Director of Online Education

The Director of Online Education will be an innovative leader with the ability to think strategically and who will help develop an online/distance learning strategy and vision for the University. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of leadership, partnership development, and growth as related to online learning to support the expansion of Illinois State University's vision for the future. The Director will provide strategic leadership to focus on quality online courses and online program development and delivery and will leverage significant expertise in educational technology, online pedagogy, and operational implementation of online academic programs. The Director will lead a newly created unit focusing on Online Education housed in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology. The successful candidate will work with other individuals and units on campus to promote and support online teaching and learning at ISU within the equity, diversity, and inclusion values articulated in our strategic plan, Educate*Connect*Elevate. This position will report to the Assistant Vice President for Faculty Development, Diversity, and Learning and will be a full-time (12 month) staff position.

Specifically, this position will:

Online Program Development and Academic Program Support
- Identify market needs and opportunities for new online or certificate programs at ISU.
- Work proactively with unit staff and academic programs to design degrees, and develop, deliver, and assess engaging and comprehensive online and blended courses and programs that ensure alignment with the University's mission.
- Work with faculty and staff in various departments to integrate online learning options across degree programs.
- Collaborate with the Office of the Provost on new and revised program internal and external (IBHE and HLC) program approval processes.

Quality Assurance/Assessment for online programs and Faculty Support for Online Teaching
- Lead the development of criteria for quality online/distance education at ISU.
- Develop processes and procedures to regularly assess the quality of online/distance education programs and implement strategies for improvement. Monitor performance data to evaluate and assess online learning programs.
- Work with unit’s team to develop, implement, and evaluate faculty professional development programming for teaching blended and online courses, developing instructional materials, and evidence-based online instructional methods.
- Work with unit’s team to assist faculty with the development of teaching competencies, instructional technology utilization, and assessment strategies required of high-quality online courses.

Faculty Instructional Technology Support, Compliance, and Supervision
- Oversee faculty support and usage of ISU’s learning management system.
- Oversee and facilitate the utilization and integration of emerging and relevant instruction and interactive learning technology tools in face-to-face, hybrid and online instruction to enhance student learning and engagement.
- Work closely with the Office of Advance Technology Support for Faculty in responding and working towards the timely resolution of technical issues relating to the delivery on online courses, teaching with technology, and Learning Management Support.
- Work closely with the Assistant Vice President for Academic Planning to coordinate distance education related compliance (e.g., IBHE and HLC) and reporting (e.g., NC-SARA) requirements, for new and existing distance education programs.
- Ensure compliance with licensing, copyright laws and regulations, and web accessibility.
- Remain abreast of research best practices and new interactive technologies that will help increase student learning and engagement.
- Provide supervision for unit staff, including a team of professional developers, multimedia developers, and instructional designers.

1. A master’s or equivalent degree from an accredited university, preferably in educational technology, instructional design, online teaching and learning, multimedia, or other related field.
2. Five or more years of experience in an online learning field including time in a strategic leadership or managerial role.
3. Demonstrated success in a strategic leadership or managerial role related to online learning, managing program development for new online learning programs, and/or leading a division of similar scope and/or scale in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
4. Demonstrated experience in developing and/or consulting related to online learning and instructional technology solutions.
5. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in creating high-quality inclusive and equitable online student learning experiences, including familiarity with the Quality Matters™ program.
6. Clearly articulated knowledge of and ability to develop, implement, and evaluate professional development programming for faculty, staff, and graduate teaching assistants to support their online course design and teaching skills.
7. Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to maintain collaborative and confidential relationships.
8. Experience with LMS usage and support.
9. Awareness and adherence to policies and procedures (e.g., accreditation requirements, internal requirements, University contractual requirements, reciprocity agreements, etc.).

1. A doctoral degree from an accredited university, preferably in educational technology, instructional design, online teaching and learning, multimedia, or other related degree.
2. Knowledge of distance education compliance issues and relevant institutional policies.
3. Experience with specialized populations including recruitment, enrollment, and compliance for international and adult learners and students from historically under-represented groups.

June 2022; start date negotiable

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.