Job Information
Boston University ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, ACADEMIC INNOVATION, BU Virtual, Learning & Innovation in BOSTON, Massachusetts
Boston University Virtual (BUV) is a new unit at Boston University focused on the creation of high-quality online degree and certificate programs. We are seeking an Associate Director for Academic Innovation to play a pivotal role in supporting BUVs efforts in the creation of transformative online learning experiences and programs.
The Associate Director plays a key role in the training and instructional design support to maximize the quality of instruction and application of best practices in the delivery of online courses and programs. This individual works closely with stakeholders to provide high-quality, innovative professional development to support online instruction. They are responsible for coordinating services, providing instructional design support, creating standard materials, videos and other tools that will serve as a resource for both instructional design and faculty professional development. This individual works alongside a group of instructional and learning designers who collaborate closely with faculty across BU's schools and colleges.
The ideal candidate is well versed in all aspects of online program and course design and is a strong collaborator and leader who has demonstrated experience in the creation of tools, webcasts, videos, training, and other resources that support the online learning journey and promotes ease of use and adoption. The role reports to the Assistant Vice President for Learning Strategy and Innovation.
Professional Development Support and Training (50%)
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and stakeholder teams to build a thriving teaching and learning community to promote best practices in online instruction, technology enablement and deployment.
Develop and coordinate training and development resources and tools that encourage the innovative design and development of online programs.
Act as a resource for faculty and staff in the creation of materials that support creation, adoption, and ongoing facilitation of online programs.
Create video tutorials, online workshops, self-paced demos and orientation modules and other assets that guide faculty and staff on best ways to utilize the learning management system and online teaching and edtech tools to create meaningful learner-centered instructional experiences and promote the online learning experience.
Engage faculty and staff on new ways to promote academic innovation in the online classroom, based on emerging best practices and online pedagogies.
Routinely develop and update online resources and training modules to promote and enable the effective use of online course content and educational technologies.
Academic Innovation and Research (20%)
Provide expertise in current industry standards and principles of good instructional design practices.
Stay current in learning and educational technology trends to provide ongoing continuous improvement, and to incorporate in training and development programs.
Facilitate collaborations across teams to develop digital materials and resources that promote digital teaching and learning.
Learning Design and New Program Development (20%)
Engage with schools and colleges in supporting learning design and program development projects as needed.
Support the development of learning content and curriculum for new and existing online programs.
Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: (10%)
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and stakeholders on effective instructional design strategies.
Provide support to learning designers and BUV team on course design and development and faculty support.
Develop and maintain partnerships with other stakeholders to advance BU's commitment to digital teaching and learning across the university.
Required Skills
Master's degree or post baccalaureate certificate in instructional design, education technology or closely related field, or an academic degree with significant additional training and experience in instructional design or education technology.
Minimum of 8-10 years of demonstrated experience in applying best practices in instructional design for online and hybrid modalities.
Hands-on experience developing professional development and training materials, presentations, videos, how-to guides and other resources that promote digital teaching and learning in an easy to digest, easy-to-scale format.
Ability to thrive amidst ambiguity and execute in a collaborative and a fast-paced environment.
Highly approachable and passionate about collaborating with teams in a 1 to 1 or group setting.
A self-starter with an entrepreneurial style, and the ability to shift priorities based on needs.
Creativity and desire to experiment with novel technologies and solutions.
A can-do positive attitude and a strong desire to get things done and measure the success of efforts.
Attentiveness to diverse needs of faculty and students, with a proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in education.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in instructional design, learning management systems and education technology, ideally in an online or hybrid environment.
Experience in developing high-impact training and professional development materials and resources utilizing graphic and visual design, video, web design and courseware authoring.
Strategic and analytical mindset, with the capacity to think critically, make data-informed decisions, and drive organizational growth.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor .
Required Experience