ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, LANDMARK COLLEGE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Landmark College is a unique, fully accredited college for neurodivergent students with learning differences (LD; including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and executive function challenges). Landmark College provides an intentionally designed, resource-rich academic and student life model yet is a traditional college in most ways. Our primary location in beautiful southeastern Vermont provides the setting for an engaged and inclusive college community with the safety of a small, rural campus. The College is minutes away from ski resorts and other outdoor activities, and within driving distance of cities such as Boston, New York, and Montreal. A position with Landmark College is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of often overlooked college students and to help us change how the public thinks about education.

 PRIMARY FUNCTION:

 Landmark College is seeking an Associate Director of Research (AD) for the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training (LCIRT). The AD has primary responsibility for proposing and carrying out research centered on the use of technology and instructional design in learning environments by neurodivergent learners, including those with learning disabilities, ADHD, and/or autism. The AD will work with a team to identify and research learning technologies, apps, and online instructional design to determine efficacy and ease of use by neurodivergent secondary and postsecondary students. In addition to conducting discovery and applied research, the AD will be responsible for the management of LCIRT’s research lab and associated programs. LCIRT offers a variety of research-related programs for students, faculty and staff.  The AD will lead the LCIRT Research Mentorship Program which consists of securing, training, mentoring and supervising undergraduate research interns. The AD will also coordinate the College-wide Research Brown Bag program focused on supporting faculty and staff in acquiring cutting-edge research skills. On occasion, the AD will also create and deliver evidence-based professional development offerings to external educators and other stakeholders. Delivery of professional development may occur in face-to-face settings or via eLearning platforms The AD will report to the Senior Director of LCIRT and will collaborate with LCIRT staff in the pursuit of public and private funding opportunities.

 SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

 A track record of applied research on the use of online technology and/or online instructional design with neurodivergent learners.

• Management of the LCIRT research lab and associated programs.
• Recruit, select, train, and supervise undergraduate research assistants and interns as part of research endeavors.

• Seek extramural funding by identifying, contacting, and writing proposals to funding agencies, foundations, and programs.

• Develop literature reviews, grant proposals, and resources to support educational research initiatives.

• Serve as principal investigator, project director, project manager, and other roles on grants and funded initiatives.
• Collect and analyze data using mixed methods to evaluate instructional design, learning technologies, and other education-related interventions.
• Manage projects by tracking goals, activities, timelines, and resources, ensuring quality of deliverables and services throughout entire projects.

• Collaborate with team members to develop research capacity through mentoring and inter-disciplinary/departmental research initiatives.
• Disseminate research findings in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and other channels as appropriate.

• Deliver customized presentations and trainings to clients at educational institutions, public and private organizations, conferences, and symposia as needed.

• Maintain fluency in the use of new software applications, learning technologies, and other information technologies.
• Maintain expertise on domain-specific research and trends in education through professional journals, conferences, and other professional development opportunities.
• Supervise staff as necessary.

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed by the President of the College, Vice President, and Senior Director of LCIRT.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

This position requires a doctoral degree in a field related to neurodiversity and technology (e.g., Educational Technology, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Psychology, Cognitive Psychology) with at least 3-5 years of experience in research. The candidate must have a portfolio that demonstrates capacity to pursue grant funding, manage projects, and handle a number of simultaneously competing priorities. Experience should include evidence of conducting research and interventions related to neurodiversity and technology, managing large data sets, analyzing information using a range of quantitative and qualitative measures, summarizing/synthesizing data to identify research findings and recommendations, and communicating information to professional audiences in written, spoken, and presentation formats. Must be able to demonstrate outstanding communication and project management skills; be a self-starter; and manage complex, multifaceted programs and initiatives.

The candidate must be able to quickly develop an understanding of Landmark College’s cultural climate and Universal Design pedagogical practices and work closely with Landmark College faculty and staff onsite. Must be willing to travel, work as a contributing member of the LCIRT team, and exhibit flexibility in scheduling beyond standard work hours and days.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Prior extramural funding strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The candidate must be able to work in general office conditions on the Putney, VT campus, as well other conditions required by travel. Duties require significant and regular interaction with Landmark College and other educators, students, faculty, clients, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMAND:

The position requires normal physical demand with the added demand of travel, client service delivery, presentations, workshops, and applied education research projects. Able to utilize public transportation, operate computer equipment and software, be willing to learn new and emerging research technologies, use mobile and digital devices for extended periods, deliver workshops both in-person and online, and respond to multiple priorities efficiently.

BENEFITS

 Landmark College offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans; a generous vacation and time off package (four weeks' vacation; 15 health-related days; typically, 16 paid holidays; and two extraordinary days); a TIAA retirement plan that includes 6% College contribution; tuition reimbursement; and more. This position offers the opportunity to join the College during an exciting growth phase: a breadth of short-term, online (through LC Online), and 2- and 4-year academic programs are offered; student retention has increased; international enrollment efforts are underway; the College is exploring geographical expansion projects, and enrollment outcomes have been consistent.

SIGN ON BONUS - $2500