St. John’s, established in 1870, has two New York City campuses; international locations in Rome, Italy; Limerick, Ireland; and Paris, France; and study abroad locations around the world. The Princeton Review and other top rankings consistently recognize the University’s outstanding academics, diverse student body, dynamic internship, and volunteer opportunities, focus on student life, and diverse study abroad offerings. St. John’s University offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in its six colleges and schools, with a growing number of programs offered online. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and 12 other major academic and professional associations.
A dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is at the heart of our mission. As a Catholic and Vincentian university, St. John’s is committed to institutionalizing practices of inclusive excellence to ensure that we welcome and celebrate the intrinsic worth of all members of our community. We will become an even stronger university as we enhance equity at every level of our institution. Our graduates will excel in the competencies and values needed for leadership and service in a rapidly evolving world.
Job Title Associate Director of Instructional Design
Reports to Chief Online Learning Officer
**Position Summary **
The Associate Director of Instructional Design is a strategic leadership role within the Office of Distance Education (DE); this role is responsible for advancing the University's vision for high-quality, scalable, and innovative online and hybrid learning. Reporting to the Chief Online Learning Officer, the Associate Director oversees day-to-day departmental operations, manages a professional team of instructional designers, and contributes to the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of online learning initiatives across the institution.
This position is central to shaping institutional strategies for online learning, building cross-campus partnerships, implementing best practices in online education, and ensuring operational excellence in the delivery of programs. The Associate Director will lead organizational planning efforts, oversee policy development, and contribute to the assessment and evaluation of online program performance and instructional quality.
**Essential Functions **
Support the Chief Online Learning Officer in executing strategic priorities and institutional goals for online and hybrid learning.
Lead and manage the instructional design team, including hiring, supervision, coaching, and evaluating performance.
Supervise the planning, development, and quality assurance of online course offerings, ensuring alignment with academic standards and accreditation requirements.
Handle online course development and ensure course development is completed on time.
Coordinate strategic partnerships across various stakeholders to advance distance education initiatives and strategies.
Contribute to the development and implementation of distance education policies, faculty support strategies, and service delivery models.
Manage departmental projects and resources to ensure efficient operations and effective outcomes.
Oversee content strategy and maintenance for the department's website and communications platforms.
Monitor trends in online education and provide leadership in integrating emerging practices, technologies, and frameworks into institutional strategies.
Provide solutions and strategic thinking for business problems related to online learning initiatives.
Represent Distance Education at university events, committees, and governance groups as needed.
**Competencies **
Proven leadership and team management skills in a higher education or similar environment.
Ability to lead operational planning and change management processes aligned with institutional goals.
Strong understanding of organizational design, instructional operations, and digital learning ecosystems in higher education.
Excellent written communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated capacity to lead cross-functional teams and work effectively with academic and administrative leaders.
Expertise in managing complex projects, evaluating program performance, and aligning services with institutional priorities.
Ability to work with online programs, departments, or institutions to design course templates and/or course standards.
Experience in a learning management system and a range of current learning technologies and the ability to effectively integrate these technologies to develop and enhance course design and delivery.
Experience designing and facilitating faculty development programs to include online courses (facilitated and non-facilitated), workshops, and other online resources for instructors.
**Minimum Qualifications **
Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, or a related field.
At least six years of progressive experience in digital learning, instructional design, or academic administration.
Demonstrated experience leading professional teams and managing departmental functions in higher education.
Familiarity with online program development, course quality frameworks (e.g., Quality Matters), and learning technologies (e.g., Canvas).
Experience in faculty development and online learning strategy.
Strong administrative, operational, and planning experience.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Expertise in applying the learning theories and strategies that support best practices in face-to-face, online, and technology-enhanced teaching and learning.
**Preferred Qualifications **
Doctoral degree in a related field.
Experience managing fully online or hybrid academic programs at an institutional or departmental level.
Teaching experience, preferably in an online or hybrid modality.
Experience with policy development, strategic planning, and cross-institutional collaboration.
Quality Matters certification or equivalent experience in instructional quality frameworks.
**Supervisory Responsibilities **
Direct supervision of instructional designers and related professional staff.
Oversight of outsourced or contract staff.
**Work E nvironment and Expectations **
In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the annual salary range for this position is $96,200 - $108,200. St. John’s University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
*** Important Note- St. John’s is NOT an E-Verify Employer **
St. John’s offers a competitive compensation program which is commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and contingent upon the departmental budget. We also offer an extremely comprehensive benefits program to meet the diverse needs of our workforce. Along with exceptional benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability insurance, tuition remission, generous 403(b) employer contribution, employee assistance program, and liberal paid time off policies, faculty and staff can also enjoy St. John’s performing arts, libraries, bookstores, dining facilities, campus recreation and sporting events
Any offer of employment is subject to receipt by St. John’s University of satisfactory references, verification of employment and education.
St. John’s University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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