Assistant Director of Virtual Learning

Assistant Director, Virtual Learning

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. We serve the diverse needs of our community, from vice presidents of student affairs to undergraduate student leaders considering a career in the field. Founded in 1919, NASPA includes more than 15,000 members in all 50 states, 29 countries, and 8 U.S. Territories. Guided by the principles of integrity, innovation, inclusion, and inquiry, we are dedicated to empowering our members to realize their full potential and to cultivating student success in collaboration with our institutional members, who represent every sector of higher education. NASPA centers justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work; read more about our commitment here.

Summary of the Position

The Assistant Director of Virtual Learning provides leadership for, and coordinates, virtual learning opportunities for NASPA. An integral part of the Professional Development Team, the assistant director works closely with NASPA staff, board members, and constituent groups to advance the mission and vision of the Association through innovative virtual and hybrid programming including webinars, online short courses, online components of place-based events, and other virtual learning and engagement events. Working collaboratively with NASPA members, divisions, advisory boards, volunteers, and staff, the assistant director ensures that innovative online product and services delivery are infused into all NASPA programs, publications, and culture. 

Essential Responsibilities

• Create, implement, and assess Association-wide virtual professional development that meets organizational goals as relating to online learning, webinars, short courses, hybrid events, and other programming;
• Advance, as part of a team, standards for the creation, implementation, delivery, and assessment of online, hybrid, and blended programming;
• Manage the Association’s learning management system (Elevate) and provide related training and support to NASPA staff and constituent groups;
• Identify, design, and implement revenue generating virtual learning programming for the Association; 
• Reinvigorate and coordinate an ongoing call for webinars process including marketing, review, selection, and execution of accepted webinars;
• Work collaboratively with NASPA staff to provide seamless virtual engagement opportunities. This includes working with staff in Publications, Research, and Policy to ensure timely integration of new learning content; and collaborating with staff to support virtual learning within the Center for First-generation Student Success; Health, Safety, and Well-being, NASPA Advisory Services; career-level initiatives; global member engagement; corporate sponsorship; and marketing and communications;
• Guide and support constituent groups, regions, and knowledge communities in the planning and implementation of online webinars, seminars, and other educational programming;
• Support virtual conferences and/or virtual components of place-based conferences throughout the year;
• Collaborate with the NASPA Annual Conference Leadership Committee and NASPA staff to execute the NASPA Virtual Experience during the NASPA Annual Conference; 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports To

Associate Director for Global Initiatives

Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and be a creative self-starter. The candidate should successfully collaborate with the NASPA staff, members, and other stakeholders and who can also work independently. This person should be able to expand upon existing programs and relationships, as well as produce new ones, which will generate revenue, increase membership, and diversify program offerings.

• Ability to develop, adapt, and apply multiple and new formats and technologies to virtual professional development events;
• At least three years of experience with existing and emerging virtual learning technologies.
• At least three years of experience in a professional association, higher education, or similar professional setting required. Experience with student affairs administration preferred.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively and actively work in a team environment with great emphasis placed on positive interactions and cooperation with department directors and staff to achieve Association goals and objectives;
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds;
• Commitment to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values the perspectives and lived experiences of a diverse workforce and membership;
• At least three years of full-time professional experience is strongly preferred;
• Master’s Degree preferred. Educational and/or functional background in online programming preferred;
• Demonstrated writing, communication, and project management skills;
• Excellent communication skills including ability to communicate effectively with a variety of constituency groups, members, and staff as well as give presentations to members, staff, and stakeholders;
• Broad-based knowledge of IT, its applications, and associated issues in higher education.

Additional Questions

Please answer the following three questions. Responses should be no longer than 1-2 paragraphs each. 

Please share your virtual learning and online management experience prior to 2020. What were your significant programs and projects? How did these events impact the intended audience? How did you gauge or assess the success of these events? Share specific examples.

How have your perceptions of virtual and online learning evolved in recent years? What do envision or hope to accomplish within online learning in this role in the future? How can NASPA contribute to online professional development within student affairs/higher education? Share some of your best practices.

In this role, successful candidates will possess an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to apply innovative technologies and practices in the position. Share some of your previous experiences implementing revenue generating programs. How were you successful? What tools and innovative ideas did you use and/or create to increase participation and revenue? 

Employment Status

Full-time Exempt: Exempt employees by definition are exempt from overtime compensation requirements of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and are required to work as the job demands on a no time limit basis. 

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $55,000-$60,000.

NASPA offers nationwide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with automatic employer contribution, flexible work schedule, and paid time-off including accrued PTO, family leave, community service leave, and holidays.

Office Location/Working Conditions/Physical Requirements 

Office Location

This position may be based anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. 

It is the employee’s responsibility to provide reliable internet capabilities for any work location outside of the Washington, D.C. office.

Please note, the NASPA Washington, D.C. Office is in partially-open status at this time, with all staff members who wish to spend time or work in the D.C. Office required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Travel 

Occasional overnight travel to represent NASPA at events, on college and university campuses, and in-person meetings is an essential function of this position. Locations vary and can include sites outside of taxi service from major airports. As a result, the position is required to have the ability to travel independently, including air travel, navigating ground transportation, and occasionally driving a rental car. 

Please note, NASPA staff members who wish to travel on behalf of the Association are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Physical Requirements

• This position is primarily office-based with primary work on a computer, including phone, email, and video conferencing.
• Responsibilities occasionally may require an adjusted work schedule, overtime, and evening/weekend hours in order to meet deadlines and support events and programs. 
• This position will be required to routinely pack and unpack program materials for shipment, which will require pulling, pushing, lifting, and moving boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• This position will be required to coordinate on-site event execution, which may include moving furniture and other items, navigating event spaces, and communicating verbally with venue staff. 

Additional COVID-19 Information

Vaccination is not a requirement for employment. However, staff members who are unable to be vaccinated because of a medical reason or sincerely held religious belief, or those who are unable to or choose not to be vaccinated for any other reason, will not have the option to spend time or work in the D.C. Office, attend in-person Association-related meetings/events, or participate in any other Association-related travel while this policy is in effect. Job duties related to these activities will be conducted remotely where possible or reassigned as necessary.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination Statement 

NASPA provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. NASPA does not discriminate on the basis of race; color, national origin; religion; sex; age; gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status; personal appearance; family responsibilities; genetic information; educational status; political affiliation; unemployment status; place of residence or business; source of income; caste; matriculation; credit information; status as a survivor or family member of a survivor of domestic violence, a sexual offense, or stalking; reproductive health decision making; or any other basis protected by law in any of its policies, employment practices, or in any context in the workplace. When necessary, NASPA also makes reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities. 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following in portable document format (pdf) for consideration: 

• Letter of Interest/Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three References
• Additional Questions 

A complete set of materials should be submitted through this Asana form. Materials received by April  18, 2022 will receive priority consideration, but review will continue until the position is filled.