Description
General Description: The Director for Digital Learning and Innovation guides the design, implementation, and optimization of digital learning experiences that support faculty and other instructors, students, and the Seminary’s educational programs. The Director is responsible for the instructional technology ecosystem and learning management system (LMS). The Director reports to the Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the Office of Academic Affairs.
Essential Functions:
1. Support and resource instructors in designing learning experiences that are engaging, accessible, and student-centered.
2. Identify emerging technologies, instructional tools, and digital resources that facilitate learning.
3. Offer quality professional development programs to instructors that focus on effective use of digital resources and pedagogies.
4. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and experimentation in using digital tools for instruction.
5. Provide guidance on educational and institutional applications of artificial intelligence (AI).
6. Evaluate AI-powered tools and platforms to determine their instructional value, accessibility, and security.
7. Participate in crafting Seminary guidelines and policies for the ethical use of AI.
8. Manage and optimize learning management system (LMS) implementation, configuration, updates, and ongoing system enhancements.
9. Contribute to the development of policies and best practices for use of the LMS across Columbia’s degree programs and course modalities.
10. Analyze and present LMS data related to course design quality and student engagement.
11. Participate in institutional committees as assigned.
12. Adhere to seminary standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.
13. Other duties as requested.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
*Master’s degree in education, instructional design, educational technology, or a related field
*At least three years of work experience in digital teaching and learning in a higher education setting
*Experience designing and facilitating instructional technology training and development programs
*Experience administrating enterprise learning management systems (e.g., Moodle, Canvas, D2L Brightspace) and related tools, including video, class capture, Class for Zoom,
Grammarly, etc.
*Knowledge of digital pedagogies, instructional design principles, accessibility standards, and educational technology trends
*Expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and responsible uses of AI in higher education
*Strong project management and communication skills
*Demonstrated capacities to work collegially and collaboratively across departments
Desired Qualifications:
*Doctoral degree in education or related field
*Formal theological education or experience working in a seminary or divinity school
*Knowledge of accreditation and compliance requirements of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
*Forward-thinking approach to educational technology
Must work at least three days on campus in Decatur, Georgia.
