Executive Director, Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning

Valparaiso University•Valparaiso, IN

About The Position

The Executive Director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITAL) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for comprehensive faculty development and instructional technology and design initiatives that advance excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship across the university. This position plays a central role in shaping the institution's instructional future, fostering a culture of evidence-based pedagogy, and supporting faculty success at all career stages. Reporting to the Provost Office, the Executive Director oversees the Center's programs, services, budget, and staff; leads strategic initiatives in instructional innovation and educational technology; and collaborates closely with academic units, faculty governance, and key campus partners to ensure faculty development is a visible, well-supported, and data-informed institutional priority. This position requires a visionary, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader with a strong record of innovation, demonstrated commitment to student success, and deep expertise in faculty development and instructional design.

Requirements

Master's degree in a discipline represented within the university, or in higher education, adult education, instructional design/technology, curriculum and instruction, or a related field; Doctorate or other terminal degree preferred
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in faculty development, instructional design and technology, or related academic administration in higher education
Demonstrated success in developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive faculty development programs
Proven experience managing budgets and financial resources effectively
Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff
Strong record of teaching excellence at the college or university level
Experience with instructional design principles, models, and best practices
Comprehensive experience with Canvas Learning Management System or comparable LMS platforms, including administration, course design, and faculty training
Proficiency with educational technologies, digital learning tools, and instructional design software
Familiarity with accessibility standards and tools for creating inclusive learning environments
Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting for program assessment
Exceptional communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills across disciplinary and administrative boundaries
Demonstrated ability to build consensus, manage conflict, and influence actions and opinions of diverse stakeholders
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Proven ability to work effectively with faculty from diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming environments for all faculty
Deep understanding of learning theory, evidence-based teaching practices, and current trends in higher education pedagogy
Knowledge of online, hybrid, and face-to-face course design and delivery
Familiarity with Quality Matters or similar quality assurance frameworks
Understanding of academic policy development and shared governance processes

Nice To Haves

Master Reviewer or Peer Reviewer certification in Quality Matters
Record of scholarly contributions to the field of teaching and learning (publications, presentations, grants)
Experience with generative AI applications in teaching and learning
Familiarity with learning analytics and educational data systems
Experience in a complex institutional environment

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for faculty development aligned with the university's academic mission, strategic priorities, and emerging trends in higher education
Provide visionary leadership for campus-wide initiatives that make the institution an outstanding place for faculty to teach, mentor, engage in scholarly and creative work, and contribute to student success
Lead the development of institutional strategies for emerging technologies, including AI-enhanced teaching, addressing opportunities, risks, and long-term instructional implications
Build and sustain strong partnerships with deans, department chairs, program directors, faculty governance, and other academic leaders to identify needs, share best practices, and align initiatives
Advise senior academic leadership on trends, challenges, and innovations in teaching and learning
Collaborate with campus partners, including the library, sponsored research, and academic accommodation offices, to support institutional priorities
Serve on university committees, task forces, and working groups related to teaching and learning
Serve as a campus-wide resource and advocate for policies and practices that enhance faculty success, career progression, and well-being
Engage with and represent the Center at conferences, workshops, national networks, and organizations to elevate the university's visibility in teaching and learning innovation
Design, implement, and assess comprehensive faculty development programs across all career stages, including: New faculty onboarding and integration programs, Early-career faculty mentoring and development, Mid-career faculty renewal and advancement initiatives, Leadership development for department chairs, directors, and emerging faculty leaders, Teaching excellence workshops, learning communities, and institutes
Use research, evaluation, and learning analytics to inform program development and instructional strategy
Oversee the design and delivery of professional development in evidence-based teaching practices, active learning, curriculum design, assessment, instructional strategies, and the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL)
Provide or supervise individual instructional consultations for faculty, departments, and schools
Ensure all programming is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse faculty needs across disciplines and modalities
Provide strategic guidance and oversight for instructional design services, ensuring alignment with best practices and institutional goals
Lead initiatives supporting effective use of the Canvas Learning Management System and other educational technologies for course delivery, assessment, and faculty development
Oversee the integration of emerging technologies into teaching and learning, including generative AI, with emphasis on AI literacy, ethical use, and pedagogical effectiveness
Work across the academic units to ensure all course materials and faculty development resources meet accessibility standards (ADA, WCAG, Universal Design for Learning)
Partner with Information Technology and other campus units to support instructional technology infrastructure and faculty capacity-building
Guide faculty in applying instructional design models (e.g., backward design, UDL) and quality standards (e.g., Quality Matters)
Supervise and mentor the diverse team in CITAL
Lead comprehensive assessment of Center programs and services, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and evidence-based decision-making
Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of faculty development initiatives and identify emerging needs
Manage the Center's budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources and strategic allocation for programs, professional development, and instructional tools
Oversee daily operations of learning system tools
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and mission-centered work environment that promotes continuous improvement
Maintain accurate records of programming, participation, assessment data, and outcomes
Provide annual reports and recommendations to the Provost Office on faculty development trends, outcomes, and impact on teaching and student success