Chief Online Learning Officer and Director of Center for Online Learning, Research and Service

University of Illinois Springfield - Online, Professional, & Engaged Learning   Springfield, IL   Full-time     Education
Posted on January 10, 2025
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The Chief Online Learning Officer and Director of the Center for Online Learning, Research and Service (COLRS) will provide independent judgement and unit direction in the following areas: (a) lead the strategic vision, development, and implementation of online learning initiatives (b) collaborate with faculty, staff, and external partners to foster a culture of academic excellence and continuous improvement in online education, (c) enhance and expand the university's online education programs, ensuring high-quality learning experiences, (d) supervise and evaluate COLRS staff, (e) independently review and lead the administrative needs of the unit, and (f) The Director provides leadership in online learning by sharing the innovative practices and concepts developed by COLRS and UIS through presentation, publication, and by serving on professional associations.

  • Provide leadership and support for online learning initiatives by collaborating with deans, faculty, and staff to evaluate and enhance online course content and design. Develop and deliver faculty development programs on effective online and blended teaching practices. Consult on LMS changes, technology integration, and instructional design. Develop and manage support structures for online learning while encouraging innovation in online and blended teaching methods.
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive online learning strategy aligned with the university’s mission and goals by identifying and evaluating emerging trends and technologies in online education to ensure the university remains competitive. Leading the assessment and evaluation of online learning programs at UIS by developing and implementing comprehensive evaluation frameworks. Analyzing data to measure the effectiveness of online courses and programs and provide actionable insights to improve educational outcomes.
  • Maintain and enhance UIS's reputation for excellence in online learning by participating in committees, representing COLRS in meetings, delivering presentations at regional and national conferences, and publishing research in peer-reviewed journals. Build and maintain relationships with external organizations, industry leaders, and educational institutions to enhance online learning opportunities, and serve as a leader in professional associations related to online learning.
  • Provide campus leadership and support for data-driven decision-making by providing direction and interpretation to various colleges, departments, and units across campus to guide online enrollment growth and new online program development.
  • Provide leadership for the research mission of COLRS by overseeing online research applicants to the UIS Fellows program and seeking opportunities for collaboration in online learning research and practice with other higher education institutions and potential grantors. 
  • Oversee the administrative and financial operations of COLRS by supervising and evaluating COLRS staff and engaging in strategic hiring, coordinating the unit’s budget and budget planning, and reviewing and approving financial transactions for COLRS, including contracts for software and other contractual purchases. 
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for online learning by maintaining a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws, standards, and accreditation criteria, implementing and monitoring policies and procedures to ensure UIS online programs meet all standards, and participating in the conceptualization and recommendation of university and system policies and programs related to online learning.