Director, Distance Learning and Instructional Technology

About the role

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, controls, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all operations, activities, programs, and services for Distance Learning (DL) and related instructional technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration in teaching and learning. The position will collaborate with Deans, faculty, and staff to ensure maximum efficiency of Distance Learning services and serves as the primary campus resource for AI applications and accessibility compliance in the area of instruction. Supervises daily operations of the Faculty Center for Learning Technology and manages the design and delivery of faculty training on distance learning, AI tools, accessibility, policies, and teaching strategies while collaborating across campus to provide cohesive support for students.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and communicates goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the assigned area(s).
• Designs, recommends, and implements a strategic plan for online learning and the effective integration of AI into courses that prioritize Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support student success, and reduce equity gaps.
• Compiles, analyzes, interprets, and presents data to various stakeholders, including instructional deans, department chairs, and faculty, to support strategic enrollment management strategies, assist with forecasting, and support achievement of learning outcomes; evaluates services, technologies, and workflows to improve student outcomes.
• Manages the design and delivery of training for faculty on distance learning strategies and applications, generative AI tools, and digital accessibility; integrates instructional technology and AI solutions to enhance student success both online and in person and for students with diverse abilities.
• Manages the development and implementation of online and hybrid instructor certification in collaboration with the Academic Senate and the Instruction Office.
• Supports initiatives promoting affordability and equity of instructional materials, including Open Educational Resource (OER), Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC), and Low-Cost Textbook (LTC).
• Implements and maintains relevant policies and procedures necessary for compliance with accreditation standards, Title 5, Education Code, and other external requirements pertaining to areas of responsibility; proactively maintains currency with developing external regulations and standards.
• Maintains currency and appropriateness of instructional technologies by regularly evaluating user feedback and tool functionality.
• Evaluates the Learning Management System (LMS) and AI platforms for functionality and accessibility for users with diverse abilities.
• Aligns technology needs of students and faculty; monitors and gives input on the performance of the learning management system and appropriate integration of other instructional technology tools.
• Advocates for support of distance learning and collaborates with other relevant departments to address the needs of distance learning students and faculty.
• Develops program plans and budgets, monitors assigned program budgets and pursues grants. Plans, manages, and supervises the implementation of grants.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs the assigned department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Coordinates with faculty and staff in providing online learning and AI orientations and training for students to prepare them to be successful in learning.
• Actively engages in developing, coordinating, and implementing grant opportunities that promote and expand distance education, accessibility training, and AI support services and learning technologies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and various College committees and advisory boards; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to the area of assignment; serves and chairs committees with a mission to introduce, evaluate, and integrate educational technologies in support of excellence in teaching and learning in all delivery formats; collaborates on relevant issues with the Information Technology (IT) Team and the Academic Senate.
• Attends the College’s annual commencement ceremony as part of their official duties.
• Establishes, implements, and fosters an environment of belonging as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti-racism, and accessibility (DEISAA).
• Oversees, leads, and provides quality customer service when interacting with the public, vendors, students, and College staff, including individuals from minoritized groups.
• Utilizes critical thinking, sound decision-making, and problem-solving skills with tact.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives Administrative Direction From The Assigned Managerial Personnel. Exercises General Direction And Supervision Over Management, Professional, Technical, And Administrative Support Staff Through Subordinate Levels Of Management And Supervision.

Class Characteristics

This position is within the educational administrator classification and oversees, directs, and coordinates all activities related to distance learning and instructional technology. The incumbent organizes and oversees day-to-day activities and is responsible for providing professional-level support to the College and related technologies in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of relevant federal and state education policy, knowledge of College functions and activities, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas.

Environmental Elements

Incumbents Work In An Office Environment With Moderate Noise Levels, Controlled Temperature Conditions, And No Direct Exposure To Hazardous Physical Substances. Incumbents May Interact With Staff, Students, And/or The Public In Interpreting And Enforcing Departmental Policies And Procedures.

Physical Demands

Directs, manages, and oversees the daily operations of the Faculty Center for Learning Technology in accordance with College policies, legal requirements, and sound educational principles and practices.