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Director - Methods/Experiemental Learning

POSITION PURPOSE: Adult learning principles dictate a clear set of activities that are required to capture someone’s attention, and then have the learning stick. A rule of thumb in this regard is, the more experiential, the “stickier” the learning. When done well, experiential learning activities are things that participants remember their entire lives.

This position serves as the center of expertise in methods and experiential learning methodology. To expand our educators and clients view of what’s possible in and outside the classroom to create a high impact experience. It requires a view of the range or methods possible, their purposes, and application to client problems. This role requires the communication, business development mindset with clients, design, staffing and delivery of complex experiential learning events. As well, it requires supporting the Client Teams in selling, design, and delivery of the methods they will use with clients. As a natural extension of these methods, it is important to generate the excitement and imagination of our clients considering differing methodological approaches.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Establish and document the criteria, standards and operating practices for Thunderbird’s point of view on use of Methods in executive education.
  • Have/Develop a working understanding of a wide range of methods from lecture and case study, facilitation and socratic dialogue, to complex simulations and experiential metaphors for key business challenges.
  • Work closely with the Director, Thunderbird Educator Network to build a “methods” network of skilled providers for use in Thunderbird design. Maintain effective relationships with these providers to allow Thunderbird to move quickly in its design integration with methods providers.
  • Develop the client team and business development tools and materials to use in presentations and proposals, which describe the range and impact of our methods on client learning outcomes.
  • This is to include understanding and operating a location in the Executive Education portal to make it easy to find the materials described above.
  • This role, given current business context and capabilities, will require methods that are technologically enabled, delivered in some cases virtually, and thus requires skills in using online platforms
  • Create pricing guidelines and create/modify project planning templates with Client Teams and Operational staff to ensure Methods are priced correctly, and delivered efficiently.
  • Contribute to the strategic review in EE that identifies the key business issues that carry across industry and geography – in order to array or design methods to create high impact in those areas.
  • Serve as the important bridge between Thunderbird faculty and EE, in assisting and developing faculty in improving Method diversity in the classroom.
  • Assist the SVP and senior EE team in setting/creating policies and practices in the areas of Methods/Experiential learning where needed.

Other Duties

  • Conduct research as required on methods and providers relating to EE’s business, and utilize the results of that research in making, and/or proposing as appropriate, changes in our associated policies, practices, processes and guidelines
  • Consult with EE faculty, EE staff and other interested or involved Thunderbird personnel on any aspect of EE methods matters, and serve as EE’s resident expert on these matters as required.

Experience

  • Understanding of the current state of experiential learning in Executive Education. The range, portability, impact, and limitations.
  • Demonstrated diagnostic skills in understanding client needs and converting them to educational outcomes and Methods implications.
  • Demonstrated experience in pricing and managing projects with complex experiential components (actors, materials, props, room setting, etc.)
  • Note: This is a project-based role in many respects that requires technological sophistication. This means strong knowledge and experience in scheduling, project management, pricing, contracting, rate negotiations, proposals, compelling written descriptions of offers – all organized and maintained online.
  • A background in assessment instrumentation as a method is desirable, but not required.

Coordination and Communication

  • Of first order, compelling communication with clients about the excitement and impact that a diversity of methods can provide.
  • With the network of “non-traditional” educators such as actors, simulation providers, facilitators, and third party service providers for a range of materials.
  • With educators to assist in incorporating different methods into designs, as well as assisting in faculty development to enable educators to use a broader range or methods.
  • Thunderbird, communication with the EE senior team and team members, but also the Senior Management Team as well as other staff with interest and capability to teach EE.
  • With EE Client Teams and operations staff
    1. Work with EE teams to identify appropriate methods for potential clients, and – with Academic Directors and other faculty as appropriate – in building powerful experiences for clients.
    2. Work with EE teams and Finance to identify resources that provides the mix and level of Methods required by the client’s needs while also providing a cost structure that meets EE’s financial targets.
    3. Work with EE Operations – as appropriate – on program opportunities and issues that arise in Operations which are related to complex Methods.

Send resume to:  Thunderbird School of Global Management, Human Resources, Ref.#1934, 1 Global Place, Glendale, AZ  85306 or email HRresumes@thunderbird.edu  EEO/MFDV.

Positions open until filled. Relocation costs are not paid. In compliance with Federal and State equal employment opportunity laws, Thunderbird School of Global Management is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non job-related disability, or any other protected group status.