Job Description

The Senior Faculty Development Specialist leads the design, development, implementation, assessment and evaluation of comprehensive professional learning programs and content for and in partnership with faculty within AIUS Academics. This includes, but is not limited to, faculty orientation and onboarding, instructional strategy workshops, professional learning assessment, creation of learning objects, and managing System-level initiatives. The Senior Faculty Development Specialist provides thought leadership and guidance regarding professional learning and development best practices, data analysis, instructional design principles, adult learning theory, student success, leadership practices, performance improvement, change management, and communication to produce high-quality learning experiences for faculty and staff. Through consultation, coaching, and innovative professional learning experiences, this role advances instructional quality, faculty engagement, and student success while ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and accreditation standards.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Design, develop, deliver, and evaluate comprehensive professional learning programs and resources for faculty and staff across all instructional modalities, using workshops, online learning, resource materials, and conference-style events to support teaching excellence and continuous professional growth.
• Research, evaluate, and maintain expertise in educational technologies, providing consultation and recommendations on functionality, accessibility, emerging features, and best practices that align with AIUS's pedagogical models and strategic priorities.
• Design and deliver ongoing communication with faculty and key stakeholders, including through departmental email and a system-wide Faculty Support Site
• Maintain compliance of programs and professional learning with standards of AIUS’s accrediting bodies
• Fully support new faculty during onboarding process
• Develop and maintain consistency of university-wide faculty and staff resources where applicable
• Provide one-on-one coaching and feedback to faculty members
• Initiate and lead projects and programs for the Faculty Development and Support Team as assigned
• Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams across the University System to design, develop, and deliver professional learning that promotes the consistent application of university policies, procedures, and academic practices.
• Assist director in establishing overall strategic direction of department and in selecting appropriate tools and services to support the professional learning needs of the academic community
• Support educational technology initiatives including testing and training
• Maintain and frequently update suite of professional learning materials
• Conduct full analysis and provide recommendations of education technologies to ensure efficient student and faculty use
• Conduct classroom functional analyses to determine efficiencies and make recommendations regarding instructional support
• Analyze faculty participation, engagement, and performance data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements.
• Research, evaluate, and integrate innovative instructional technologies, including artificial intelligence and other emerging learning tools, into faculty development initiatives.

Other Duties as Assigned or Requested

• All other duties as assigned

Qualifications: Education & Experience (Minimum)

• Master’s Degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (or international equivalent) preferably in education, educational technology, instructional design, or related field
• Experience in teaching adult learners
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in professional development
• Experience with instructional design and educational technology
• Knowledge of adult learning principles, techniques and methods of instruction including use of visual aids and learning processes
• Experience in effective communication and project management with varying levels of faculty/ leadership
• Service-minded approach to stakeholder support

Education & Experience (Preferred)

• Doctorate degree in education, educational technology, instructional design, or related field
• Higher education teaching experience
• Faculty leadership/academic leadership experience
• Faculty development experience
• Credential/certification in instructional design
• Credential/certification in project management
• Experience with Articulate, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, Virtual Campus, Kaltura, Synthesia, and Canva

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Competencies

• Excellent communication, collaboration, interpersonal, and public speaking skills
• Training, teaching and facilitation skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent time management skills; must be well-organized and able to manage multiple complex projects
• Attention to detail and ability to produce error-free, high-quality learning materials
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Professional, ChatGPT, and content creation/editing/delivery software
• Proficiency with educational technologies, Learning Management Systems, and instructional design software platforms and pedagogy
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
• Ability to meet objectives as an Individual Contributor as well as actively engage as a contributing member of a high-functioning team
• Commitment to engaging in ongoing professional development to build knowledge and skills that will benefit the AIUS academic community
• Excellent critical and creative thinking skills including curiosity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving
• Excellent ability to translate strategy into actionable items and to link activity to business results