Director for Instructional Technology and Innovation

Summary

Reporting to the Vice President for Institute Technology and Chief Technology Officer

(VP-IT/CTO), the Director for Instructional Technology and Innovation is responsible for leading strategy and tactics surrounding technologies, both current and on the horizon, related to teaching and learning at CalArts. The Director is a critical part of Institute-wide strategy and planning on such technologies. The Director is operationally responsible for identifying, implementing, training on, and managing these technologies. The Director is part of IT senior leadership and sits on committees and participates in shared governance at the Institute. Operationally, this role is responsible for day-to-day management of the Learning Management System, ensuring overall performance, integration with other systems, and expansion as requested through the use of standard protocols. The Director also spearheads work, including research, into new and innovative technologies that impact the Institute.

The Director  for Instructional Technology and Innovation is responsible for working with faculty and instructional staff to identify software and other tools that will benefit their teaching, implementing those tools in an appropriate manner (proof of concept vs. pilot vs. production), and collaborating with colleagues to ensure successful deployment. These technologies may be software or hardware, both inside and outside the classroom. The Director provides training materials and conducts sessions on identified technologies to faculty and academic staff, as well as on other topics that impact student learning, such as Degree Planning. Finally, the Director builds strong relationships with faculty, program directors, deans, and the Provost’s Office to further their work.

Innovation is broadly defined at CalArts as rising topics that will transform teaching, learning, and productivity. Past topics include, for example, artificial intelligence. Work in these areas extends into research (how a technology might impact art-making or teaching) and practical applications, as well as coordinating events (e.g., symposia) that speak to and expand on that work. The Director also plays an important role in definition and strategic planning around these technologies, potentially serving on committees (including formal shared governance), project-specific teams, and leading and coordinating Institute-wide innovation initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Strategic planning and leadership around instructional technology and innovative technologies.

• Manages the Learning Management System, in conjunction with other CalArts staff and faculty, including those in the Information Technology (CAIT) office.

• Researches and examines the impact of rising technologies and innovations.

• Is the primary liaison between CAIT, staff, and faculty on instructional needs.

• Collaborates with faculty across all six schools to identify impactful instructional technologies, including both hardware and software, both inside and outside the classroom.

• Identifies and implements solutions at the course, program, school, and Institute levels, working collaboratively with all parties.

• Conducts training on technology solutions

• Leads relevant faculty and staff learning communities

• Collaborates extensively with the Provost Office and Schools, among others.

• Defines project milestones, measures of success, and other parameters as appropriate

All other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Experience working with faculty and academic offices/staff

• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems (Instructure Canvas preferred) and LTIs. 

• Experience doing training, both in formal and informal settings

• Proven ability to work and collaborate with diverse constituents and stakeholders on a consistent and regular basis

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to develop, maintain, and cultivate relationships

Qualifications

• Master's Degree required, preferably in Educational Technology or related field.

• Several years’ experience working in higher education or an art non-profit, preferably directly with faculty

• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems 

• Knowledge of software integrations with LMS solutions

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with others in problem-solving situations that achieve visible results

• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with diverse groups

• Commitment to cultivating an inclusive and diverse work environment