-team insights.
• Translate feedback into project opportunities, operational enhancements, or new processes that address real-time needs.
• Measure impact and embed a continuous improvement mindset across the department.
• Assist Senior Partnership Director in resolving high-risk escalations, special projects or other launch related work.
• Support Partner Support team as needed with partner communication plan reviews, new program launches and Workfront maintenance.

Additional Position Responsibilities

• Perform in accordance with Risepoint Policies
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Business Management, Communications, Project Management or equivalent

5+ years of experience Higher Ed experience is a must

12+ years of experience Experience in project management, operations, or transformation roles

PMP Certification

PMP Cert. or like

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships.

Understanding of functional processes and standard operating procedures

Collaboration skills to launch partnership with others to meet shared objectives

Ability to negotiate through listening, understanding and utilizing industry experience to influence and make recommendations

Proven record of successfully managing complex projects and meeting deadlines

Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build strong relationship

Ability to work independently and as part of a team at all levels in the organization (internally and externally)

Risepoint is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an equitable environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state or federal laws.