1. Title:Director, Online Teaching and Learning

Division:Professional and Continuing Education

Location:Joel and LindaAbromsonCommunityEducationCenter, Portland Campus

Schedule:Flexible

Organizational Relationships:

Reports to:Executive Director, Professional and Continuing Education

Supervises:Onefull-timeUMSystem’s Instructional Media and Support Specialist assigned to USM, and 2 instructional designers.

Coordinates with: Department chairs, full-time and part-time faculty members, University Libraries, ITMS, IT, and other relevant units at USM. Also coordinates with various UMS units, departments and staff at all levels, including those based at USM, off-campus center/site directors, client businesses and organizations.

II.Statement of the Job:

As an integral member of PCE’s leadership team, the Director of Online Teaching and Learning works closely with the executive director and PCE staff to develop and implement a quality Online Education platform at USM. (S)he provides leadership in developing partnerships and collaborations with key stakeholders to ensure continued growth and success in supporting the online/technology education mission across campus. (S)he manages a team of 3-4 instructional designers who work closely with full-time and adjunct faculty to support the continued improvement of the online teaching experience, and who provide support for technology-enhanced learning in the classroom. The Director works with individual faculty members, their departments, and Colleges/Schools to coordinate USM and System resources for designing educational courses and programs to be delivered online or through other distance education methods. The Director provides design assistance and training, and works to secure financial and logistical support for faculty members desiring to incorporate educational technology into their pedagogy. The Director also contributes his(her) expertise to developing effective student services for students taking technology-enhanced courses. The Director manages and reports on data relevant to online and technology related teaching and learning to enhance the continued support and growth of USM online.

III.Essential Functions:

  1. Works closely with the executive director and the PCE team to identify goals, priorities, and strategies for USM’semergence as a major player in online education. Helps build the reputation of USM for quality online/blended teaching and learning. Works with PCE staff, deans, department chairs and faculty to identify degree or certificate programs that are ripe for online delivery and to develop implementation strategies. Advocates for and ensures that USM meets the growing needs of online students, identifying key courses and concentrations (including the Core) that could be offered online to meet student demand and expand access.
  1. Directsthe Center for Technology Enhanced Learning (CTEL)staff in supporting the faculty in teaching in online/blended delivery modes and using technology to enhance classroom teaching. Increases faculty participation and competence in online and technology-enhanced education. Develops presentations and workshops to recruit new faculty members to teach online courses, and provides a support structure and a resource center to assist faculty members in their use of technology.Provides instruction and ongoing support in the use of various instructional technologies to assist faculty in adapting them to classroom use.Promotes faculty development, research and publication in technology-enhanced learning.
  1. Works with the PCE team and other university stakeholders to build a quality infrastructure for student support services in online education. Informs best practices for the continued design and improvement of the infrastructure to maximize student access, student recruitment and retention in online/blended programs. Advocates for and contributes to an improved online course evaluation system.
  1. Manages the revenue and expense budget for CTEL and, together with the PCE team,makes recommendations to the executive director on best investments to maximize revenue growth. Prepares annual budget. Manages the querying and dissemination of all data on online/blended activity at USM.
  1. Serves as USM’s primary liaison to UMS’ OnlineMaine platform, and to University College regarding all matters of ITV and VC services. Represents USM on System initiatives involving Blackboard and other technology-related policy and procedures. Must be familiar with federal and state regulations regarding online delivery (including State Authorization), be current on national and local issues, as well as best practices and procedures regarding online education.

IV.Other Duties:

  1. Represents the university in national forums on leadership in technology-enhanced learning.

A member of SLOAN-C, the director will play an integral role in bringing home best practices, and knowledge of emerging technologies that will support a quality online education platform at USM.

  1. Coordinates with the Associate Director for Program Development on conducting needs assessments for businesses and other organizations to determine how academic credit courses offered by means of distance education could best assist them with workforce development.
  1. Serves as USM’s primary representative to the NCLC (New Century Learning Consortium funded by Sloan Foundation) and manages all activity vis-à-vis this consortium.
  1. Coordinates with Instructional Technology and Media Services (ITMS) to coordinate technical services when necessary.
  1. Pursues grants and contracts that serve to support the needs of the university in promoting 21st century learning.
  1. Provides leadership in the TEL Group, a collaborative group of technology and support staff engaged in technology-enhanced learning, to identify issues, solutions, and policy changes that support USM’s vision for technology-enhanced teaching and learning.
  1. Confers with other regional and state institutions on information technology.

V.Supervisory Responsibilities:

Oversees the schedule and work of the University of Maine System’s Instructional Media Support Specialist assigned to USM and, two instructional design support specialists.Demonstrates knowledge and experience in maintaining a safe working/learning environment.

VI.Professional/Public Activities:

The Director represents USM at professional and community events. The Director serves as a resource on technology-enhanced teaching and learning methods, and maintains memberships in relevant associations, including SLOAN-C, and the Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA).

VII.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  1. Ability to work as part of a dynamic team to advance PCE’s access mission to adult learners.
  2. Spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurialism to meet mission objectives.
  3. Excellent knowledge of new developments in online pedagogies and emerging technologiesthat support the design and delivery of quality online/blended programming. Expertise in the use of educational technologies.
  4. Familiarity with Quality Matters ® and the principles of SLOAN-C regarding quality online education.
  5. Ability to advise and supportfaculty on online pedagogy and instructional design practices to enhance learning.
  6. Ability to prepare and deliver distance education training programs for faculty, staff, and community members.
  7. Excellent managerial skills to inspire creativity and problem-solving as well as create team energy and focus.
  8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  9. Ability to conceptualize ideas and make decisions quickly and under pressure.
  10. Creativity, flexibility, and entrepreneurial mindset.
  11. Ability to oversee implementation and planning concurrently.
  12. Knowledge of bargaining unit contract provisions affecting faculty members; ability to understand and interpret the contracts in specific situations.
  13. Ability and willingness to travel throughout Maine to service sites, client meetings, or conferences, and ability to attend national conferences.
  14. Knowledge of campus policies and procedures regarding scheduling, delivering, and evaluating university courses.
  15. Possess an attitude that fosters a respectful, non-threatening workplace environment.

VIII.Qualifications:

Education:Masters required.Doctorate desirable.

Experience:Minimum of 5 years experience in online teaching and learning, including 3 years in administration, preferably higher education. Must have a good understanding of online pedagogy, design, and technology.

Qualities:Ability to work in a team-based environment; ability to work with a range of constituencies; exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

For Office Use Only

Approved Date:Revised Date:2-28-2012

Job Family:11

Salary Band:106

Unit:Non Rep

Job #:TBD

Employee:TBD

Position #:00012119