Executive Director, University Center for Teaching and Learning

Executive Director, University Center for Teaching and Learning

The Office of the Provost at the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) seeks a new executive director for the University Center for Teaching and Learning. Commonly referred to as the Teaching Center, the organization is dedicated to advancing teaching excellence at the University of Pittsburgh. As the home of Pitt's institutional domain experts in teaching and learning, the center plays a pivotal role in enhancing teaching efficacy and supporting faculty and instructors in fostering student success in alignment with the University’s strategic plan, the Plan for Pitt 2028.

The Teaching Center has achieved significant success in enhancing instructional design and curricular development, fostering dynamic teaching and learning environments, and effectively utilizing both current and emerging instructional technologies. Additionally, it excels in the assessment, measurement, and evaluation of teaching. The center provides robust support for classroom services and academic media production and maintains strong partnerships with institutional collaborators to further advance teaching and learning initiatives. The Teaching Center has also leveraged this combination of competencies to develop robust educational resources for the University community, for example in partnership with the Office of the Provost Student Success team and the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Research, to create the Pitt Advising Certification and Training (ACT) program and the Honorific Awards Training Course, respectively.

The Teaching Center is poised to expand upon these service activities to empower the institution to create world-class professional development and advancement opportunities for a broader segment of the Pitt community. Leveraging its expertise in curriculum and pedagogy, the center has not only engaged in meaningful partnerships in this area (as outlined above), but recently launched a robust platform for professional growth of Pitt instructors through the TEACH@Pitt initiative. In expanding its role, and building on its significant prior success, the Teaching Center will not only effectively communicate its own domain expertise in teaching and learning but also employ those skills to focus on effectively delivering a wealth of content to enhance knowledge and professional practice across the institution. Through deep partnerships with domain experts, the center will ensure that learning experiences are impactful and aligned with the needs of learners, whether they are students or employees. This service-provider, consultative-type role emphasizes the importance of collaboration to inspire excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, professional practice, and scholarly activities at Pitt.

While a faculty role is not a requirement, the executive director must have significant experience with teaching and learning in a higher education environment and be able to work effectively with faculty and staff colleagues to advance the teaching mission.

The executive director must also be able to work successfully with leaders within the Office of the Provost including the Vice Provosts for Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development, Undergraduate Studies, and Graduate Studies, and the Associate Provost for Digital Education. They must also be able to forge strong relationships to advance staff professional development, including with the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources.

To Apply

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a CV and a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and qualifications

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a CV and a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and qualifications. Ideally, the new executive director would start as soon as possible, and no later than July 1, 2026.

Interested candidates should apply by submitting a CV and a letter of interest outlining relevant experience and qualifications.

Directs the administration of all forms of admissions & financial aid at the University. Serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, advances the vision and charge, and leads all University operations related to academic programs and student services. Leads team and develops University policies and procedures to achieve goals. Collaborates to improve the quality and effectiveness of programs. Aids senior leadership by writing complex reports and correspondences and managing simultaneous responsibilities.

• Leadership and Vision: The executive director should have a deep understanding of teaching excellence and be passionate about advancing this mission. They should be open to new ideas and eager to develop collaborative partnerships that enhance teaching, training, and development across the university.
• Collaboration and Partnership: A successful executive director will actively seek out and foster partnerships with various domain experts and stakeholders to ensure the effective delivery of educational content and professional development opportunities.
• Planning and Management: The role requires a skilled planner and manager who can advocate for the necessary resources to support teaching and training excellence. The executive director will oversee dedicated team of more than 60 staff members.
• Technological Acumen: The executive director should have a clear understanding of the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies in education. They should approach these changes with enthusiasm and optimism, ready to effectively integrate new technologies into teaching and learning practices.

While a faculty role is not a requirement, the executive director must have significant experience with teaching and learning in a higher education environment and be able to work effectively with faculty and staff colleagues to advance the teaching mission.

The executive director must also be able to work successfully with leaders within the Office of the Provost including the Vice Provosts for Faculty Advancement and Leadership Development, Undergraduate Studies, and Graduate Studies, and the Associate Provost for Digital Education. They must also be able to forge strong relationships to advance staff professional development, including with the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources

must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time.