Assistant Director, Course Development

Company: Harvard University
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: January 25, 2023

Job Description:

The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning supports educational excellence and equity in Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The Bok Center employs a wide array of approaches, which includes collaborating with faculty on their classroom practice and in the design of their course materials, providing professional development to graduate students to support their work as Teaching Fellows, and inviting undergraduate and graduate students to engage as partners in improving teaching and learning.

Reporting to the Director of Pedagogy, the Assistant Director, Course Development cultivates excellence in teaching and learning and supports pedagogical innovation and experimentation among faculty and their graduate student Teaching Fellows (i.e. teaching assistants) across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In collaboration with their fellow Assistant Directors (esp. of Science Pedagogy, Writing Pedagogy, and Equity and Inclusion) the Assistant Director, Course Development performs individual consultations and contributes to the Bok Center's programming in order to enhance the design of undergraduate courses at Harvard, help instructors implement new teaching approaches, and foster inclusive classroom environments. Specific duties include:

• Collaborate with faculty and Bok Center colleagues in designing or revising the materials and/or pedagogical strategies used in undergraduate courses; this may include developing innovative assignments, activities, and instructional approaches, as well as syllabi.
• Consult with faculty and graduate student instructors about topics that include course and curricular improvement, effective teaching strategies, and equity and inclusion in various disciplines. -
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Bok Center's Pedagogy and Practice team to design and facilitate workshops and courses on pedagogy. This includes workshops for new and experienced graduate student teaching fellows and faculty, sessions at the Fall Teaching Conference and Winter Teaching Week, and Bok Seminars (multi-session courses for graduate students that lead towards a teaching certificate).
• Generate online resources about teaching, in collaboration with colleagues at the Bok Center; this may include written materials and other types of media. Participate in projects to document and share effective and inclusive teaching at Harvard.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Learning Lab at the Derek Bok Center to identify, engage, and support Arts & Humanities, Social Science, and General Education courses interested in making extensive use of multimedia and/or experimental modalities of teaching.
• Provide support for new initiatives that convene faculty to discuss topics of current interest in higher education, both at the Bok Center and beyond. As appropriate, conduct background research; support the development of resulting projects, activities, or courses; and write follow-up reports.
• Cultivate and sustain expertise in the latest trends in education research.Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
  • Minimum of 5 years' relevant work experienceAdditional Qualifications and Skills
    • Ph.D. in a field taught in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, or Education.
    • At least three years experience developing and teaching undergraduate courses.
    • Demonstrated commitment to fostering equity and inclusion within undergraduate and graduate education.
    • Experience with faculty and/or graduate student development, including experience leading workshops about teaching.
    • Demonstrated written and oral communication skills necessary, as well as strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
    • Deep familiarity with, and experience applying, education research to curricular innovation.
    • Ability to work with diverse constituencies required. -Physical Requirements
      • Sitting using near vision use for reading and computer use for extended periods of timeWorking ConditionsWork is performed in an office setting.
        
        This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.
        
        The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID, as detailed in Harvard's Vaccine & Booster Information. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University's "COVID-19 Vaccine Information" webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.Additional InformationA resume and cover letter must be submitted in order to be considered for this position. -
        
        Harvard University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
        
        This is a term appointment with an end date of June 30, 2025, with the potential for extension.
        
        ***All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.Job FunctionFaculty & Student ServicesLocationUSA - MA - CambridgeJob CodeS0557P FSS Academic Affairs Oficr IIISub-Unit------------DepartmentDerek Bok Center for Teaching and LearningCommitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.EEO StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Keywords: Harvard University, Cambridge , Assistant Director, Course Development, Executive , Cambridge, Massachusetts