Director of Athens Teaching, Learning & Innovation Services (ATLIS)

Athens State University; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens State University seeks a visionary Director of Athens Teaching, Learning & Innovation Services (ATLIS) to lead teaching excellence and instructional innovation. The Director will oversee academic support, digital learning, and faculty development, promoting inclusive pedagogy and evidence-based instructional practices across modalities.

This 12-month exempt staff role requires strategic leadership and collaboration with Academic Affairs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in higher education related to teaching, learning, or faculty development.
• Experience leading professional development programs for faculty and supporting faculty innovation.
• PhD/EdD or equivalent is preferred for this leadership role.
• Experience integrating AI, data analytics, or digital tools into teaching and faculty development is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for ATLIS operations, programs, and personnel.
• Oversee initiatives in academic support, educational development, and digital/online learning.
• Lead faculty development initiatives with Academic Affairs and campus partners.
• Plan and coordinate semester-based professional development for faculty and staff.
• Ensure equitable access to ATLIS resources for adjunct and part-time faculty.
• Supervise ATLIS staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Represent ATLIS at regional and national forums on teaching and innovation.
• Promote inclusive pedagogy and student-centered learning across modalities.

Skills

Leadership

Professional development

Faculty development

Teaching & learning

Education

Master’s degree

Doctoral degree (PhD/EdD)

Job description

Director of Athens Teaching, Learning & Innovation Services (ATLIS)

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Unofficial transcripts should be from the college or university which verifies qualifications for the position.

Note: Credential evaluations are needed for all transcripts obtained outside the U.S. before uploading and submitting an application. (Credential evaluators should provide course-by-course evaluations and transcribed in English.)

Upon an offer of employment, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted. Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Position Information

Department/College

Department/College ATLIS

Position Title

Position Title Director of Athens Teaching, Learning & Innovation Services (ATLIS)

Job Category

Job Category Staff

Posting Number

Posting Number 00543

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Full or Part Time

Full or Part Time Full-Time

Other

Temporary

Temporary No

If Temporary, number of months

Position Summary Information

Duties

The Director of Athens Teaching, Learning, and Innovation Support ( ATLIS ) provides strategic leadership, vision, and management for the University’s initiatives to support excellence in teaching, instructional innovation, and student learning. The Director fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement by coordinating initiatives that promote effective pedagogy, innovative teaching practices, and student-centered learning. The Director leads the University’s integrated efforts in academic support, educational development, digital learning, and online education, and promotes inclusive pedagogy, and supports evidence-based instructional practices that foster student success across all modalities. This is a 12-month staff position without faculty rank.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Provide strategic leadership for all ATLIS operations, programs, and personnel;
• Oversee institutional initiatives in academic support, educational development, and digital and online learning;
• Build and promote a culture of teaching effectiveness with faculty;
• Plan and coordinate semester-based professional development programming in advance of each academic term to ensure faculty and staff have timely access to training, resources, and pedagogical support opportunities;
• Ensure adjunct and part-time faculty have equitable access to ATLIS programs and resources by providing flexible professional development options that accommodate varied teaching schedules;
• Lead faculty development initiatives in collaboration with Academic Affairs, including the summer Athens Academy, new faculty orientation, workshops, seminars, and consultations on topics such as instructional design, assessment, online/hybrid teaching, active learning, and inclusive pedagogy;
• Supervise ATLIS staff, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with any University and federal grant requirements;
• Represent ATLIS and the University at regional and national forums on teaching, learning, and academic innovation;
• Collaborate with academic departments and campus partners to support high-impact teaching practices, curriculum innovation, and student engagement;
• Maintain a visible and collaborative presence across campus; serve as a key resource on pedagogy and academic innovation;
• Stay abreast of national trends, research, and technologies related to higher education teaching and learning; and
• Other duties as assigned to advance ATLIS operations and faculty support.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED :

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in higher education related to teaching, learning, or faculty development.
• Experience leading professional development programs and supporting faculty innovation.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS :

Preferred Education, Experience, Standards, Training, and Expectations:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, Ed.D, or equivalent) an accredited institution
• Experience leading a Center for Teaching and Learning or similar academic innovation unit.
• Experience integrating AI, data analytics, or digital tools into teaching and faculty development.
• Evidence of scholarly contribution or publications related to pedagogy, assessment or faculty experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs to access certain areas on campus
• Frequently works in various environments, including tight and confined spaces
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, such as standing and/or sitting, for a prolonged period of time
• Ability to move about to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to anotherAbility to adjust or move objects up to 25 pounds
• Frequently communicates with others to exchange information
• Frequently tasked with repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Occasionally operates a motor vehicle
• Frequently tasked with using near vision for the use of a computer, reading, writing, etc.
• Frequently tasked with using far vision for observing the classroom, presentations, etc.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech or sounds
• Works outdoors for events as needed
• Occasionally exposed to noise environments

Salary will be Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

University Information

Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offers junior and senior-level coursework to community college graduates and transfer students holding sufficient credits from other institutions. Approximately 3,000 students each semester have selected Athens State because of its neighborly environment where over 50 majors and degree programs are offered, with courses taught by a supportive and exceptional faculty. Approximately 95% of the students are enrolled in at least one online course. The typical student is a working adult who commutes. Recently, the University was named the Most Affordable College in Alabama by The Best Schools, as well as a 2024 Great College to Work For by ModernThink. Athens State offers undergraduate degree programs in Liberal Arts, Teacher Preparation, and Business. The University employs more than 392 full and part-time employees with approximately 88 full-time faculty members in three colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. 83% of the full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree. Athens State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Athens, Alabama is located in North Alabama equidistant between Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL. Athens is home to several events and festivals that have been featured as the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” including the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

EEO Statement

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement Athens State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Athens State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, or admissions to or participation in educational programs and activities. Inquiries or concerns may be addressed to the Office of the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL 35611, 256- 233-8175.

In accordance with Athens State University Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from that criminal background check.

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Unofficial transcripts should be from the college or university which verifies qualifications for the position.

Note: Credential evaluations are needed for all transcripts obtained outside the U.S. before uploading and submitting an application. (Credential evaluators should provide course-by-course evaluations and transcribed in English.)

Upon an offer of employment, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted. Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
  • Chronicle of Higher Education web or print ad
  • Higher Ed Jobs.com
  • Special Publication or Professional Journal
  • Athens State University website (Athens.edu)
  • Personal or Employee Referral
  • Local newspaper ad
  • Other
  • Inside Higher Ed