Job Title:

Professional Development Specialist

Physical Location:

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

 $59,961- $72,864

Basic Function:

Develop and facilitate professional development programs focused on teaching for graduate students and faculty. This individual will work with other members of the university community to identify professional development needs, and will develop programming in collaboration with Graduate Studies, faculty members, and administrators. This position is shared between the Division of Graduate Studies and the Center for Teaching and Learning and reports to the Director, Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL).

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

 

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Develop programming to support graduate student teaching development.

Identify existing teaching development opportunities for graduate students.

Work with the Division of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Deans Advisory Council, and individual academic units to identify unmet needs for graduate student professional development and identify ways to meet those needs.

Communicate with potential participants, graduate program coordinators, academic chairs, associate deans and deans about upcoming opportunities.

Provide support for Center for Teaching and Learning faculty development offerings.

Develop and facilitate teaching development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in teaching and learning.

Assist with the facilitation of faculty development opportunities (workshops, webinars, communities of practice, seminars, conferences, etc) on topics relevant to teaching and learning.

Identify and incorporate innovative and engaging ways to grow knowledge of teaching and learning strategies by providing opportunities that:

• Foster a culture that supports learning, nurtures collegiality, and encourages sharing of teaching knowledge and skills
• Promote critical reflection and development of knowledge and skills for effective teaching
• Integrate collaborative, collegial and team-oriented activities

Assist with professional development opportunities that incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused teaching practices.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree. Two or more years of direct teaching development experience in a higher education environment. Must include development and facilitation of teaching and learning programs such as workshops, trainings, and learning communities.

License/Certification:

 

Knowledge Of:

Evidence-based instruction practices *
Graduate student development *
Teaching development strategies *
Inclusive teaching practices *
Higher education (e.g. organizational structures and hiring practices)
Computer applications such as Microsoft Suite

Skill In:

Program development with a focus on teaching/learning *
Workshop facilitation *
Written and interpersonal communication
Time management, setting priorities

Ability To:

Organize, coordinate, and integrate information from multiple sources/units within a higher education setting
Collaborate with others to determine multi-disciplinary objectives, develop learning activities/workshops and materials, and assessment strategies
Work productively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities
Provide support and consultation regarding complex teaching and classroom solutions
Foster and maintain positive relationships with faculty, students, and administrator
Take initiative in developing new programming
Maintain a current understanding of professional development research and trends related to teaching and learning practices
Be flexible in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Ph.D. and direct experience in graduate student professional development focused on teaching are preferred.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None

Working Schedule:

 

Additional Information:

 

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.