Associate Director for Creative Learning Initiatives, Teaching and Learning with Technology

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Penn State, we believe students learn best when they make things, tell stories, and bring ideas to life through vibrant initiatives and service s such as the Media Commons, Maker Commons, Immersive Experiences Lab, and Interactive Experiences . We are seeking an Associate Director for Creative Learning Initiatives to lead the teams that make these kinds of experiences possible , scaling hands-on, technology-enhanced learning across all disciplines and campuses. A senior people-leader and builder, join the Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) team in the University Libraries as the Associate Director for Creative Learning Initiatives to set vision and drive execution across creative spaces, services, and programs . You will be an equal parts strategist, storyteller, and systems-builder in this role — a creative leader who thrives where technology, design, and learning intersect. You’ll coach and empower a multidisciplinary team of creative professionals and oversee budgets and facilities . You will cultivate partnerships across all of Penn State’s colleges and campuses and engage with like-minded colleagues across higher education. With a clear focus on curricular integration, you’ll champion the adoption and integration of transformative technologies while advancing accessible design and evidence of learning. You will communicate impact to unlock resources and amplify innovation. More specific details of th is role ’ s key responsibilities: Your leadership will center on five strategic priorities that together advance Penn State’s vision for creative, equitable , and AI-enhanced learning. Strategic Integration : Unify Creative Learning Initiatives (CLI) under a cohesive “Commons” framework—Media, Maker, Immersive, and AI Commons—to foster collaboration and innovation. Champion the integration of Adobe Creative Cloud, generative AI, and emerging technologies into teaching and learning. Set a long-term vision for CLI that aligns with TLT, University Libraries, and institutional priorities. Partner with senior leadership and IT units to build cross-campus support and strategic alignment. Leadership & Team Development : Foster a high-performing team of professional staff and student employees through compassionate, inclusive leadership. Cultivate a collaborative environment grounded in trust, emotional safety, and shared achievement. Promote workload equity and create opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. Model inclusive leadership with kindness, humility, and clarity while mentoring staff in career development. Operational Excellence : Develop sustainable service models and documentation across studios, labs, and makerspaces. Streamline the service catalog, balance multimedia and maker offerings, and ensure efficient resource use. Oversee staffing, budgeting, and facilities to support growth and policy compliance. Lead TLT teams through hiring, development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality support. Creative Innovation : Advance AI-assisted creativity, immersive learning, and faculty partnerships by championing new initiatives and supporting experimentation. Establish an AI Commons as a flagship resource with physical, remote, and mobile components to maximize engagement. Foster a culture of creative risk-taking and adoption of transformative technologies. Lead strategic vendor partnerships and implement experiential learning opportunities in the Dreamery and other creative spaces. Storytelling & Impact : Amplify evidence of learning and innovation through data-informed storytelling. Create dashboards, impact briefs, and narratives that showcase CLI’s contributions and elevate Penn State’s national profile. Apply evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of technology initiatives. Use data to communicate impact, unlock resources, and drive continued innovation.

Requirements

Applicants must have general knowledge of educational and emerging technologi es.
Demonstrated ability to think creatively and implement strategies that challenge conventional approaches to problem-solving
Excellent verbal and written communication, as well as interpersonal skills
Proven success with cross-team collaboration and building partnerships
Outstanding presentation skills
High attention to detail
Master's Degree
8+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Nice To Haves

D epth of knowledge and experience in at least one of the following is preferred: multimedia tools, making or maker technologies, immersive technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI).
It is preferred that applicants have experience working in higher education , either in information technology (IT) or in a center for teaching and learning .
A m aster's degree in Learning Design and Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Media Arts or Digital Media, Emerging Technologies, or a related field will be considered a plus.

Responsibilities

Unify Creative Learning Initiatives (CLI) under a cohesive “Commons” framework—Media, Maker, Immersive, and AI Commons—to foster collaboration and innovation.
Champion the integration of Adobe Creative Cloud, generative AI, and emerging technologies into teaching and learning.
Set a long-term vision for CLI that aligns with TLT, University Libraries, and institutional priorities.
Partner with senior leadership and IT units to build cross-campus support and strategic alignment.
Foster a high-performing team of professional staff and student employees through compassionate, inclusive leadership.
Cultivate a collaborative environment grounded in trust, emotional safety, and shared achievement.
Promote workload equity and create opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
Model inclusive leadership with kindness, humility, and clarity while mentoring staff in career development.
Develop sustainable service models and documentation across studios, labs, and makerspaces.
Streamline the service catalog, balance multimedia and maker offerings, and ensure efficient resource use.
Oversee staffing, budgeting, and facilities to support growth and policy compliance.
Lead TLT teams through hiring, development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality support.
Advance AI-assisted creativity, immersive learning, and faculty partnerships by championing new initiatives and supporting experimentation.
Establish an AI Commons as a flagship resource with physical, remote, and mobile components to maximize engagement.
Foster a culture of creative risk-taking and adoption of transformative technologies.
Lead strategic vendor partnerships and implement experiential learning opportunities in the Dreamery and other creative spaces.
Amplify evidence of learning and innovation through data-informed storytelling.
Create dashboards, impact briefs, and narratives that showcase CLI’s contributions and elevate Penn State’s national profile.
Apply evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of technology initiatives.
Use data to communicate impact, unlock resources, and drive continued innovation.

Benefits

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.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume