Widener University is currently seeking an innovative and strategic Director for its Center for Teaching and Learning. Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, the Director will oversee the University’s efforts to promote teaching excellence and provide opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development.
This role will identify, develop, and oversee a rich and diverse set of programming including: new faculty orientation, in-house training, guest speakers, and external events. The Director will promote teaching excellence and best practices by regularly meeting with faculty as well as maintaining a space for collaboration, interdepartmental projects, and idea sharing. The Director will assist with institutional and program assessment activities and help faculty with assessment processes for continuous improvement of student learning.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential Duties:
Faculty Development and Support
- Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive faculty development initiatives, including new faculty orientation and faculty mentoring programs.
- Identify, develop, and coordinate internal and external professional development opportunities that support excellence in teaching, learning, scholarship, and leadership.
- Collaborate with faculty, librarians, instructional designers, instructional technologists, and other subject matter experts to deliver innovative and impactful professional development programming.
- Coordinate and manage faculty and staff micro-credentialing initiatives that promote continuous learning and professional growth.
Teaching Excellence and Innovation
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and excellence in teaching and learning across the University.
- Promote evidence-based instructional practices and emerging pedagogical strategies that enhance student engagement and success.
- Support faculty in the exploration and adoption of effective teaching methodologies, educational technologies, and learner-centered approaches.
Community Building and Collaboration
- Create and facilitate opportunities for faculty to collaborate, share best practices, exchange ideas, and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue.
- Build and sustain a vibrant community of practice that encourages professional engagement, innovation, and collegial support.
- Maintain a visible and active presence across academic units and campus locations to strengthen relationships and promote collaboration among faculty and staff.
Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
- Promote and support institutional, co-curricular, program, and course assessment initiatives that advance student learning and institutional effectiveness.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative stakeholders to develop and sustain assessment practices that foster continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
- Assist faculty and departments in using assessment data to evaluate outcomes, improve programs, and enhance educational quality.
Strategic Leadership and Outreach
- Provide leadership for Center for Teaching and Learning initiatives that align with the University's mission, strategic priorities, and accreditation expectations.
- Develop outreach strategies that increase participation in Center programs and services while strengthening engagement across the campus community.
- Serve as a resource and advocate for teaching excellence, faculty success, and lifelong professional learning throughout the University.
Expected Outcomes
- Advance excellence in teaching and learning through innovative faculty development programs.
- Strengthen faculty engagement, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Enhance assessment practices that support student success and continuous institutional improvement.
- Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and learner-centered academic culture.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned or directed to support departmental needs and align with the mission, values and goals of the Provost’s Office and Widener University.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (education/training and experience required)
- Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Three (3+) years of experience teaching at the collegiate level.
- Experience in the assessment of student learning outcomes at the course, program, and institutional levels.
- Experience with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies in a higher education setting.
- Knowledge of evidence-based teaching practices, instructional innovation, and emerging trends in higher education pedagogy.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators across multiple departments and disciplines.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional growth and development.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
