Director of Distance Learning

California State University, Northridge, CA

Job Level

Senior position

Post Date

03/04/2018

Job Category

Director

Sector

Instructional Technology

Job Status

Areas of Responsibility

Online learning

Link to Job Posting

CSUN's Commitment to You

CSUN is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. Our values include a respect for all people, building partnerships with the community and the encouragement of innovation, experimentation and creativity. CSUN strives to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. CSUN is especially interested in candidates who make contributions to equity and inclusion in the pursuit of excellence for all members of the university community.

About the University

One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award-winning undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 40,000 students annually and counts more than 330,000 alumni who elevate Southern California and beyond. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term economic impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and more than 11,700 jobs each year. The LAEDC recognized CSUN as its 2015 Eddy Award winner for its positive economic impact. Serving more students on Pell Grants than any other institution in California, CSUN is also a social elevator and one of the most diverse universities in the country. CSUN ranks 13th in awarding bachelor's degrees to underrepresented minority students and seventh in bachelor's degrees to Latino students, serves the 13th largest Jewish student population, and enrolls the largest number of students who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing of any U.S. state university. The journal Nature recently named CSUN a Rising Star for scientific research, and the NSF ranks CSUN in the top five nationally among similar institutions for graduates who go on to earn doctorates in the sciences. CSUN is where individuals rise and through them, so does Greater Los Angeles and beyond.

Responsibilities

Under general direction of the Tseng College Dean, the Director of Distance Learning (DL) ensures that online programs have a top level of excellence and distinction regionally, nationally and internationally to achieve student success. The incumbent develops and applies innovative instructional strategies; implements program design, technologies and learning theory; maintains student and faculty support services; works with faculty, clients and students; ensures that DL projects are completed on time and within budget; is responsible for planning, goal setting, and managing instructional methods, academic technologies and support services; ensures that the technical base supports new and emerging technologies, while supporting current infrastructure, platforms and technologies; acts as a bridge with College programs, the campus community and the CSU system. Builds working relationships with academic leads and faculty to develop a fully online or hybrid program; creates a project plan and timeline; creates online program standards; ensures course navigation and usability; customizes instructional design strategies and curriculum development for adult learners (midcareer professionals); engages in budget and financial management; ensures data security management; is an engaged member of the College's senior staff team, responsible for the supervision and ongoing professional development of the DL staff; and performs other duties as assigned.

To request a detailed position description, please email Michael Paloma at michael.paloma@csun.edu.

Qualifications

Master's degree required; doctorate preferred. Degree should be in instructional design or related field, from a regionally accredited university in the United States or a similarly validated institution in another country. Experience as a faculty member at a regionally accredited college or university is a plus. Minimum of five years of experience leading collaborative teams in online and hybrid programs, with at least three years of direct supervisory experience, is required. Must have experience developing and teaching online courses. Project management experience are a necessity, with the ability to work in teams and collaboratively with other university stakeholders.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Proven command of the context of current practice in distance learning/online learning nationally and internationally. In depth familiarity with the issue, trend, forefront models, leading practitioners/institutions, and scholarship in the field today is essential for success in this role. Must have the technical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the leadership role to craft online programs using a wide range of technical tools and applications. Must have experience developing and teaching online courses. Expertise leading training initiatives and in using, administering, supporting, and leading teams to design for systems such as Canvas and Moodle is preferred. Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, exhibiting the ability to work with accuracy and reliability, manage details, create and stick to working schedules and action plans, handle multiple projects, set priorities, and anticipate and address potential problems. Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to work in teams, build and maintain strong working relationships, cultivate a working network of contacts, and to coordinate effectively with others working collaboratively to complete a project or manage a program. Proven ability to manage projects on time and on budget. Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct effective meetings, give oral presentations to groups, and to communicate effectively in one-on-one conversations about complex issues. Very strong English verbal and written communication skills with a track record of effective and logical writing of letters, reports, presentations, summaries, design specifications, technical documentation, and technical support related explanations and responses for a variety of audiences.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The university offers an excellent benefit package.
Anticipated hiring range: $95,000 to $99,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience.

General Information

This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position. Additionally, the person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

How To Apply

Candidates should apply by completing the CSUN on-line application utilizing: http://bit.ly/HRCSUN link and must attach a cover letter that addresses the qualifications above and a current resume, including names of three professional references. NOTE: Internal candidates should apply through the portal by accessing the View Job Openings/Apply link on the Human Resources/Employee pagelet.

Applications received prior to March 6, 2018, will be considered in the initial review and review will continue until position is filled.

For more detailed information on the application and hiring process, please visit the link below:
www.csun.edu/careers

Equal Employment Opportunity

CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in CSU Executive Order 1096. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Recruitment Services.