Director of Online Learning - Teaching Faculty

Penn State University • University Park, IL

14d

About The Position

The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a non-tenure track, open rank faculty position as the Director of Online Learning beginning July 1, 2026. Responsibilities for the position include overseeing the College’s online undergraduate programs, including: instructor hiring, enrollments and scheduling; leading course development, revision and rollouts; liaising with faculty, department heads, instructional designers, graduate online program directors and coordinators, Penn State World Campus, financial and HR offices, and the dean's office; collaborating to plan and implement marketing initiatives; communicating with students; providing service to the college and university, including representing the College on committees across the University related to undergraduate online education; and other duties as needed. The Director will also be responsible for spearheading the development of new online initiatives for the College, including workforce education offerings, 1-credit and non-credit professional development courses, and micro-credentialing/badging opportunities. In addition to directing the College’s undergraduate online programs, the successful candidate will be expected to teach several classes across our undergraduate online curriculum in either or both the Strategic Communications or Digital Media and Journalism programs. Experience in managing, teaching and developing online courses and curriculum is required. We are looking for an individual who enjoys working with a faculty that is collegial, collaborative and professional. Depending on the experience and qualifications a candidate brings to the position, starting appointment will be an Assistant, Associate or Teaching Professor. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with program assessment and accreditation is preferred. Previous management or supervisory experience is also a plus. A master’s degree in mass communications or a related discipline is required for this position. Professional experience in mass communication fields is preferred. On-site residence is strongly encouraged. Our programs are accredited through the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). Interested candidates must submit an online application at Penn State's Job Posting Board and should upload the following application materials: letter of application/cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin on March 16, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.

Requirements

• Experience in managing, teaching and developing online courses and curriculum is required.
• A master’s degree in mass communications or a related discipline is required for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with program assessment and accreditation is preferred.
• Previous management or supervisory experience is also a plus.
• Professional experience in mass communication fields is preferred.
• On-site residence is strongly encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing the College’s online undergraduate programs, including: instructor hiring, enrollments and scheduling
• Leading course development, revision and rollouts
• Liaising with faculty, department heads, instructional designers, graduate online program directors and coordinators, Penn State World Campus, financial and HR offices, and the dean's office
• Collaborating to plan and implement marketing initiatives
• Communicating with students
• Providing service to the college and university, including representing the College on committees across the University related to undergraduate online education
• Spearheading the development of new online initiatives for the College, including workforce education offerings, 1-credit and non-credit professional development courses, and micro-credentialing/badging opportunities
• Teaching several classes across our undergraduate online curriculum in either or both the Strategic Communications or Digital Media and Journalism programs

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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