Grand Valley State University
PRIMARY DUTIES
Partner with the Senior Director, IT Innovation and Research to establish a vision, create strategy, and coordinate Information Technology’s portfolio of solutions, services, and resources to ensure they are future focused, drive digital transformation, and align with the University’s mission and strategic priorities.
Collaborate to monitor emerging trends, industry best practices, and campus requirements as they relate to the deployment of innovative technologies, quality digital education, next generation learning space design, and custom application development.
Collaborate with IT Innovation and Research, IT Division staff, academic unit administrators, faculty, researchers, students, and external partners to lead the design, development, and delivery of emerging technology-based custom created applications and experiences, including extended reality (XR) and artificial intelligence (AI).
Use knowledge of design, platforms and frameworks to perform coding, programming, scripting, debugging, testing, configuration, troubleshooting, and analysis throughout the software application development process.
Provide support for testing, improving, implementing, integrating, and maintaining emerging technology software and hardware applications.
Educate, train, and support students assistants in the use of XR and AI authoring tools required to develop XR and AI applications for experimentation, pilots, and proof of concepts.
Support faculty, students, staff, researchers, and key stakeholders in the review, prototyping, piloting, and evaluation of technologies that accelerate and drive innovation to scale, build capacity, and contribute to student success.
Nurture opportunities for connections, networking, and establishing partnerships with key stakeholders across the University, as well as industry experts, business leaders, professional organizations, and technology vendors in the development and application of novel technologies that build capacity and contribute to holistic student success.
Utilize video, imagery, websites, social media, and storytelling to elevate and create awareness of the projects and partnerships facilitated by the IT Innovation and Research team.
Facilitate application development projects from conceptualization through delivery.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Ensure XR and AI tools comply with GVSU security practices and policies.
Ensure best practices in ADA accessibility compliance for XR and AI applications created.
Legal and ethical compliance.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Evidence of experience in the field of Information Technology.
Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies, instructional technologies, and digital media applied in teaching, learning, training, and/or professional development.
Experience in software application design and development, programming and scripting, and emerging technology hardware and software including extended reality and artificial intelligence.
Skills in application and digital media creation such as animation and 3D imagery, including knowledge of application development tools such as: Unity, Blender, Unreal Engine, Autodesk Maya, Uptale, etc.
Experience working with hardware platforms such as Meta Quest, Microsoft HoloLens, and other head mounted displays or other emerging technologies.
Technical skills with the ability to quickly adapt, understand, and engage with complex, cutting-edge, or emerging hardware and software solutions.
Knowledge or experience in deploying best practices in applying procedures, tools, and methods to acquire, prototype, beta test, analyze and evaluate innovative solutions, services, or resources.
Experience in providing high quality customer-centric service, end user support, documentation, training, and professional development.
Ability to take initiative, add value, remove barriers, solve problems and move multiple projects forward to successful completion using effective project management skills.
Exceptional communication, writing, and teamwork skills and abilities.
Master's Degree and 5+ years of experience in higher education in instructional or emerging technologies or other related degrees or certifications.
Certifications in AI, XR, or related emerging technologies.
Familiarity with agile software development methodologies.
Experience in instructional or learning experience design.
Experience in facilitating communication and supportive relationships with vendors.
Experience in supervising and managing student assistants in higher education.
Experience in change management and facilitating upgrades with enterprise applications.
Advanced skills in application and digital media development and production in emerging fields such as makerspaces, XR, and AI.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.
Salary: $66,000-$76,000; Commensurate with experience.
Division/Department: Information Technology/IT Innovation and Research
Campus: Grand Rapids
How To Apply: Please include a cover letter and resume. The online application will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215.
Application Deadline: Consideration of applications will begin August 28, 2024 after which the posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).
Grand Valley State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.