Assistant Director of Media Innovation - Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL) is accepting applications for an Assistant Director of Media Innovation. Serving as the primary campus contact, strategic leader, and media innovator, this position collaborates with campus faculty, staff and students to develop and improve media projects which deliver on the fundamental promise of a public university; to teach students and to pioneer the science and the art of learning. As the primary liaison, the Assistant Director collaborates and coordinates with existing campus teams, initiatives, and resources and proposes new media initiatives.

Leadership, Management and Strategy

• Develop and implement scalable strategies that enhance student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and promote inclusive teaching and learning practices.
• Lead and manage the Digital Storytelling team including recruitment, training, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Contribute to the long-term, strategic planning of campus media production, ensuring alignment with CITL's mission and the Boldly Illinois framework.
• Develop and direct events, training and online resources for faculty and students on media production.
• Consult with faculty, staff and students in the selection and adoption of appropriate technologies and digital resources.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams from project design to implementation in alignment with institutional goals and policies.
• Work with the CITL data analytics team to assess the impact and effectiveness of teaching and learning within digital storytelling platforms, methods and projects.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment that encourages creativity, excellence, accessibility and inclusivity in digital storytelling.
• Stay current with emerging trends, research, and best practices in technology-enhanced, mediated storytelling for both learning and entertainment sectors.
• Adopt a culture of experimentation, reflection, and iterative improvement in instructional media design, production and delivery.
• Develop and foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, integrating unique perspectives into higher education.

Educational Media Production and Support

• Provide transformative learning experiences with immersive media, educational gamification, non-linear storytelling, long-form/documentary style content, media project training, and emerging technologies, including producing media projects at CITL and visiting classes.
• Produce high-quality, accessible, and engaging educational content through innovative technologies and methodologies to enhance teaching and learning experiences including phases of pre-production, production and post-production.
• Explore, implement and disseminate personalized and interactive education strategies and emerging technologies through frameworks of digital storytelling and 21st century learning.
• Ensure project outcomes are effective on multiple and emerging physical/digital platforms including the web, relevant hardware, social media and campus learning systems.
• Provide support for course media projects, working closely with faculty and staff to integrate digital storytelling and media creation into their curriculum.

• Bachelor's degree
• A total of seven (7) years (84 months) in education, training and/or work experience in digital media production (e.g., long-form content, immersive media, gamification)
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff, teams, and/or employees

• Master's degree
• Demonstrated experience in higher education

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office 365, Generative AI, and multimedia authoring tools
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple initiatives
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 5003 - Program Director position. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. The budgeted salary range for this position is $75,000 - $80,000 annually. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on May 18, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. For full consideration, application materials should include a cover letter, current resume (including month/year employment dates), contact information for three professional references, and transcripts or proof of degree(s). Please ensure your resume highlights your qualifications/experience for this position. This may include professional, academic, volunteer, or other applicable experience that aligns with the responsibilities and requirements of this role.

In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1036011

Job Category: Professional and Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu