Educational Developer

About the position

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Work arrangement: Hybrid

Reports To: Manager, Educational Development

Reason for vacancy: Replacement

Expected hiring salary range: starting from $87,000.00 up to $97,000.00 per year. *Proposed salary will be determined through an internal review process.

Primary Purpose

The University of Niagara Falls Canada is looking for an Educational Developer to join the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE). The Educational Developer will report to the Manager, Educational Development, collaborate with the CTE team, and engage with academic and administrative units across the UNF community. In this role you will design and deliver innovative, engaging, and research-informed faculty development programming and curriculum support. This will include workshops, learning series, certificate programs, and resources that support teaching and curriculum development across diverse delivery modes, with a special emphasis on blended learning. You will manage diverse projects to ensure timely, relevant, and high-quality delivery of faculty development initiatives. You will also engage in consultations with faculty on a wide range of teaching and learning related topics. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic academic environment, advance teaching innovation and excellence, and support exceptional student learning experiences.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop, deliver, and evaluate programming, services, and resources designed to meet identified needs/gaps, support teaching development, advance teaching excellence, and enhance student learning experiences.
• Design, support, administer, and facilitate workshops and learning sessions for faculty.
• Facilitate departmental, program-level, and institution-wide initiatives to promote the importance of teaching excellence and advance its practice at UNF.
• Engage in individual consultations with faculty.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of UNF's University Teaching Certificate(UTC) and participate in the process of its accreditation.
• Work with instructional designers to optimize blended learning experiences.
• Support faculty in the meaningful application of AI technologies to enhance student learning experiences.
• Build relationships with faculty and academic leaders to promote and advance teaching excellence across UNF's programs.

Strategic Direction:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of institutional strategic initiatives regarding the enhancement of teaching and learning (e.g., curriculum mapping, assurance of learning, teaching and learning awards, teaching and learning spaces, multi-modality practices and supports).
• Contribute to the development and implementation of CTE's strategic plan and provide leadership on strategic priorities as needed.
• Engage in research and/or make scholarly contributions within the broad field of higher education.
• Represent the university on provincial, national, and/or international projects related to teaching, learning, or educational development as needed.
• Actively participate in relevant professional associations and conferences to promote, reinforce, and advance UNF's position and profile in higher education, teaching and learning innovation, and educational development.
• Propose and collaborate on the development and/or revision of policies, procedures, and guidelines to support course and curriculum development and delivery.

Centre for Teaching Excellence:

• Contribute to CTE's thought leadership in higher education, teaching and learning, and educational development as requested.
• Collaborate with CTE colleagues to develop and deliver courses, workshops, learning series, and resources to support faculty, course, and program development.
• Contribute to the overall mission of CTE in supporting faculty and curriculum development at UNF.
• In collaboration with CTE colleagues, represent CTE in program and faculty development project teams.
• Support CTE's instructional design team, course development team, and LMS team when needed.

Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in a relevant field. PhD preferred.
• At least 5 years' experience teaching in a university setting.
• 3-to-5-years' experience working in a faculty/instructor development role(s).
• At least 5 years' experience in course development or curriculum development.

Competencies:

• Demonstrated knowledge of theories and practices used in educational development (e.g., inclusive pedagogies, educational technologies, blended learning, lesson planning, course design, assessments of learning).
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary issues in higher education teaching and learning (e.g., AI technologies, evaluation strategies, assurance of learning, hybrid approaches to learning.)
• Proven leadership skills in academic settings, with a focus on building trust, developing potential, and advancing goals through inclusive, collaborative, relationship-centered approaches.
• Demonstrated success in contributing to change efforts while showing respect for and sensitivity to academic and disciplinary norms.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Excellent organization, administrative, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high volumes of activity and change.
• Proven analytical, strategic, and systems thinking.

Use of AI Disclosure

University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), UNF is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process. While AI tools assist us in identifying and communicating with candidates, applications are reviewed by our dedicated Talent Acquisition team to ensure a thorough evaluation of all candidates.

We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed. We comply with all relevant laws and regulations in Ontario and adhere to the highest standards of ethical hiring. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that all data collected during the recruitment process is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

Diversity, inclusion and equity

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is strongly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusivity within its community and especially invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons/persons of color, women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.

We recognize that applicants may have had obligations outside of work that have negatively impacted their record of achievements (e.g., parental, elder care, and/or medical). You are not required to disclose these obligations in the hiring process. If you choose to do so, UNF will ensure that these obligations do not negatively impact the assessment of your qualifications for the position.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, please advise to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.