Director of Digital Learning & Innovation and Open-Rank Fixed-Term Faculty
at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
in
chapel hill,
North Carolina
Department: SW-School of Social Work - 380100 Posting Open Date: 02/04/2025 Application Deadline: 03/31/2025 Open Until Filled: No Position Type: Permanent Faculty Working Title: Director of Digital Learning & Innovation and Open-Rank Fixed-Term Faculty Appointment Type: Fixed Term Faculty Vacancy ID: FAC0005453 Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time Permanent Hours per week: 40 FTE: 1 Position Location: North Carolina, US Hiring Range: Dependent upon qualifications and experience Proposed Start Date: 06/01/2025 Be a Tar Heel!: A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, improve lives. The School's curriculum supports the mission and recognizes the uniqueness of the region served, including concerns for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families and communities. Classes provide rigorous and evidence-based content, and give students the opportunity to explore theory, learn intervention skills and engage in challenging dialogue with colleagues. Position Summary: The School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill invites applications for an open rank fixed-term faculty position (12-month). This fixed-term faculty position will also hold a secondary appointment (12-month, at-will) as the Director of Digital Learning and Innovation. The mission of the School of Social Work is to advance equity, transform systems, and improve lives. The curriculum supports this mission and includes a focus on evidence-based practice; concern for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and oppressed individuals, families, and communities; and the design and development of social interventions. This position and its secondary appointment will be reviewed annually for reappointment.
We are seeking applicants with a depth of social work experience to contribute effectively as a faculty member in the School of Social Work and as the Director of Digital Learning and Innovation. Successful candidates will have the ability to teach generalist and specialization courses in an accredited MSW program and have prior experience teaching across both on-the-ground and online class formats. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience developing and/or translating traditional didactic teaching methods to interactive, digital platforms in on-the-ground and online classrooms.
This is a non-tenured position and teaching responsibilities will include teaching three courses per year in the School of Social Work's educational programs. Additional responsibilities will include advising students, serving on committees, and other service duties as required. Service responsibilities for this position will include chairing the Digital Learning and Innovation Committee and serving on workgroups related to digital accessibility and generative artificial intelligence (AI).
Serving as the Director of Digital Learning and Innovation, this position will partner with on-the-ground faculty to introduce, translate, and implement digital active learning activities into the classroom with the goal of enhancing student engagement and critical thinking. This position will explore and promote new digital teaching methodologies that align with course goals and learning outcomes, to help our faculty integrate inclusivity and accessibility into their teaching.
The Director will also collaborate with faculty, instructional designers, and other stakeholders to advise and consult on the creation of high-quality digital course materials that meet accessibility standards and engage diverse learning in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. The position provides leadership and guidance to all faculty involved in course development and instructional delivery, staying current with trends and innovations in digital learning to share insights and recommendations to continuously improve course delivery across teaching platforms. The Director works closely with our Digital Pedagogy Coach, who develops resources to enhance faculty proficiency in using digital tools for teaching and learning and offers advanced workshops focused on emerging technologies like AI, interactive simulations, and personalized digital learning platforms. The Director will have opportunities to collaborate with SSW leadership and administrators to create and implement online certificate programs to address the evolving needs of the social work profession, enhance career opportunities, and meet community needs. The Director establishes peer-led learning communities, supports ongoing faculty initiatives, and maintains a centralized online hub with resources, toolkits, and on-the-demand training related to digital learning. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Applicants must possess a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree from an accredited Council of Social Work Education program and two years post-MSW social work experience.
This position is advertised as open rank; to be considered at a Clinical Assistant Professor rank, applicants must additionally possess 7 years of relevant experience (6 of which must be post-Master's) or a doctoral degree in social work or in a related field. Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Preferred qualifications include a minimum of 5 years' experience in digital learning and pedagogy; online education program development and instruction; higher education leadership; experience teaching in a seminar-like format; relationship-building skills; a superior record of teaching and training; the ability to integrate research and scholarship into course development, assignments, and lectures; familiarity with online software and tools in academia, such as Canvas; the ability to develop and implement new digital technologies and methods; and the ability to problem-solve, team-build, and manage multiple competing demands. Campus Security Authority Responsibilities:
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions: Candidates should electronically upload a CV, a cover letter outlining interest and prior experience, a teaching and service statement, and include three to four references with their institution, email, and phone number. The service statement should be uploaded as "Other Document." Optional document uploads may include teaching evaluations and/or sample course materials (i.e., syllabus, assignments, or sample lecture notes).Please note that referees will receive a system generated email to upload a referee letter, if the candidate advances to the candidate pool.