Director of the Center for Instructional Innovation & Associate Professor
About the Opportunity:
Cleary University is seeking an innovative and student-centered academic leader to serve as the inaugural Director of the Center for Instructional Innovation on our teaching and learning team of full-time faculty. This position serves as a subject matter expert and strategic academic leader responsible for advancing innovation in teaching and learning practices, providing leadership for university-wide initiatives in faculty development, evidence-based teaching practices, and evaluation of instructional effectiveness across all delivery modalities and locations.
As a full-time faculty member, this individual will support curriculum quality, faculty development, experiential learning, and workforce readiness within designated academic domain(s). This includes contributing to AI implementation efforts, supporting adjunct faculty success, contributing to curriculum development and assessment, and helping ensure students graduate with the applied professional skills of The Cleary MindTM.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to experiential education, workforce alignment, and the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence into higher education. This role will collaborate closely with academic leadership including the Chief Academic Officer, Deans, other members of the faculty team, student support services, members of adjunct faculty, and instructional design to support instructional quality, student engagement, and continuous improvement across programs within the assigned domain(s).
This role also carries faculty rank as an Associate Professor at Cleary University, combining academic leadership responsibilities with active teaching and student engagement. The successful candidate will contribute to instruction, curriculum development, assessment, and academic governance while serving as a leader within their assigned academic domain(s). Cleary University values faculty leaders who remain closely connected to the student experience, instructional innovation, and the practical application of workforce-relevant education.
Reports To:
- Dean of Undergraduate Studies
What You’ll Do:
- Serve as the academic lead and subject matter expert for one or more of the following domains based on experience and qualifications.
- Finance
- Digital Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
- Project Management
- Data Management & Analytics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses within qualified disciplines and levels using applied, student-centered teaching methodologies, in multiple modalities (in person, hybrid, asynchronous).
- Support and mentor adjunct faculty through onboarding, coaching, professional development, instructional guidance, and ongoing collaboration.
- Contribute to the implementation of AI initiatives across the university and support the discipline-specific integration of AI within assigned academic areas.
- Collaborate with academic leadership on curriculum development, assessment, accreditation readiness, and program review initiatives.
- Promote experiential and workforce-aligned learning practices that emphasize practical application of the domain and The Cleary MindTM professional attributes.
- Assist in ensuring instructional consistency, academic quality, and positive student learning experiences across modalities and student populations.
- Participate in institutional committees, strategic initiatives, and professional development activities.
- Contribute to student recruitment, retention, and engagement initiatives.
- Pursue available funding for initiatives of the Center for Academic Innovation.
What We’re Looking For:
- Earned master’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university in a relevant discipline. Doctorate or active doctoral enrollment preferred.
- 10+ years of relevant industry experience within one or more applicable domain areas.
- Knowledge of the current application of AI in one or more of the domain areas listed in this job description.
- Experience with emerging technologies, including AI, and their impact on teaching and learning and industry use within the individual’s domain areas.
- Teaching experience in higher education, training, or professional development environments.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, or support teams in academic or professional environments.
- Familiarity with instructional technologies and learning management systems in multiple delivery modalities.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to student success and workforce-ready education.
- Experience with curriculum development, assessment, or accreditation processes.
What Makes a Strong Candidate:
A strong candidate is deeply committed to the student experience and believes that higher education should be transformational, engaging, and genuinely valuable to students’ professional futures. They are energized by the opportunity to help students develop not only technical and disciplinary knowledge, but also the confidence, adaptability, and professional skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce.
The ideal candidate is excited about the future of teaching and learning, particularly the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence into education and professional practice within their domain. They are intellectually curious, forward-thinking, and committed to remaining current as both an educator and an industry expert. They actively monitor emerging trends, technologies, and practices and are eager to translate those developments into meaningful, applied learning experience for students.
Strong candidates are passionate advocates for high-quality, applied professional education that connects classroom learning to real-world outcomes. They understand the importance of preparing graduates who are workforce ready and professionally capable. They value and champion the importance of The Cleary MindTM professional skills and intentionally embed them throughout the student learning experience.
Successful candidates thrive in collaborative academic environments and are excited to contribute to a highly innovative and student-focused teaching and learning culture. They are energized by the opportunity to help shape modern educational experiences in creative, ambitious, and impactful ways alongside a team committed to continuous improvement and innovation.
They also recognize that student-centered education requires meaningful engagement, responsiveness, mentorship, and support. Strong candidates are approachable, relationship-oriented educators who are willing to inest in students as individuals and help create an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and connected – no matter the course modality.
Finally, strong candidates are enthusiastic about supporting and mentoring adjunct faculty. They can coach, encourage, and inspire Cleary University’s talented team of adjunct faculty members fostering a shared commitment to excellence.
Location and Schedule:
This position is based on-site at Cleary University’s campus in Howell, Michigan. Regular on-site presence is required. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required according to your course schedule, which varies each semester, and for occasional campus and community events. This is a year-round faculty position with teaching requirements throughout the entire year.
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. Cleary offers a competitive benefits package including health coverage, retirement contributions, and tuition benefits.
Cleary University is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
