Associate Director for Technical Training

The VCU Brandcenter seeks a highly motivated and qualified candidate for the role of Assistant Director for Technical Training. This position will serve as the strategic lead for the integration of technology in creative education, with a focus on artificial intelligence applications and other emerging technologies to equip students and faculty with the skills needed to thrive in a constantly evolving digital landscape. A hands-on subject matter expert combining technical expertise and educational leadership, this role ensures the VCU Brandcenter remains agile, innovative, and at the forefront of adopting new technologies to enhance the creative learning experience. This position reports to the Executive Director of the VCU Brandcenter and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and administration across all program areas.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Curriculum and Instruction to prepare students for new technological challenges.
• Consult with the Director of Operations to implement approved technology solutions.
• Lead comprehensive AI and technology-based initiatives for students and faculty, ensuring strategic and creative implementation across all programs.
• Design and deliver professional development workshops for faculty, staff, and students on AI trends, technology advances, applications, and classroom integration strategies.
• Develop and implement software integration protocols (e.g., AI) and best practices throughout the curriculum.
• Monitor emerging AI tools, tech/platform releases, and industry trends to maintain cutting-edge educational relevance.
• Assist the Director of Operations in determining which tools to purchase/subscribe to and manage relationships with AI partners.
• Provide strategic guidance on AI adoption and other emerging technologies for current and future course development.
• Work with the Communications Manager for rapid content development for social media channels, including video generation and multimedia storytelling.
• Create compelling recruitment videos and promotional materials for program marketing.
• Support comprehensive content creation efforts across all relevant digital platforms.
• Collaborate with communications teams to develop engaging, technology-enhanced content strategies.
• Provide hands-on support and consultation to instructors to ensure technology taught is up to date with industry standards (e.g., camera, iPhone videography, AI video, and prompt curriculum).
• Support instructors with the development of comprehensive curriculum modules including iPhone videography, traditional video production, and AI-enhanced video assignments.
• Create progressive learning pathways for students, faculty, and staff that integrate traditional and emerging video technologies.
• Establish assessment frameworks for technical skill development and creative application.
• Act as the directorial lead for the production initiative, working with the Creative Lead (Art Direction).
• Provide instructional support for Portfolio Development courses.
• Assist with Craft course technical components.
• Support the Undergraduate Portfolio Program (UPP) when serving as Assistant Director.
• Collaborate on Innovation and Experimentation course development and delivery.
• Offer technical expertise and guest instruction across various program courses, including BCX.
• Create case study videos for awards.
• Work on special projects and initiatives to support the Brandcenter.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a relevant field (Media Arts, Digital Communications, Production, Educational Technology, or related discipline).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in creative technology education or professional media production.
• Demonstrated expertise in AI applications and other relevant technologies for creative industries, with a portfolio of work including AI projects.
• Creative thinking and storytelling abilities.
• Proficiency in video production, editing, and multimedia content creation.
• Strong presentation and workshop facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of social media content strategies and platform requirements.
• Team leadership and people management experience.
• Background in commercial film production and post-production workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds.

Skills

• Proficiency with AI tools and platforms (VEO 3, ChatGPT, Midjourney, Adobe AI features, OpenAI APIs, etc.).
• Advanced video editing software (Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve).
• Social media content creation tools and platforms.
• Learning management systems and educational technology platforms.
• iPhone/mobile video production techniques and equipment.
• Multi-platform system administration (Mac, Linux, Windows environments).
• Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform).
• Audio engineering software and sound design tools.
• Commercial film production and post-production workflows.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, particularly in creative or advertising programs.
• Professional background in advertising, marketing, or creative agency environments.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies beyond AI (AR/VR, motion graphics, interactive media, traditional filmmaking experience).
• Portfolio demonstrating innovative use of technology in creative projects.
• Audio engineering, production, and sound design expertise.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week, with periodic weekend and evening hours required. This position is in-person at the Brandcenter in Richmond, VA.

Benefits

All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Paid annual and holiday leave.
• Generous tuition benefits.
• Retirement planning and savings options, including tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs.
• Employee discounts.
• Well-being resources.
• Abundant opportunities for career development and advancement.

Pay

Salary Range: $130,000 - $145,000