Associate Director for Creative Learning Initiatives, Teaching and Learning with Technology

You will be an equal parts strategist, storyteller, and systems-builder in this role - a creative leader who thrives where technology, design, and learning intersect. You'll coach and empower a multidisciplinary team of creative professionals and oversee budgets and facilities.

You will cultivate partnerships across all of Penn State's colleges and campuses and engage with like-minded colleagues across higher education.

With a clear focus on curricular integration, you'll champion the adoption and integration of transformative technologies while advancing accessible design and evidence of learning. You will communicate impact to unlock resources and amplify innovation.

More specific details of this role's key responsibilities:

Your leadership will center on five strategic priorities that together advance Penn State's vision for creative, equitable, and AI-enhanced learning.

• Strategic Integration: Unify Creative Learning Initiatives (CLI) under a cohesive "Commons" framework-Media, Maker, Immersive, and AI Commons-to foster collaboration and innovation. Champion the integration of Adobe Creative Cloud, generative AI, and emerging technologies into teaching and learning. Set a long-term vision for CLI that aligns with TLT, University Libraries, and institutional priorities. Partner with senior leadership and IT units to build cross-campus support and strategic alignment.

• Leadership & Team Development: Foster a high-performing team of professional staff and student employees through compassionate, inclusive leadership. Cultivate a collaborative environment grounded in trust, emotional safety, and shared achievement. Promote workload equity and create opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. Model inclusive leadership with kindness, humility, and clarity while mentoring staff in career development.

• Operational Excellence: Develop sustainable service models and documentation across studios, labs, and makerspaces. Streamline the service catalog, balance multimedia and maker offerings, and ensure efficient resource use. Oversee staffing, budgeting, and facilities to support growth and policy compliance. Lead TLT teams through hiring, development, and cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality support.

• Creative Innovation: Advance AI-assisted creativity, immersive learning, and faculty partnerships by championing new initiatives and supporting experimentation. Establish an AI Commons as a flagship resource with physical, remote, and mobile components to maximize engagement. Foster a culture of creative risk-taking and adoption of transformative technologies. Lead strategic vendor partnerships and implement experiential learning opportunities in the Dreamery and other creative spaces.

• Storytelling & Impact: Amplify evidence of learning and innovation through data-informed storytelling. Create dashboards, impact briefs, and narratives that showcase CLI's contributions and elevate Penn State's national profile. Apply evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of technology initiatives. Use data to communicate impact, unlock resources, and drive continued innovation.

Qualifications:

Applicants must have general knowledge of educational and emerging technologies. Depth of knowledge and experience in at least one of the following is preferred: multimedia tools, making or maker technologies, immersive technologies, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Additional Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and implement strategies that challenge conventional approaches to problem-solving

• Excellent verbal and written communication, as well as interpersonal skills

• Proven success with cross-team collaboration and building partnerships

• Outstanding presentation skills

• High attention to detail

It is preferred that applicants have experience working in higher education, either in information technology (IT) or in a center for teaching and learning.

A master's degree in Learning Design and Technology, Human-Computer Interaction, Media Arts or Digital Media, Emerging Technologies, or a related field will be considered a plus.

Application Information: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter, highlighting their interest and relevant qualifications for this position.

Additional Information:

The Associate Director for Creative Learning Initiatives will report to the Senior Director of TLT.

The Pennsylvania State University Libraries is supportive of flexible work arrangements when aligned with the ability to meet the needs of the unit and the essential duties of the position. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Please note that this is not a fully remote position. This position typically requires a minimum of three days per week of on-site work at the designated work location.

To learn more about the Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) team, please visit https://tlt.psu.edu/.