Faculty Development Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of academia, the demand for Faculty Development Specialists has never been higher.

As the education sector evolves, so does the need for skilled professionals who can foster, enhance, and uphold our academic environments.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Faculty Development Specialist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring educator trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring committee outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the nuances of faculty development,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Faculty Development Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or academic career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Faculty Development Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Faculty Development Specialists work to improve the professional skills of faculty members in academic institutions.

They strategize and implement programs that aim to enhance teaching methods, research skills and other faculty capabilities.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Assessing the professional development needs of faculty members
• Designing, developing, and implementing training programs and workshops for faculty
• Facilitating sessions on instructional strategies, curriculum development, assessment techniques, and educational technologies
• Providing guidance on research methodologies and publication processes
• Collaborating with faculty to enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning outcomes
• Collecting and analyzing data on faculty development initiatives to evaluate their effectiveness
• Staying updated on best practices in higher education and incorporating them into faculty development programs
• Building relationships with faculty members to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement
• Providing resources and support for faculty members seeking grants and other funding opportunities
• Working closely with academic leadership to align faculty development initiatives with institutional goals

 

Faculty Development Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Faculty Development Specialist to support the professional growth of our faculty members.

The Faculty Development Specialist will be responsible for creating, implementing, and managing programs to enhance the teaching skills of our educators.

Our ideal candidate is knowledgeable about current education trends, pedagogical strategies, and is adept at delivering training and development programs.

The goal is to foster a culture of continuous learning and improve teaching effectiveness, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement faculty development programs and initiatives
• Conduct needs assessments to identify areas of improvement
• Provide guidance and support for curriculum development
• Create materials and resources to aid faculty members in their professional growth
• Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of faculty development programs
• Stay informed on the latest trends and developments in education
• Collaborate with other departments to align faculty development with institutional goals

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Faculty Development Specialist or similar role in an educational setting
• Strong knowledge of teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and faculty development principles
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team of educators
• Master’s degree in Education or related field required, Doctorate preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Faculty Development Specialist
• Work Environment: This role will be based on our campus with occasional travel for conferences or professional development opportunities. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Faculty Development.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Faculty Development Specialist Do?

Faculty Development Specialists work within educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and universities.

They can also work for organizations that provide educational services, or as consultants.

Their role involves supporting and enhancing the professional growth of teaching staff and faculty members.

They do this by developing, coordinating, and implementing a variety of professional development programs and initiatives.

These can range from workshops and seminars to individual mentoring and coaching sessions.

These programs focus on improving teaching skills, incorporating new teaching methodologies, understanding and implementing educational technologies, and improving classroom management techniques.

Faculty Development Specialists often work closely with the institution’s academic leaders to identify areas where the faculty can improve, create customized training material, and evaluate the impact of the training on teaching performance.

They may also be involved in facilitating communication and collaboration among faculty members, promoting innovative teaching practices and supporting faculty in curriculum development.

Their ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of education provided by the institution by fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement among the faculty.

 

Faculty Development Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A Faculty Development Specialist should possess a blend of educational expertise, interpersonal acumen, and strategic planning abilities to effectively support and advance faculty capacity.

The following skills and qualifications are required:

• Educational and instructional skills to identify training needs and develop relevant programs for faculty members.
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with various stakeholders, share information and provide clear instructions or feedback to faculty members.
• Knowledge of adult learning theories and current trends in faculty development to provide practical, cutting-edge training and resources.
• Ability to plan, organize, and execute multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating excellent project management skills.
• Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with faculty members, understanding their needs, and providing appropriate support.
• Analysis and evaluation skills to assess the effectiveness of development programs and make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.
• Experience in delivering interactive and engaging training sessions, both online and in-person.
• Understanding of and respect for diversity and inclusion principles to ensure faculty development efforts are broadly accessible and effective.
• Strong technology skills to utilize a variety of digital tools in the delivery and tracking of faculty development programs.

 

Faculty Development Specialist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Faculty Development Specialists often have 1 to 3 years of experience in an academic setting, often through roles such as a Teacher, Tutor, or Academic Advisor.

Some candidates may gain experience through internships or part-time roles in academic institutions or training organizations.

Candidates with over 3 years of experience generally demonstrate a more thorough understanding of pedagogical strategies, curriculum development, and education technology.

They may have moved from direct teaching positions into roles like Curriculum Developer or Instructional Coordinator.

Those with more than 5 years of experience usually have a solid foundation in faculty training, mentorship, and development.

They may have held roles such as Department Chair, Dean, or Program Director.

Additionally, those with significant experience in the field are often well-versed in implementing faculty development programs, have experience with adult learning theories, and are adept at fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement among faculty members.

Advanced roles in this field may require experience in strategic planning and leading institutional change, along with a proven track record of improving faculty performance and student outcomes.

 

Faculty Development Specialist Education and Training Requirements

A Faculty Development Specialist typically requires a Master’s degree in Education, Instructional Design, Organizational Development, or a related field.

They need to have a strong understanding of curriculum development, adult learning theories, and instructional technology.

In many cases, positions may also require individuals to have a certain number of years of experience in educational administration or teaching.

Additionally, some roles may prefer candidates with a doctoral degree in a relevant field.

It’s also beneficial for candidates to have experience in program development, faculty coaching, and education research.

Certifications in instructional design, curriculum development, or other related certifications can enhance a candidate’s prospects.

Ongoing professional development is a key aspect of this role, with many Faculty Development Specialists choosing to engage in continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and professional conferences to stay updated in the field of faculty development and education.

 

Faculty Development Specialist Salary Expectations

A Faculty Development Specialist typically earns an average salary of $59,612 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary greatly based on factors such as experience, qualifications, location, and the institution one is employed by.

 

Faculty Development Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Faculty Development Specialist need?

A Faculty Development Specialist should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as they will often act as a liaison between faculty and administration.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are also crucial as they need to assess the current skill level of faculty and identify areas for improvement.

Additionally, having a good understanding of curriculum development and instructional methods is essential for this role.

 

Do Faculty Development Specialists need a degree?

Yes, a Faculty Development Specialist typically requires a Master’s degree in education, instructional design, or a related field.

Some institutions may also require a certain amount of experience in faculty development or higher education administration.

In some cases, a doctoral degree may be preferred.

 

What should you look for in a Faculty Development Specialist resume?

Look for evidence of experience in faculty development or higher education administration.

This can include roles such as teaching, instructional design, faculty training, or other similar positions.

Additional qualifications can include a strong knowledge of instructional technology, curriculum development, and assessment.

They should also have proven skills in project management and team leadership.

 

What qualities make a good Faculty Development Specialist?

A good Faculty Development Specialist is a strong communicator who can effectively facilitate discussions and training sessions.

They should also be adept at building relationships and collaborating with a diverse range of faculty members and administrative staff.

Additionally, they should have a deep understanding of adult learning theories, instructional design, and teaching strategies in order to effectively support faculty in their professional development.

 

What are the daily duties of a Faculty Development Specialist?

A typical day for a Faculty Development Specialist might involve meeting with faculty members to discuss their professional development needs, planning and conducting training sessions, researching best practices in faculty development, and providing recommendations for curriculum improvement.

They might also spend time analyzing feedback from faculty members and adjusting training programs accordingly.

They may also collaborate with other educational professionals to develop new instructional strategies.

 

Conclusion

And so we arrive at the end.

Today, we’ve opened up the world of being a Faculty Development Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about teaching skills.

It’s about shaping the future of education, one professional development workshop at a time.

Armed with our trusty Faculty Development Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why draw the line there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards precision-crafted job listings or polishing your resume to the pinnacle of perfection.

Never forget:

Every workshop, every training session, is part of a larger educational landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Faculty Development Specialist (Complete Guide)

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