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Position Overview:
The Assistant Director for Technical Training will serve as the strategic lead for the integration of technology in creative education, with a focus on artificial intelligence applications and any other emerging technology to help stay ahead of industry trends and equip students and faculty with the skills needed to thrive in a constantly evolving digital landscape. A hands-on subject matter expert that combines technical expertise and educational leadership to ensure the VCU Brandcenter remains agile, innovative, and at the forefront of adopting and applying new technologies to enhance the creative learning experience.This position reports to the Executive Director of the VCU Brandcenter and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and administration across all program areas.
Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Education
- Will work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Curriculum and Instruction to ensure that students are prepared for the new technological challenges of the future. - Will also consult with the Director of Operations to ensure the implementation of any approved technology solutions.
- Lead comprehensive AI and technology based initiatives for students and faculty, ensuring strategic and creative implementation across all programs
- Design and deliver professional development workshops for faculty on AI trends, technology trends and advances, applications, and classroom integration strategies
- Develop and implement software integration protocols e.g. AI and best practices throughout the curriculum
- Continuously monitor emerging AI tools, tech/platform releases, and industry trends to maintain cutting-edge educational relevance
- Assist the Director of Operations in determining which tools to purchase/subscribe to and build/manage relationships with those AI partners.
- Provide strategic guidance on AI adoption and other emerging technologies for current and future course development
Content Creation & Communications (Brandcenter and BCX)
- Will work with Communications Manager for rapid content development for social media channels, including video generation and multimedia storytelling
- Create compelling recruitment videos and promotional materials for program marketing
- Support comprehensive content creation efforts across all relevant digital platforms
- Collaborate with communications teams to develop engaging, technology-enhanced content strategies
Curriculum Development & Course Support
- Evaluate, redesign, consult and/or teach Visual Storytelling courses ensuring technology taught is up to date with industry standards (e.g., camera, iPhone videography, AI video and prompt curriculum, etc.).
- Develop comprehensive curriculum modules including iPhone videography, traditional video production, and AI-enhanced video assignments
- Create progressive learning pathways that integrate traditional and emerging video technologies
- Establish assessment frameworks for technical skill development and creative application
Additional Course Support (as needed)
-Work with the Creative Chair (AD) and will act as the directorial lead our production Initiative
- Provide instructional support for Portfolio Development courses
- Assist with Craft course technical components
- Support UPP (Undergraduate Portfolio Program) when serving as Assistant Director
- Collaborate on Innovation and Experimentation course development and delivery
- Offer technical expertise and guest instruction across various program courses as needed - including BCX
- Case study videos for awards
- other duties as required
Required Qualifications:
- Master's degree or the equivalent work experience in relevant field (Media Arts, Digital Communications, Production, Educational Technology, or related discipline)
- Minimum 10 years experience in creative technology education or professional media production
- Demonstrated expertise in AI applications and other relevant technologies for creative industries AND a portfolio of work including AI projects
- Proficiency in video production, editing, and multimedia content creation
- Strong presentation and workshop facilitation skills
- Knowledge of social media content strategies and platform requirements
- Team leadership and people management experience
- Background in commercial film production and post-production workflows
- Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU.
- Technical Skills
- Proficiency with AI tools and platforms (VEO 3, ChatGPT, Midjourney, Adobe AI features, OpenAI APIs, etc.)
- Advanced video editing software (Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
- Social media content creation tools and platforms
- Learning management systems and educational technology platforms
- iPhone/mobile video production techniques and equipment
- Multi-platform system administration (Mac, Linux, Windows environments)
- Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
- Audio engineering software and sound design tools
- Commercial film production and post-production workflows
- Core Competencies
- Project management and organizational abilities
- Storytelling and narrative development across multiple media formats
- Strategic thinking and trend analysis
- Creative problem-solving and innovation
- Adaptability in rapidly changing technological landscape
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Collaborative and team building
- Project management and organizational abilities
- Information and creative technology thought leadership
- Audio production and sound design capabilities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in higher education, particularly in creative or advertising programs
- Professional background in advertising, marketing, or creative agency environments
- Familiarity with emerging technologies beyond AI (AR/VR, motion graphics, interactive media, traditional filmmaking experience)
- Portfolio demonstrating innovative use of technology in creative projects
- Audio engineering, production, and sound design expertise
- Creative thinking and storytelling
Application Process: Candidates should upload their curriculum vitae and the names and e-mail addresses of four references.
Additional Information:
All full-time university faculty are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid leave and holiday leave, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, generous tuition benefit, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.
Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity employer.
Position Type: Teaching & Research Faculty
Full time equivalent: 100%
ORP Eligible: Yes
Tenure: Ineligible
Rank: Instructor
Months: 9
Department: School of Business - Brandcenter
Salary: $155,000
Contact Information: Contact Name: Vann Graves
Contact Email: Contact Phone: 
