Director of Introductory Programming

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

1d

About The Position

The Director of Introductory Programming oversees the strategic integration of the Computer Sciences majors’ introductory programming sequence into the department’s curriculum. The role combines classroom instruction with administrative leadership, curriculum development, and the creation of pedagogical and assessment tools and resources that support student learning. The Director supports teaching faculty and professors and may manage instructional graduate students.

The position provides instruction in the introductory sequence and serves as supervisor and instructor of record for the WES-CS program. It manages course logistics, including syllabi, Canvas courses, textbook resources, exams, grading, and incompletes. The Director also helps supervise and mentor teaching assistants, peer mentors, and graders; contributes to hiring recommendations; and coordinates curriculum design and instruction among instructors.

This is a 100% Academic Staff appointment described as regular, 12-month, renewable, and ongoing. Salary is negotiable based on qualifications and experience. A Master’s degree is required; a Ph.D. is preferred. Applicants with at least two years of specified additional experience may be considered at the Teaching Faculty IV level.

Requirements

• At least one year of college-level teaching experience in computer science or a related technical or scientific field.
• Excellent classroom communication skills.
• Proficiency with Java and/or Python programming languages.
• Fundamental knowledge of introductory programming language curricula.
• Master’s degree required.
• Eligibility to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment, without need of employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Ph.D. in Computer Sciences, Education, Curriculum and Instruction, or a related field.
• Familiarity with skills and strategies that help students succeed in large-scale courses.
• Familiarity with online teaching tools and techniques for efficient course organization, communication, and management in large-class environments.
• Ability to coordinate assessments, student support, and instructional logistics.
• Ability to develop and oversee structured lab sessions that ensure hands-on practice.
• Ability to apply educational principles to align teaching with competency-based learning outcomes.
• Willingness and ideas to adapt teaching in an AI environment.
• For consideration at the Teaching Faculty IV level: two or more years of direct experience overseeing curriculum design, leading course programming, and advising on hiring and budgeting for instructional staff and support.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom or online instruction, including grading, for a course in the introductory programming sequence; teach at least one course during the 12-month instructional cycle.
• Serve as supervisor and instructor of record for the WES-CS program, managing undergraduate section leaders and developing curriculum.
• Manage administrative logistics for introductory-sequence courses, including template syllabi and Canvas courses, textbook resources, exam and grading project management, and course incompletes.
• Help supervise, instruct, and mentor teaching assistants, student peer mentors, and graders; screen or interview applicants for TA and grader positions and make hiring recommendations.
• Assist in defining program objectives and aligning the introductory sequence with those objectives.
• Coordinate curriculum design and instruction by other instructors in the introductory sequence.
• Design curricula and instructional techniques and suggest effective approaches to teaching within the discipline.
• Administer budgets and personnel for instructional grants and programs as needed.
• Carry out program duties and help define program objectives.
• Develop instructional-development grant proposals and potentially serve as principal or co-principal investigator on grants to develop teaching methods.
• Supervise day-to-day activities of instructional-support employees as needed.
• Present evaluations of teaching methods and techniques within the institution and elsewhere.
• Develop and teach instructional techniques aligned with desired learning outcomes and strategy, and train faculty and instructional staff in their use.
• Assess learner performance and prepare reports recommending instructional improvements.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off.
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits.
• Excellent benefits package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior