Director E-Learning at United States International University - USIU Africa

Job Summary

Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic and Student Affairs, the Director e-learning will lead the University towards developing and operationalizing a strategic approach to technology-enhanced e-Learning in support of student learning outcomes.

The Director e-Learning will work closely with Instructional Deans, the Director ICT and the DVC, Academic and Student Affairs to create a vision and strategy for successful eLearning at United States International University-Africa. He/she will provide leadership and direction for the enhancement of the student learning experience by facilitating pedagogical innovation and creativity with regard to e-Learning.

The Director will also take overall responsibility for the management of the e-Learning support team, collaboration with the Quality Assurance (QA) team, the ICT Division, the Centre for Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) and faculty to implement best-practice e-Learning pedagogy that will support the University’s mission and vision for student success.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and direct the implementation of e-Learning strategic goals, policies and standards that support the University’s core mission and vision;
• Liaise with Quality Assurance (QA) to develop documentation on various modes of online instructional technology delivery in a manner that meets the compliance requirements of the University’s dual accrediting bodies;
• Develop instructional technology support based on a solid understanding of USIU-Africa’s e-Learning practices and instructional strategies;
• Lead on the selection, application, and development of technology in respect to e-Learning, consultancy, student recruitment and research as revenue earning activities;
• Work in close collaboration with Instructional Deans and Academic Department Chairs to identify and select candidate courses and/or programs for various online delivery modes e.g. blended/hybrid learning, flipped classroom learning, pre-University practice, distance learning etc;
• Work in close collaboration with Instructional Deans and Academic Department Chairs to develop and package instructional content, schedule delivery of the scheduled courses and/or programs considering market needs, departmental priorities, resources, and availability of personnel; assisting in decisions regarding opening and closing courses based on instructor availability, academic approval, status of development; and set enrollment targets as necessary;
• Facilitate the use of course design standards, procedures and pedagogical practices that apply to USIU-Africa’s e-Learning courses;
• Liaise with QA to implement quality control practices; monitor e-Learning student satisfaction, retention and faculty performance in line with best practice;
• Train and mentor faculty engaged in designing, instructing, or reviewing online courses; research, develop, and schedule quality-training opportunities for new and continuing faculty, in the use of technology in instruction design support, for the purpose of assisting students in using e-Learning tools for effective study;
• Supervise, guide, and evaluate performance of the e-Learning support team and other professional staff as assigned;
• Research and implement new instructional strategies to remain competitive in the delivery of education; emerging technologies and their application to teaching and learning across the University;
• Create, lead and communicate campus-wide discussions regarding the University’s e-Learning initiatives and practices;
• Provide leadership for the adoption, training and utilization of the University’s Learning Management System (Blackboard) and related applications;
• Develop strategies and inform decision-making about adoption of e-Learning practices that promote USIU-Africa’s visibility and recognition as a Centre of Excellence in e-Learning;
• Pursue partnerships, funding opportunities and manage the University’s e-Learning budget to enhance e-Learning opportunities and support student success initiatives.
• Encourage and facilitate a positive working environment with all stakeholders; provide positive team development and lifelong learning staff development opportunities;
• Effectively represent USIU-Africa at forums involved with vision, outcomes, policy, implementation and future trends as applied to instructional technology and e-Learning delivery methodologies;
• Perform other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Minimum Educational/Professional Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in e-Learning or equivalent.
• Membership of one or more reputable professional organizations.
• At least 7 years post-doc experience in e-Learning and/or the use of educational technology (teaching and/or research) senior roles at a University.

Personal Attributes & Competencies

• People management skills
• Sound technical knowledge of ICT
• Excellent analytical skills
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• High level of integrity

Incumbents will be expected to continue upgrading their knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation/policy changes and trends in higher education.