Science Director of Teaching and Learning

The Faculty of Science is seeking a motivated and talented individual with the knowledge and experience to coordinate and administer the development and implementation of teaching and learning initiatives, including digital learning, professional development in teaching, course and program design and review, and incorporation of educational technology.

The Science Director of Teaching and Learning works directly with the Dean of Science, Associate Dean (Learning and Innovation) and Science faculty members to facilitate teaching and learning innovation in the Faculty of Science.

This position is responsible for initiating projects, setting milestones and ensuring they are met. This position is also responsible for liaising with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate interdisciplinary initiatives and remain on the leading edge of advances in learning innovation. The Director will supervise and lead a team in the support of teaching and learning innovations, initiatives, pilots and projects. The incumbent is responsible for all hiring, setting performance objectives and supervision of staff. This position also drafts contracts for provision of external services in support of projects.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Leads the Science Digital Learning initiative, including Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), blended, flipped and other online course and program initiatives. This responsibility involves management and oversight of relationships with University of Alberta administrators, service units, instructors, content teams, production team(s), and educational teams
• Responsible for the operational development of content teams for each Science or Science associated online, digital and blended learning project in collaboration with the primary instructor(s), including a content manager, volunteers and casual staff, and instructor and faculty instructors/content experts
• Develops strategic rationale for new positions required to create an educational support team in Science for digital, online and blended pilots and projects in collaboration with the University Digital Learning Oversight Committee, Provost's Digital Learning Committee, Educational Technology Group, Centre for Teaching and Learning, and any other stakeholders as necessary, both internal and external to the institution. When staff requirements have been identified, hire into newly created positions and lead the educational support team in Science, etc.
• Works with instructors to collaborate on the delivery of teaching and learning pilots and projects as necessary
• Hires an educational support team for digital, online and blended pilots and projects in collaboration with the University Digital Learning Oversight committee, Provost's Digital Learning Committee, Educational Technology group, Centre for Teaching and Learning, and any other support units or individuals as necessary, both within and without the institution
• Contributes to the design of technology-enhanced learning within Faculty of Science
• Informs the creation of new and innovative learning outcomes and assessment items that incorporate technology and digital activities, etc. 
• Supervises one or more instructional designers, education technologists, discipline-based education researchers and other staff at the education-science nexus to support the duties of this position and the teaching and learning mission of the Faculty of Science
• Supports the presence and design of educational research in the sciences, etc.
• Performs other related duties as required

The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD in Education; post-secondary education in both education and science will be an asset
• 3 or more years of teaching experience at the university level
• Extensive experience working in a University teaching and development environment, and a thorough understanding of academic structure and culture
• A commitment to excellence in all aspects of undergraduate teaching, particularly in engagement strategies
• Excellent communication (verbal, written and interpersonal) skills to be comfortable interacting with individuals at all levels
• Proven ability to supervise and lead a team in support of teaching and learning
• Excellent organizational skills, including time-management, and well-developed multi-tasking skills with keen attention to detail
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, while balancing competing deadlines and priorities
• Demonstrated ability to produce results consistent with established strategic goals and objectives performing teams, and to mentor and motivate
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism with a high level of tact and discretion, and the capability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Experience in digital course development and delivery is a strong asset

In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found at: www.hrs.ualberta.ca and annual salary range commensurate with education and experience.

Thank you for your interest in the Faculty of Science at the University of Alberta.