Chair of the Center for Learning Innovation

University of Minnesota Rochester: Chair of the Center for Learning Innovation

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) seeks a collaborative, innovative, and adaptable leader to serve as the Faculty Chair of the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), the sole, interdisciplinary undergraduate department at UMR. The Chair, who reports to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Innovation (VCAAI), is responsible for providing strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all internal aspects of the CLI. This is a 12-month, full-time administrative position that requires a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and an understanding of and deep commitment to UMR's unique educational model. The Chair has direct oversight of all CLI faculty (currently numbering 45, but growing rapidly), serving as the primary point of contact for their professional and academic needs and as a liaison to University leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a vibrant academic community while leading a team dedicated to innovation in learning and teaching and to creating positive change in higher education.
The initial term of the Chair is 4 years, and renewable. Upon stepping down from this position, the chair will become a member of the CLI.

This position works in-person in Rochester, MN. This role is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Responsibilities:
Administrative Duties (25%)

• Oversee academic budgets
• Collaborate with relevant campus entities to oversee course scheduling and other periodic logistical needs
• Coordinate with faculty leaders to prepare for and facilitate regular CLI meetings
• Monitor CLI committees in cooperation with Committee on Committees
• Represent unit on University of Minnesota system committees when appropriate
• Collaborate with VCAAI to lead accreditation processes and other initiatives when appropriate
• Oversee and support the efforts of various faculty directors and direct reports, including faculty development, writing, and first-year seminars.

Faculty Affairs (25%)

• Provide faculty mentoring and guidance in teaching and research to CLI faculty from a range of disciplines
• Consult with faculty Directorship Committee (DC) on faculty workload, scheduling, and pay equity issues
• Along with the DC, serve as liaison and advocate for the faculty to the administration
• Collaborate with VCAAI and Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) to develop and implement appropriate hiring plans
• Review and advise on Faculty Annual Reviews, Promotion and Tenure. Serve on Student Based Faculty (SBF) Annual Review Committee
• Approve Faculty Leaves and Sabbaticals
• Support faculty professional development initiatives in collaboration with VCAAI and Director of Faculty Development
• Lead faculty conflict resolution as needed

Curriculum (15%)

• Collaborate with VCAAI, the Director for Academic Affairs, and others in developing and implementing vision for academic initiatives at UMR
• Serve as ex-officio member of Curriculum Committee
• Ensure the quality of academic programs, including conducting regular assessments and implementing improvements as needed
• Oversee course and classroom scheduling in collaboration with DAA, Academic Programs Administrative Associate, and facilities management staff

Student Affairs (10%)

• Serve as member of the Student Conduct Team to address issues of academic integrity
• Mediate and resolve student academic grievances and complaints
• As needed, meet with student government representatives regarding curricular questions and policy

Teaching and/or Research (25%)

• In annual collaboration with VCAAI, the Chair will determine a research and teaching agenda that meets their personal and professional goals, supports the needs of the CLI, and allows for a rich and fulfilling professional life. Teaching expectations will never exceed the equivalent of two 3-credit courses per academic year.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in any discipline appropriate to the academic focus of UMR or equivalent terminal degree
• At least 4 years of experience in academic leadership
• Rank of Associate Professor or the credentials necessary to be hired at that level
• Proven track record of research in educational practices and higher education (Curriculum and Instruction, Education Research, SOTL or DBER)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Rank of Full Professor or the credentials necessary to be hired at that level
• Demonstrated record of success leading change and innovation in a department of notable size, complexity, or significance
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate faculty and staff
• Proficiency in collecting, managing, and using data to inform academic decisions
• Demonstrated commitment to UMR's vision and values: human potential, diversity and inclusivity, community, evidence-based decision-making, and respect.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments
• A record of excellence in classroom instruction
• Experience with budget management and resource allocation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience in accreditation processes and compliance
• Demonstrated success in faculty development and management
• Experience in curriculum development and assessment
• Experience managing courses, including scheduling and sequencing
• Experience with strategic planning in higher education
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) seeks a collaborative, innovative, and adaptable leader to serve as the Faculty Chair of the Center for Learning Innovation (CLI), the sole, interdisciplinary undergraduate department at UMR. The Chair, who reports to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Innovation (VCAAI), is responsible for providing strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all internal aspects of the CLI. This is a 12-month, full-time administrative position that requires a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and an understanding of and deep commitment to UMR's unique educational model. The Chair has direct oversight of all CLI faculty (currently numbering 45, but growing rapidly), serving as the primary point of contact for their professional and academic needs and as a liaison to University leadership. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of a vibrant academic community while leading a dynamic team.

Pay Range: $85,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)

At the University of Minnesota Rochester, our vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the twenty-first century. UMR prepares students for a broad spectrum of career pathways including pre-med and patient care; psychology and mental health; business and leadership; health technology; public policy and global health; and research, discovery, and cures.

The campus community serves almost 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester and continues to grow in size and influence through creative partnerships. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success. Learn more about UMR.

The University of Minnesota is proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022-24).