Director of Innovative Digital Learning
East Texas A&M University · Commerce, TX · On-site · Staff (Full-time)
The Director of Innovative Digital Learning at East Texas A&M University (ETAMU) is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for digital learning with a focus on enhancing teaching and learning through innovative learning design practices, evidenced-based pedagogy, effective and efficient use of the learning management system, and the integration of emerging technologies. As a proud member of the third-largest institution in The Texas A&M University System, ETAMU fosters a strong professional environment that supports career growth and academic excellence.
ETAMU is a fast-growing public university with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and student success. With over 140+ degree programs, a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nationally ranked online and graduate programs, ETAMU is committed to transforming lives through quality education. Our employees benefit from a collaborative community, cutting-edge research opportunities, and outstanding resources.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Leads the strategic vision and execution of digital learning initiatives that are aligned with University goals and Academic Affairs initiatives, actively contributing to the university's vision of becoming a student-ready university.
- Supervises the design, development, and delivery of online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses, ensuring high academic standards that incorporate innovative teaching methods.
- Provides expert consultation to faculty on course design, learning technology, classroom technology, and digital pedagogy grounded in adult learning theory, emphasizing active learning and student-centered learning experiences.
- Supervises and mentors a team of learning experience designers and digital learning professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Develops and delivers faculty and student development programs focused on effective use of the learning management system (LMS), learning experience design, and emerging technologies such as AI and AR/VR.
- Leads the establishment and maintenance of quality assurance standards for course design, ensuring compliance with ADA guidelines and accreditation standards and alignment with the Quality Matters framework, and course evaluations.
- Collaborates with departmental personnel to align system functionality with instructional needs and support the integration of digital tools into the curriculum.
- Conducts needs assessments and gathers feedback from academic departments to inform course development and instructional strategies.
- Analyzes the impact of learning design practices on student outcomes and uses data to drive continuous improvement.
- Provides leadership in accessibility compliance and universal design for learning across all digital learning initiatives.
- Manages the creation and maintenance of instructional resources, documentation, and self-help tools for faculty and students.
- Facilitates workshops, training sessions, and communities of practice to support faculty development and technology adoption.
- Serves as chair of the LMS Advisory Group and collaborates with university stakeholders on digital learning policies, procedures and practices.
- Supports state authorization and compliance efforts related to distance education and out-of-state learning placements.
- Stays current with trends in digital learning to inform strategic planning and innovation.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Education: Master's degree in Educational Technology, Instructional Design or related field from a regionally accredited institution.
- Experience / Knowledge / Skills: Five years of related professional experience in learning design and/or academic technology in higher education. Three years of supervisory experience leading cross-functional teams of digital learning professionals. Experience leading and implementing quality assurance processes for online and hybrid courses. Demonstrated experience with leading professional development initiatives that build faculty capacity in digital pedagogy, AI literacy, and immersive technology integration. Proficiency with digital learning tools and platforms. Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Excellent verbal communication and technical writing skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong understanding of learning theories.
- Ability to: Multi-task and work well as part of a team. Manage multiple priorities with attention to detail and meet deadlines.
PREFERRED EDUCATION / SKILLS/ EXPERIENCE:
- Doctorate from a regionally accredited institution in a related field.
- Proven leadership in designing, implementing, and managing digital learning initiatives within higher education, with a strong focus on emerging technologies.
- Demonstrated success in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools and immersive technology (AR/VR/XR) to enhance learning design, personalized learning, student engagement, and assessment strategies.
- Advanced proficiency with D2L Brightspace learning management system and other learning technology tools.
- Certifications: ACUE Effective Online Teaching, Accessibility, Quality Matters Peer Reviewer.
- Experience teaching online in higher education, with a deep understanding of digital pedagogy, student engagement strategies, and assessment in virtual environments.
- Open educational resources and copyright.
SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:
LMS Systems Administrator, Learning Experience Designers, Learning Technology Consultant, LMS Help Desk Support, Student Workers, Graduate Assistants.
