Director of Online Learning Full Time

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state’s peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia’s second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

Job Summary

Directs and manages the day-to-day functions of the Department of Online Learning (OL). This position will coordinate all matters related to the online program and course offerings to ensure consistent quality of online learning.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Promotes quality instruction in online learning environments
• Leads the design and development of online instruction for all academic disciplines
• Advises and collaborates with full- and part-time faculty in online course creation
• Evaluates the college’s distance learning courses for maximum effectiveness
• Sets pedagogical guidelines and direction for online instructors
• Manages and evaluates course and faculty development projects
• Collaborates with academic departments in the development and implementation of institutional policies related to online learning
• Oversees course development as related to online program growth
• Ensures that faculty are trained in best online pedagogical practices and in the use of the institution’s Learning Management System (LMS)
• Plans and offers training and professional development to strengthen instruction for the online learning environment
• Oversees the operation and support of the Learning Management System.
• Manages the Online Learning budgets
• Represents the institution on the Regents’ Advisory Committee for Distance Education (RACDE) and eCore
• Coordinates information about Distance Education State Authorization (NC-SARA)
• Performs related duties as assigned

Knowledge Required By The Position

• Knowledge of instructional methods and principles in various environments
• Knowledge of current pedagogy principles and practices in the classroom and online
• Knowledge of learning theory, instructional design, and pedagogy of online education
• Knowledge of best practices in online instruction and facilitation
• Knowledge of the use of technology for instructional purposes
• Knowledge of distance learning practices, teaching methodologies, assessment systems, and educational technology.
• Knowledge of internet communication and the operation of computers and job-related software programs

Skill in the planning and delivery of professional development opportunities

Skill in organization and project management (e.g., establishing goals and objectives, planning, meeting deadlines, workflow, teamwork, people management, and time management)

• Skill in decision-making and problem-solving, with the ability to make timely decisions
• Skill in interpersonal relations and in dealing with the public
• Skill in oral and written communication

Skill with web-development, media-development, and office-related software

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Supervises all OL staff in all projects related to online courses and programs. The director reviews work through conferences, reports, observation of school activities, and the quality and growth of online course offerings.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include the faculty and staff handbook, university, and University System policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The position requires a high degree of organization and advanced planning.
• The work consists of varied instructional design duties, training planning and delivery, communication, and service evaluation.
• The purpose of this position is to oversee quality of distance education offerings. Success in this position contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the university’s instructional delivery and operations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other college personnel, faculty, staff, students, representatives of other colleges and universities, consultants, vendors, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, to resolve problems, or to provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or standing when presenting. The employee occasionally lifts light objects. The employee may use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and distinguish between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office, online, or in a classroom.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

• This position has direct supervision over instructional designers, LMS administrator(s), and CTL staff.
• The position reports to the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in higher education administration, adult education, instructional design, or related academic field.

Demonstrated ability to implement quality interactive technology-assisted learning environments.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the department to direct and coordinate work, usually interpreted to require three to five years of related experience.

Experience managing budgets and personnel.

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.