Syracuse University is seeking a dynamic, experienced Assistant Director of Curriculum and Teaching Excellence for its prestigious and historic flagship study abroad Center in Florence, Italy. This full-time position is responsible for the Center’s curriculum development, pedagogical innovation, and faculty support, in line with Syracuse University’s academic vision. Reporting to the Center Director, this role operates in close collaboration with key partners across Syracuse Abroad units and departments/offices on the main campus in Syracuse, NY. This position is not compatible with additional part- or full-time appointments at other institutions.
MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Faculty Support and Teaching Excellence
Objective: Develop high quality academic opportunities for students; support faculty in relation to pedagogical needs, professional development as well best practices in teaching.
- Cultivate a dynamic, high-quality teaching and learning environment that is rigorous, engaging, collaborative, and supportive.
- Arrange and lead regular faculty meetings. Gather feedback with the aim of a continuous improvement of our support systems, operational strategies, and the overall enrichment of the educational experience.
- Assess teaching quality and attend classes and field trips. Analyze course evaluations, communicate outcomes, and work closely with professors to ensure they feel professionally supported. Maintain and share observation records.
- Provide training and support in using up-to-date learning and teaching technology.
- Encourage, facilitate, coordinate group discussions on current debates and encourage/lead interdisciplinary projects. Communicate regularly with faculty and share info about upcoming events, faculty activities, pedagogical initiatives, conferences, etc.
- Attend workshops and other professional venues to remain up to date on pedagogy, curricular design and practices, and other relevant academic topics.
- Supervise the Internship Program and monitor overall quality of the learning experience, ensuring high standards and strengthening relationships with host organizations Ensure the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion into all aspects of the curriculum and programming.
- Teach one course (3cr) per semester as assigned.
Curriculum and Course Offerings
Objective: Oversee and enhance the curriculum, ensuring local resources and opportunities are highlighted and the program remains competitive within the field of international education.
- Collaborate with Syracuse Abroad Director of Academic Programs to revise, update and develop curriculum at the Syracuse Florence Center.
- Supervise course syllabi, ensuring they are well designed, clear and regularly updated. Work closely with faculty to develop and/or enhance learning objectives, course outlines and inclusive bibliography.
- Review new course proposals and assist faculty in course design, updating content or developing new courses.
- Coordinate alignment, collaboration, and efficient flow of information with Syracuse University Italian Department, Renaissance Art Masters’ Program and Architecture Program.
- Oversee the development of and regular assessment/updates to the Mapping Italy intercultural learning course (CAS 200, 1 credit).
Management, Communications and Partnership
Objectives: Support Florence Center Director and collaborate with other program units in developing best in class study abroad experiences and advancing strategic program objectives. Ensure alignment of faculty contracts with HR, Legal, Business and Safety Units.
- Consult with the Center Director and HR Manager on all matters relating to faculty contracts.
- Coordinate the production of and regular updates to the faculty handbook and teaching policies.
- Organize and conduct, with the Center Director, searches, and interviews for new faculty hires. Field enquiries from prospective instructors and hold informational and/or formal interviews as needed. Maintain an up-to-date database of prospective faculty and guest speakers.
- Lead the onboarding and orientation for new faculty each semester, and follow-up with class visits and discussions with new faculty in their first semester of teaching.
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all safety protocols and standards are maintained (in class and during field trips).
- Meet regularly with Director and other Assistant Directors and key partners to support developing general programming including new student arrival and orientation activities, ensuring efficient flow of information and best use of resources.
- Collaborate in the organization and delivery of new student arrival Orientation activities.
Networking and Institutional Relations
Objective: Work with Institutional Relations partners at Syracuse University Abroad in promoting the interests of the unit and the University as a whole.
- Participate in events and meetings that contribute to promoting Syracuse University Abroad and the Syracuse Florence Center. Represent Syracuse Florence institutionally when needed.
3 - Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with local universities and other institutions to maximize learning opportunities.
Other duties compatible with the overarching focus of the role will be assigned if needed.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD or relevant terminal degree.
- Direct experience and knowledge of US Higher Education ideal.
- Experience with course design, learning outcomes, and assessment required.
- Experience in curriculum implementation.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and manage faculty and teams.
- Direct experience in experiential and intercultural learning pedagogies strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with current pedagogical trends and study abroad best practices.
- Professional fluency in Italian and English.
- Permit to work in Italy required