Manager, eLearning and Educational Development

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

Job Title:

Manager, eLearning and Educational Development
Administration

Position Status:

Permanent, Full-Time
Non-Union

Department:

Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL)

Supervision Received:

Director, Centre for Teaching and Learning

Supervision Exercised:

eLearning and Educational Development Staff

Location:

Sault Ste. Marie or Brampton, ON

Number of Positions:

1

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

A.

Community of Best Practices Development and Leadership

30%

B.

Professional and Educational Development Programming and Support
30%
C.

Team Management & Continuous Improvement

30%

D

Other Duties

10%

TOTAL

100%

Reporting to the Director CTL, the eLearning and Educational Development Manager will lead the growing team and support the Director in overseeing the Centre's eLearning functions. The Manager is responsible for assigning and coordinating work to eLearning staff, providing coaching and professional development, managing performance, as well as providing overall leadership of instructional design strategies and strategic planning for the team. The manager helps ensure that various online course development projects are completed timely and successfully using sound design and development practices. The Manager is a key member of the CTL's senior management team, contributing to the continuous improvement of the Centre's core functions while providing overall leadership to the eLearning and educational development team. This is a performance driven role with the Manager accountable for ensuring that specific targets and objectives are met.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community of Best Practices Development and Leadership (30%)

• Assist the Director in designing and implementing appropriate strategies, policies, procedures, projects, and initiatives related to eLearning and educational development functions while reporting on the delivery of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Work collaboratively and closely with internal CTL functions/units, Faculties (including Deans, Department Chairs, Faculty, and Staff), Registrar's Office, Innovation and Technology Services, Quality Assurance Office, Academic Integrity Office, EDI Office, Student Success, University Library, Makwa-Waakaa'igan, and other stakeholders and departments to develop a strong community of best practices in teaching and learning.
• Consistently evaluate emerging technologies and new methods in eLearning and instructional design to strengthen best practices in teaching and learning.
• Review the Centre's existing strategies and programs to identify areas for improvement and develop inclusive strategies to advance the Centre's performance.
• Monitor projects and priority requests related to eLearning, Learning Management System (LMS), instructional design, and educational development while providing guidance to staff as required throughout the project lifecycle to ensure timely completion.
• Continuously assess staffing, processes, and technology to align with the Centre's objectives and mandate related to eLearning and educational development while ensuring compliance to guidelines and procedures required for the efficient operation of the Centre.
• Collaborate with academic units, faculty Deans, and department Chairs to assess and provide support in relation to teaching pedagogies, program/course/curriculum development, faculty training, and technology provision.
• Stay updated with the regulatory environment for online learning, monitor changes to legislation/regulations, and monitor the university's compliance with eligibility requirements. Provide expertise in current industry standards and principles of good practice in all modalities of learning.

Professional and Educational Development Programming and Support (30%)

• Lead a team to design, develop, and lead faculty training and professional development initiatives and programs including new faculty orientation, and other instructional and professional development programs.
• Support and continuously improve the Centre's Teaching and Learning initiatives related to eLearning, instructional design, educational development, copyright compliance, Anishinaabe teaching and learning, and other relevant areas.
• Collaborate with external vendors/partners (such as D2L, PowerED, Contact North, Meazure Learning, and other existing and new partners) in managing the eLearning platforms and LMSs, and lead negotiations for new or existing contracts (renewals) ensuring successful execution.
• Oversee the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) agenda and other research-related initiatives of the Centre while managing the Teaching Innovation and other fellowship programs and fundings offered by the Centre.
• Oversee CTL events and conferences, including seminars, webinars, and symposiums to strengthen the Centre's reputation and brand. This includes managing a pool of external/internal guest speakers and maintaining contact with them to ensure smooth execution of CLT events throughout the year.
• Develop, maintain, and share expertise relevant to online and digital learning, especially relevant to the Centre's scope of practice such as online teaching, digital media creation, educational technologies, and copyright.

Team Management and Continuous Improvement (30%)

• Manage and provide general direction and oversight to the eLearning and educational development staff while ensuring their training and ongoing development.
• Continuously assess staff performance while managing issues in individual and collaborative projects, intervening when needed, mediating conflicts, seeking timely resolutions, and keeping relevant management informed.
• Assign staff to relevant activities, tasks, and projects, adjusting resources as needed throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide guidance and direction to staff to ensure successful completion of eLearning and educational development related tasks and projects, such as course development and revisions following effective design and development practices.
• Regularly participate in CTL and other university meetings to contribute to decision-making related to the Centre and the University.
• Represent the eLearning team on CTL's senior management team and other committees as required, and advise the Director on eLearning, instructional design, educational development, and other support strategies.
• Propose new initiatives for the continuous improvement of CTL operations and programs aiming to cultivate a community of best practices for teaching and learning.

Other Duties 10%

• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Effort

Moderate
Work activities require moderate periods of physical effort, requiring a variety of muscle movements with frequent requirements for speed and coordination.

Physical Environment

Sensory Attention

Moderate
Moderate exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions.

Considerable
Work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration requiring diligence and attention (repairing equipment).

Mental Stress

Considerable
Work activities are performed in an environment with frequent exposure to mental pressures conditions where mental stress may be noticeable.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in Education, Information Technology, or a closely related field of study with a minimum of five (5) years' experience in eLearning, LMS management/administration, instructional design, knowledge creation and mobilization, and teaching skill consultation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• A certificate in eLearning or instructional design is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated accomplishments in a university administrative role, with strong analytical, organizational, managerial, and leadership skills, with the ability to view the long-term benefits for the Faculty and the university.
• Superior understanding of LMS management, instructional design theories and approaches, and online learning strategies.
• Proven success in cultivating positive working relationships with faculty and staff, combined with strong mediation skills for resolving internal and external conflicts professionally and constructively.
• Experience working in contexts created to support the furthering of teaching excellence, such as Centres of Teaching and Learning.
• Understanding of best practices for quality assurance in higher education, and detailed knowledge of the Ontario Quality Assurance Framework.
• Ability to support institutional adoption of new educational technologies and pedagogies, including assessment methodologies.
• Exceptional communication and coaching abilities, with proficiency in using various media to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage time, multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment, while meeting deadlines.
• Proven ability to work in a team and independently.
• Ability to travel frequently between campuses.

Salary Scale:

$91,863 to $114,849 annually.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter HERE no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 6, 2024.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.