Senior Director of Academic Technology and Design Services

Hiring Department

eLearning

This recruitment is managed by the Office of Human Resources at the Columbia Campus. For application questions please contact OHR at .

Job Description

University of Missouri Academic Technology is seeking a Senior Director of Academic Technology (AT) and Design Services (DS) to provide bold, visionary leadership for our systemwide academic technology ecosystem and online design and media services for the Columbia campus. This leader excels at building relationships with academic leaders and can execute by translating vision into action-establishing governance, optimizing resources, and leveraging data to continuously understand impact. Within this role exists the exciting opportunity to shape how design and technology come together to support faculty and drive student success at scale.

Reporting to the Chief Online Learning Officer, this role partners with faculty, academic leadership, and IT to bring a shared vision for digitally enabled learning to life. The Senior Director will set strategy, lead high-performing teams, and maintain an active portfolio of support services and tools that promote faculty excellence and high quality student experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the development and execution of a unified academic technology strategy across the UM system, ensuring alignment with institutional goals for teaching, learning, research, access, and student success.
Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of learning management systems, instructional technologies, and digital learning platforms. Partner with academic affairs, faculty leadership, and instructional design teams to advance innovative (e.g., AI integration), evidence-based teaching practices that enhance learner engagement, equity, and outcomes across modalities.
Serve as a strategic partner to academic leadership, IT, libraries, accessibility services, and campus stakeholders to drive adoption and effective use of academic technologies.
Lead the strategic vision, development, and drive the implementation of online learning experiences, overseeing the function of instructional and media design for online courses and programs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Leadership: Exemplifies strong performance management while advancing strategic priorities and fostering a culture of trust, engagement, and shared contribution that values different perspectives.
Demonstrated knowledge of academic technology ecosystems in higher education, including learning management systems, instructional technologies, and enterprise integrations.
Ability to successfully navigate higher education governance, shared decision-making models, and the intersection of academic affairs, academic technologies and student success.
Understanding of data governance, privacy, and security principles as they relate to academic systems and student data.
Embody and model Mizzou Online/UMAT Values of Be a Collaborator, Be a Champion, Be Curious, Be Transparent and Be Invested.
Exceptional ability to convey and receive information clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Excellent ability to problem-solve and make decisions.
Excellent critical thinker: Ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate evidence, and draw well-reasoned conclusions.

Shift

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 7 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates will also be evaluated on the following preferred qualifications:

Ph.D. in education technology, instructional design, higher education administration or related field.
Previous success leading large-scale academic technology ecosystems and online learning design functions in a research university or system-level environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of artificial intelligence applications in higher education and the ability to develop and lead institution wide AI strategy, policies, and governance frameworks aligned with institutional priorities.
Experience managing large vendor relationships and enterprise-wide contracts.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 per year

Grade: GGS 014

University Title: Director III Business Administration

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Application Materials

Resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please address the questions below, be specific, using examples from your own experience.
1. What does effective leadership mean to you?
2. What strategies do you use to foster trust and drive AI technology adoption among faculty who are skeptical?
3. How do you define the success of AT and DS departments in higher ed?

Other Information

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The University will not sponsor applicants for this position for employment visas.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer .

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at .