Careers

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

The Senior Director for Instructional Design, Engagement and Support (IDEAS) oversees the development and implementation of innovative strategies and educational practices that align with the strategic goals of Academic Affairs for online and in-person education. The Senior Director combines educational expertise with technological innovation to enhance online and in-person teaching and learning across the University. The Senior Director leads the IDEAS unit, ensuring effective collaboration with faculty and academic leaders to design and implement high-quality educational experiences. 

Essential Functions

• Leads teams of instructional designers, media production, and faculty engagement, fostering a collaborative and creative environment by providing guidance and mentorship on emerging trends in online and in-person instructional design, multi-media content, pedagogical practices, and educational technology.
• Champions the adoption of evidence-based pedagogical practices and leads initiatives for faculty development in instructional design, multi-media content and technology with enhanced teaching methods, offering workshops, resources, and support.
• Plans, schedules, and coordinates resources to develop and implement instructional design strategies to enhance online and traditional courses and programs, ensuring they meet rigorous academic standards and engage diverse learners.
• Collaborates with faculty and subject matter experts to design and develop high-quality online and in-person courses with learning objectives, pedagogy, and assessment.
• Implements innovative tools, content and techniques into instructional design practices to enhance student engagement and success.
• Establishes and maintains quality assurance processes to evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials and ensure accessibility to best practices.
• Cultivates partnerships with academic departments, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), and other University stakeholders to promote a culture of instructional excellence and create innovative programs.
• Partners with Information Technology (IT) to ensure availability of and support for instructional technology via the Learning Management System (LMS) and ensures its optimal use for course delivery and assessment.
• Fosters a culture that uses data to inform work, allocate resources and evaluate impact.
• Manages the unit’s budget and effectively allocates resources for projects, professional development, and teaching tools.
• Represents the University at conferences, workshops, and other professional development events related to instructional design and pedagogy.

Other Functions

• Contributes toward a positive and respectful workplace defined by personal and professional competence, integrity, and collaboration.
• Understands and contributes to implementation of departmental and institutional goals of non-discrimination and creating a respectful, inclusive environment that is supportive of University’s diverse community.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master’s Degree and more than ten (10) years of related experience with progressive responsibility, including five (5) years of supervisory experience or Doctoral Degree and more than six (6) years of related experience with progressive responsibility, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team of staff.
• Strong proficiency and technical knowledge of online Learning Management Systems (LMS) used in higher education and comprehensive knowledge of instructional design theories and methodologies.
• Broad knowledge of and experience with current instructional technologies for synchronous/asynchronous online courses and in-person courses.
• Ability to set work priorities, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines; ability to anticipate project issues and establish plans to remedy them promptly and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience, communicate with faculty, work independently and/or with multiple constituencies, speak or make presentations before groups, and conduct effective training.
• Demonstrated ability in establishing and maintaining productive relationships with a full range of diverse campus and external constituents that reflect a strong customer service commitment and a continuous quality focus.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Typical office environment.

Work Schedule

• On campus position.
• Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
• Some nights and weekends required.

Salary Information

Level 33

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.