Associate Director of Online Language Learning

The Department of Modern Languages in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), invites applications for an Associate Director of Online Language Learning, beginning on or before January 1, 2022. Successful candidates should have an advanced degree (PhD preferred, with Masters considered) in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (with a specialty in online language instruction), Second Language Acquisition, Instructional Design/Publishing (with a specialty in language education), or another relevant field. This is a special faculty position that will work closely with the Head of the Department and the Director of the Modern Language Resource Center (MRLC) to develop, curate, and amplify the catalog and visibility of CMU’s online language offerings. Carnegie Mellon has a long tradition of excellence in Technology-Enhanced Learning and research-driven teaching. The Department of Modern Languages has been working closely with the Open Learning Initiative (OLI) and, more broadly, the Simon Initiative to innovate in the area of technology-mediated language instruction. This position aims to enhance these and other possible  collaborations by facilitating the creation of new content and maintaining existing offerings.

The candidate hired will occupy a multifaceted position. Primary responsibilities will include project management, including ensuring the maintenance, update, and evaluation of existing courses and the development of new courses as we are looking to expand our catalog of online offerings. In this role, the candidate will seek opportunities to design new courses, recruit authors and editors, coordinate with the OLI, conduct regular course assessment, and ensure timely completion of projects. The hired candidate may also have the opportunity to teach in the language program of their specialization or in our Applied Multilingual Studies track.

The successful candidate will benefit from a strong and growing support of interdisciplinary humanities research and teaching at Carnegie Mellon, including such initiatives as the Center for the Arts in Society, Humanities@CMU, and Askwith Kenner Global Languages and Cultures Room.

Carnegie Mellon University is committed to increasing the diversity of its community on a range of intellectual and cultural dimensions. Carnegie Mellon welcomes applicants who will contribute to this diversity through their research, teaching and service. We seek to meet the needs of dual-career couples and is a member of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) that assists with dual-career searches.  Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about life in Pittsburgh and becoming part of a welcoming institution that inspires innovations.

Qualifications and personal characteristics

Advanced degree (PhD preferred, with Masters considered) in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (with a specialty in online language instruction), Second Language Acquisition, Instructional Design/Publishing (with a specialty in language education), or another relevant field. Demonstrated knowledge of and engagement with current approaches to technology-mediated language and culture learning, online language learning, and current practices in instructional design. Evidence of experience with online course and/or content creation is highly desirable. We are looking for a colleague with a creative and innovative mind, strong interpersonal skills, a taste for team-oriented, interdisciplinary collaborative projects, and ability to work with educational marketing specialists. Also important to the success of the position is administrative experience in areas such as project management and the recruiting and supervision of authors, editors, and student staff. In particular, we are looking for a colleague with impeccable attention to details and the minutia associated with managing large projects. Evidence of seeking or securing extramural funding is a plus.

Preference will be given to candidates with expertise and advanced level proficiency in one or more of the languages currently offered by the Department (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish) and/or the ability to contribute to the Applied Multilingual Studies program and TESOL.

Application Instructions

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (ET) on September 20, 2021. Applicants should submit 1) a current CV, 2) a cover letter outlining experience and evidence of commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and 3) the names and contact information for three professional references.


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