Job location: Williams Hall

Employment Type: Full-time
Posted data: 2019-09-11
Req: JR00004882
University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Technology Director for Penn Language Center

Job Profile Title

Information Technology Support Specialist Senior

Job Description Summary

Technology Director reports directly to Penn Language Center (PLC) Academic Director and will serve as primary staff member for leading the development and execution of PLC Language programs in Less Commonly Taught Languages. (LCTLs).

Job Description

Since 1989, Penn Language Center (PLC) strengthens Penn’s language education and consistently supports the development of language professionals. In particular, PLC focuses on current trends in online instruction and teaching from within the National Standards. The center remains committed to its structural flexibility enabling its staff to respond quickly to changing demands for language instruction in a variety of languages that are not offered within the typical programs of established departments. PLC encourages dynamic and diversified language education with an emphasis on multilingual and transcultural competence that in turn imbue both the curriculum and the research effort of the academic community.

DUTIES:

Provide leadership in promoting effective use of digital pedagogies for language learning and teaching at Penn. Maintain expert knowledge in language pedagogy and demonstrate how technology can support those pedagogies. Organize workshops centering on language pedagogy and technology. Create and maintain documentation and other resources to disseminate best practices for teaching with technology; invite outside speakers for special presentations. Actively engage language program coordinators to promote initiatives that will be practical and responsive to language faculty needs. Coordinate with SAS Computing to assure effective implementation of technology initiatives. Manage PLC Technology grants to support funding for special guiding on-line language courses. Conduct research and present on pedagogical applications of technology. Offer findings at professional conferences to help Penn maintain a prominent contribution and positive reputation in the field of language education. Lead a year-long seminar for integrating new technology in pedagogy for PLC faculty. Coordinate all activities closely with PLC Academic and Administrative Directors, SAS Computing, Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Information Commons.

The continuous improvement of teaching experiences will be the primary success measure associated with this position. The ideal candidate must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and diverse environment. They must also show the ability to work with partners and team members, to prioritize projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously with little day-to-day supervision. This individual will work with the PLC Director and staff to assist in the coordination and implementation of all PLC programs and projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree and two years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience, is required. Master’s Degree or PhD in Applied Linguistics, Education, or related fields strongly preferred.
• Strong proficiency and technical knowledge of online Learning Management Systems (like Canvas, or BlackBoard)
• Comprehensive knowledge of instructional design theories, and methodologies.
• Knowledge of current language learning software for course content delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts to language instructors, work independently with language faculty, speak and make presentations before groups, and conduct effective language pedagogy training.
• Great leadership skills and experience to build a team environment creating a positive work environment for all stakeholders.
• Commitment to provide positive student and faculty experience.
• Sensitivity to diverse needs of language faculty and students, ability to exercise sound judgement
• Ability to work with LCTL faculty on weekends and evening hours.
• Knowledge of foreign language (LCTL) preferred

Working Conditions
Office, Library, Computer Room

Physical Effort
Typically sitting at a desk or table; Occasional lifting 25 lb. or less

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Arts and Sciences

Pay Range

$50,684.00 - $138,391.00

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.