Director, Academic Computing

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Job Description:

DIVISION: ITS

DEPARTMENT: Information Technology Services (ITS)

BASIC FUNCTION: The Director of Academic Computing leads the strategy and operations of the Academic Computing department and manages the other members of the team to assist faculty and students with their learning technology needs. This person will be a key member of the Enterprise Computing leadership team and work closely with their peers to deliver Enterprise Computing priorities. This person will also serve as the primary liaison between ITS and the academic division. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in academic technology and is adept at researching and selecting tools to support faculty pedagogy within the context of a broader strategy for academic computing, taking into account costs, benefits, and support requirements. Maintains relationships with key technology vendors and peers across the industry to understand the evolving academic technology landscape and how that changing landscape can benefit our teaching and learning environment. Oversees the administrators for learning-related systems (e.g. LMS, streaming video, and document collaboration) and steps in when help is required. Takes the lead in planning and developing all types of academic-related training materials and meets in small groups as well as individually with instructors to assist in incorporating a wide range of teaching technologies into face-to-face and online classes. Collaborates with the ITS Help Desk to facilitate first-level support for all learning systems, and assists with/conducts workshops for faculty as needed. Works closely with other members of Academic Computing and ITS to continually adapt and refine technologies and training offered to faculty, with the aim of maintaining a responsive and innovative environment of support for teaching and learning.

In addition to directly managing the staff of the Academic Computing department, this person must also be adept at influencing those not under their direct control.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL NEEDED:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree required, advanced degree in Information Systems, Educational Technology, or related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 5+ years experience working with educational technology in a higher education setting. A working knowledge of computer hardware and software (Windows and Mac) is required, along with some experience with course management systems (Blackboard preferred). Knowledge of mobile technologies and multimedia creation tools are essential, along with excellent organizational and communication skills, keen attention to detail, the ability to prioritize duties, and a capacity to critically evaluate and quickly learn new software technologies. Experience working with instructors in one-on-one or group training settings is a plus.

REPORTS TO: AVP, Enterprise Systems

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the overall strategy and operations of Academic Computing, including budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.
  
  
• Develop, champion, and implement Academic Computing vision, strategy and supporting roadmap aligned with the overall IT Strategic Plan.
  
  
• Work closely with other members of the ITS to support division-wide priorities and to provide an academic technology lens to division strategy.
  
  
• Build and deliver efficiencies in how the university provides training and support to users.
  
  
• Serve as subject matter expert in academic technologies to advise and assist faculty in finding the right tools to support their course pedagogy.
  
  
• Serve as backup Learning Management System (LMS) Administrator and assists the other academic computing staff in overseeing its day-to-day operation while providing training and support to faculty and students.
  
  
• Develops training materials related to the learning systems (including PDFs, video tutorials, online and digital texts, etc.).
  
  
• Coordinates with Support Services to plan classroom technology changes, upgrades, and on-going support.
  
  
• Coordinates with the Center for Academic Excellence on joint programming and in support of improved pedagogy and course outcomes.
  
  
• Assists in incorporating a wide range of teaching technologies into face-to-face and online classes.
  
  
• Provides assistance to ITS Help Desk to facilitate first-level support teaching and learning technology
  
  
• Participates in various committee meetings as assigned and required (The Educational Technology Committee, Administrative Technology Committee)
  
  
• Participates in the growth and development of the department.
  
  
• Promotes safe and secure working conditions.
  
  
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
  
  

*Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this

classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Category:

ITS - Admin

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, committed to excellence through diversity, and, in this spirit, particularly welcomes applications from women, persons of color, Veterans, and members of historically underrepresented groups. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with a disability.

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