The Professional Development Specialist, Teaching & Learning is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of comprehensive professional development programs that support both faculty excellence in teaching and learning, as well as staff success. This position supports employee growth across the college, coordinates professional development resources, learning events, and initiatives, connects faculty and staff to appropriate subject matter expertise and institutional supports; maintains a working knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning while supporting informed conversations, and supports professional development efforts related to quality online instruction through coordinated resources, learning events, and general guidance.
The Specialist collaborates with departments across the institution to assess development needs, designs targeted learning opportunities, and promotes a culture of continuous improvement. As part of the Center for Teaching and Learning, this role contributes to the institutional efforts to support quality online instruction by coordinating resources, learning experiences, and general guidance, including connecting individuals to appropriate institutional supports when needed.
Key responsibilities include coordinating, developing, and delivering learning and professional development events and programs, coordinated onboarding - related professional development efforts, maintaining participation records, and evaluating program effectiveness.
Shift: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Springfield Location
-
Evaluates professional development needs for faculty and staff through assessment, needs analysis, surveys, and stakeholder input.
-
Researches and shares emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in workplace professional development and higher education teaching and learning.
-
Works with the Assistant Dean to coordinate quality online instruction, course design, accessibility, and other related professional development opportunities in collaboration with faculty and institutional partners.
-
Coordinates and supports professional development initiatives, such as learning communities, in collaboration with faculty and staff.
-
Coordinates adjunct faculty onboarding.
-
Works with the Assistant Dean to provide opportunities for adjunct faculty development.
-
Connects faculty and staff to appropriate subject-matter experts, departments, and institutional resources to support professional development needs.
-
Integrates a variety of delivery methods including facilitation, in-person training, coaching, web-based programs, e-learning systems, and multimedia resources.
-
Supports the Assistant Dean, Teaching & Learning, in maintaining the professional development calendar and website, in collaboration with Marketing and IT, to support faculty and staff programming.
-
Publicizes and promotes professional development programs through multiple communication channels.
-
Develops evaluation tools, collects data, and assesses the effectiveness of professional development programs; prepares reports with recommendations for improvement.
-
Oversees logistics for training and development activities including scheduling, facilities, materials, and technology.
-
Represents the College at relevant meetings and conferences related to professional development and teaching and learning.
-
Identifies and evaluates external vendors, consultants, and resources; manages procurement processes in accordance with College policy.
-
Performs all other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Knowledge and Skills
Experience
Two years to five years of similar or related experience.
Education
A Bachelor's degree.
Interpersonal Skills
A significant level of trust and diplomacy is required, in addition to normal courtesy and tact. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and/or can be of a personal or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating or influencing others. Outside contacts become important and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.
Other Skills
Knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional methods, and best practices in professional development and training.
Ability to design, develop, implement, promote, and evaluate engaging professional development programs and activities for diverse audiences.
Strong teaching, facilitation, and presentation skills for delivering effective in-person and online training programs.
Experience assessing and aligning professional development initiatives with individual, departmental, and organizational goals.
Proficiency in research, data collection, analysis, and evaluation methods related to professional development outcomes and program effectiveness.
Expertise in writing, editing, and producing training materials, reports, publications, and other professional communications.
Knowledge of marketing, promotion, outreach, and community engagement strategies that support professional development initiatives.
Proficiency in computer systems, software applications, and instructional technologies used to develop and deliver training programs and materials.
Ability to manage multiple projects, events, budgets, and logistical operations in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
Strong interpersonal, leadership, and relationship-building skills, including the ability to motivate, supervise, and collaborate with diverse constituencies.
Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and institutional structures relevant to program administration.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and travel to offsite meetings and events as required.
Physical Requirements
The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying of light items, driving an automobile, etc. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.
Work Environment
Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.
