Director, Center for Academic Innovation & Transformation

POSITION SUMMARY

Under direct supervision of the Director, Sponsored Programs and Title III, the Director for the Center for Academic Innovation and Transformation will provide mission driven leadership around faculty and staff professional development and all instructional design for the University. Further, the successful candidate will achieve the Universities stated goals and objective for the program as outlined in the Title III grant.  Specific responsibilities include the provision of professional development in academic innovation and transformation for student learning.  HT is looking for an individual that is innovative, dynamic, and who can communicate well with faculty and staff at all levels. The Director will work closely with academic and non-academic areas in the development and active engagement of their assessment plans. As a small institution, it is also very important that the director works with and collaborates will others to leverage resources as we meet the learning needs of our students.   

 TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and lead application of instructional design in the design and delivery of high-quality online courses;
• Provide strategic direction for faculty development and instructional technology that will enable the University to meet established goals and objectives;
• Oversee the development of new online courses and assessment of existing courses;
• Ensure that online courses are created and updated on schedule per recognized quality assurance standards;
• Support full-time and adjunct faculty teaching online courses through the development of targeted trainings and workshops, offered in-person and asynchronously;
• Orient new faculty to online teaching through workshops and peer mentoring;
• Oversee the development and tracking of metrics for faculty help requests, professional development/training, and feedback, using data to improve services;
• Evaluate and adopt new and innovative academic technologies, including criteria for ADA compliance;
• Oversee LMS Administration and user support including third party integrations;
• Directs ongoing faculty & staff development activities supporting the delivery of high-quality instructions and services to students.
• Conducts needs assessments and outcomes assessments, creating plans to provide and expand faculty development offerings.
• Develops and implements programs to enhance faculty skills.
• Identifies and promotes best practices through partnerships with outside organizations, faculty, and administrators.
• Teaches and/or mentors faculty on a variety of issues including instructional design, general orientation, use of technology, preparing meaningful course materials, the use of innovative and transformative instructional techniques, etc.
• Engage faculty in innovative and transformative instructional practices while encouraging sustainability of use in the classroom.
• Manage administrative staff.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Three to five years’ experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.  Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position is required. Doctoral degree in related field and higher education experience highly preferred. Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and proven expertise in instructional technology and the use of social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge and experience with assessment, accreditation, retention initiatives, and high impact practices.
• Advanced degree in Instructional Design or Educational Technology, or, a closely related field.
• Expert knowledge of LMS Blackboard or Canvas, including third-party integrations.
• Experience developing, implementing, and supporting faculty development programs for online instruction.
• Knowledge of and experience with using emerging technologies and open source educational materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adult learning theory.
• Experience managing individuals and teams.
• Excellent written, oral, and communication skills.

SUPERVISION

• This position reports to the Director of Sponsored Programs

SALARY

• $80,000. This is a grant-supported position; continuation of employment is contingent upon continuous funding of the federal Title III grant.  The position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive fringe benefits package.

SETTING

Huston-Tillotson University evolved from Huston-Tillotson College which was founded in 1875 and is Austin's first institution of higher education. The University is an independent, liberal arts, church-related, historically black institution located on a 23-acre tree-lined campus near downtown Austin, Texas. The University is affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, and the United Negro College Fund. Undergraduate, four-year degrees in business, education, the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences are awarded.  Huston-Tillotson University is multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith, and welcomes students of all ages, races, and religions.  While faculty members are engaged in a range of activities, their primary focus is teaching. The student-teacher ratio is 15 to 1, which allows an environment of personalized attention to students.