Teaching and Learning Specialist (Open Rank) | Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning

The Teaching and Learning Specialist advances teaching and learning at NYU Abu Dhabi by partnering with faculty, academic staff, and students to design, pilot, and scale evidence-based instructional and assessment practices. Working collaboratively with faculty as disciplinary experts, the Specialist supports innovation through targeted experimentation, evaluation, and refinement of teaching approaches that enhance student engagement and learning in a diverse, global context.

Grounded in the mission of a global liberal arts institution, the role contributes to educational practices that cultivate critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and social responsibility, preparing students to navigate and address complex, evolving societal and global challenges.

The Teaching and Learning Specialist reports to the Director of the Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning.

The Hilary Ballon Center for Teaching and Learning (HBCTL) partners with faculty, academic staff, and collaborators across NYU Abu Dhabi to advance inclusive, innovative, and evidence-informed teaching that supports student learning, belonging, and success. Through support for faculty innovation in the classroom, interdisciplinary exchange, teaching communities, and the scholarship of teaching and learning, HBCTL fosters reflective teaching practice and advances pedagogical approaches that respond to evolving educational challenges and emerging technologies within a global liberal arts context.

Key Responsibilities

1. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

• Conduct and apply research on teaching and learning to inform instructional practices and institutional initiatives
• Translate evidence and data (e.g., student and faculty feedback, surveys, learning analytics metrics) into actionable insights and resources
• Contribute to the strategic development and dissemination of research-informed teaching practices within and beyond the institution

2. Faculty Partnership & Development

• Collaborate with faculty and academic staff as disciplinary experts to co-design courses, assignments, and assessments
• Contribute to faculty development initiatives, including New Faculty Orientation, structured discipline-specific program developed in collaboration with area-specific needs and peer observation programs
• Support faculty in adopting inclusive, evidence-based, and innovative teaching practices

3. Innovation in Teaching, Learning & AI

• Co-design and implement pilot projects to explore new approaches to teaching and assessment, including AI-integrated and AI-cognizant practices
• Support the development and implementation of AI-related guidelines, policies, and faculty support resources
• Support programs in developing AI-literacy components through integrated assignments
• Evaluate and scale effective innovations in alignment with institutional priorities

4. Student Partnership & Learning Ecosystem

• Engage students as partners in teaching and learning initiatives through collaboration with AI student liaisons, student government, and other student groups
• Design and support mechanisms for gathering student insight (e.g., surveys, focus groups, faculty-student groups, research) to inform instructional practices and institutional priorities
• Facilitate structured opportunities for faculty to incorporate student perspectives into course design, assessment, and AI-related practices
• Collaborate closely with relevant units (e.g., Center for Writing,, Academic Resource Center, Student Success) to align student academic support with course expectations and learning goals

5. Cross-Unit Collaboration & Institutional Alignment

• Coordinate with academic and administrative units (e.g., Academic Technology, Library, Writing Center, Academic Resource Center) to align teaching and learning initiatives
• Support institution-wide priorities related to curriculum, assessment, and student success
• Contribute to coherent, integrated approaches across programs and initiatives

6. Programs, Resources & Engagement

• Support the design and delivery of workshops, events, and teaching-related initiatives
• Develop and disseminate resources, guides, and communications for faculty and students
• Engage external collaborators and speakers to advance dialogue on teaching and learning

About NYU Abu Dhabi
https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/
NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and research campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. Times Higher Education ranks NYU among the top 30 universities in the world, making NYU Abu Dhabi the highest-ranked university in the UAE and MENA region. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly selective undergraduate curriculum across the disciplines with a world center for advanced research and scholarship. The university enables its students in the sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and arts to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity’s shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi’s high-achieving students have come from over 120 countries and speak over 100 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents.

NYUAD is committed to upholding a culture of non-discrimination, anti-harassment, dignity, and mutual respect; providing equal access and opportunity; and fostering academic excellence in learning, research, and teaching. Students are drawn from among the world’s best. They are bright, intellectually passionate, and committed to building a campus environment anchored in mutual respect, understanding, and care. The NYUAD undergraduate student body has garnered an impressive record of scholarships, graduate-school admissions, and other global honors. Graduate education is an area of growth for the University; the current graduate student population of over 100 students is expected to expand in the next decade as doctoral programs are developed.

Working for NYUAD
At NYUAD, we recognize that Abu Dhabi is more than where you work; it’s your home. In order for faculty/academic staff to thrive, we offer a comprehensive benefits package. This starts with a generous relocation allowance; educational assistance for your dependents; access to health and wellness services; and more. NYUAD is committed to faculty/academic staff success throughout the academic trajectory, providing support for ambitious and world-class research projects and innovative, interactive teaching approaches. Support for dual-career families is a priority. Visit our website for more information on benefits for you and your dependents.

Required Qualifications
Education:
Master’s degree in Education, Learning Sciences, Instructional Design, Educational Technology, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

Experience & Expertise:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in higher education, teaching and learning centers, or related roles
• Demonstrated expertise in curriculum design, learning outcomes assessment, and evidence-based pedagogical practices
• Strong understanding of foundational skill development, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and disciplinary ways of knowing
• Experience applying the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) to inform practice and institutional initiatives
• Experience collaborating with faculty on course design, assessment, and instructional innovation
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching practices and supporting diverse student populations
• Interest in advancing teaching and learning in a global liberal arts context

AI-related competencies:

• Understanding of how AI technologies, including generative AI, are shaping student learning behaviors, assessment, and skill development
• Ability to critically evaluate AI-facilitated applications and their implications for teaching, learning, and academic integrity
• Experience or demonstrated interest in integrating AI into teaching and learning in pedagogically meaningful ways

Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including faculty, students, and cross-functional teams
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate research and data into actionable strategies and resources
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing instructional materials and resources
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a dynamic environment

• CV
• Cover Letter
• List three professional references, including their names and email addresses. They may be contacted at a later stage of the process.

We will begin reviewing applications on June 8th. If you have any questions, please e-mail nyuad.academicrecruitment@nyu.edu.

NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to the excellence and vibrancy of our academic community.

Join NYU Abu Dhabi, an exceptional place for exceptional people.

NYUAD values belonging and respect; such principles are fundamental to the university’s commitment to excellence. NYUAD is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and seek individuals who will contribute to our vibrant, multidisciplinary research and teaching community. Multidisciplinary research and exceptional teaching in a global campus community are hallmarks of the University’s mission.

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