Associate Dean - Immersive and Simulation Education

Salary $65,344.00 - $69,276.00 Annually
Location  Dallas, NC
Job Type Full-Time Regular Faculty
Job Number 2022-00728
Division Academic Affairs
Department Educational Technologies
Opening Date 05/06/2026

SUMMARY

Open until filled-

The Associate Dean of Immersive and Simulation Education provides strategic leadership for the development, integration, and continuous improvement of immersive learning technologies and simulation education across the College. This role oversees simulation-based instruction, virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) applications, and other emerging technologies that enhance teaching, learning, and workforce readiness. The Associate Dean collaborates with academic divisions, faculty, IT, and external partners to ensure high-quality, equitable, and innovative learning experiences that align with program learning outcomes, institutional goals, and industry expectations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Lead the vision, planning, and implementation of immersive and simulation-based learning across academic and continuing education programs.
2. Evaluate emerging technologies for instructional effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability.
3. Develop and maintain a multi-year plan for immersive learning aligned with workforce needs and college priorities.
4. Support faculty in designing, implementing, and assessing immersive learning experiences.
5. Provide professional development on simulation pedagogy, integration of immersive technologies, scenario design, and best practices for experiential learning.
6. Collaborate with faculty to embed immersive technologies and simulation into course outcomes, competencies, and assessment strategies.
7. Oversee daily operations of simulation labs and immersive learning environments.
8. Supervise staff responsible for simulation setup, equipment maintenance, scheduling, and instructional support.
9. Ensure safe, effective, and compliant use of simulation equipment and digital platforms.
10. Partner with IT and Facilities to support infrastructure, implementation, and maintenance of immersive learning environments.
11. In conjunction with program faculty and leadership, develop and implement quality assurance processes for simulation and immersive learning activities.
12. Maintain documentation and data needed for accreditation, regulatory compliance, and program evaluation.
13. Assist program faculty and leaders with assessment of student learning outcomes related to immersive and simulation-based instruction.
14. Ensure immersive learning environments and materials meet accessibility standards (ADA/WCAG) and support inclusive design for all learners.
15. Collaborate with industry partners to ensure immersive and simulation experiences reflect current workforce practices and technologies.
16. Represent the College in statewide and national networks related to simulation, immersive learning, and emerging instructional technologies.
17. Manage budgets for simulation and immersive learning operations, including equipment procurement, maintenance, and lifecycle planning.
18. Coordinate with IT and Facilities to ensure infrastructure supports immersive and simulation technology needs.
19. Identify potential grant opportunities; support grant development, implementation, and reporting, as applicable. 
20. Serve on College committees.
21. Attend and otherwise participate in scheduled Department, Division, and College meetings and participate in graduation.
22. Maintain currency in content areas through appropriate professional development.
23. Participate in activities that enhance the College’s service to students and to the community.
24. Use of College technology systems such as Blackboard, AVISO, accessibility software, etc. required.
25. Demonstrates professionalism in all interactions with faculty, staff, students, and the wider community.
26. Adheres to all college policies, procedures, and guidelines in the performance of duties.
27. Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in education, instructional technology, simulation education, or a related field required.
• Doctorate in Education or a related field preferred. 

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of best practices in experiential learning, instructional design, and technology-enhanced pedagogy required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex instructional initiatives and support faculty development required.
• Experience with simulation-based instruction, VR/AR integration, or immersive learning technologies in higher education or workforce training preferred.
• Experience with online and hybrid program delivery and higher education settings preferred.
• Experience in community college teaching or instructional support preferred.
• Background in simulation-based education in fields such as health sciences, engineering, public safety, or technical programs preferred.
• Familiarity with accreditation standards and regulatory requirements related to simulation and instructional technology preferred.
• Experience supervising staff, managing budgets, and coordinating multi-unit projects preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, and bending is required.
• Exposure to typical elements associated with a biology lab environment.
• The work environment can be stressful at times in dealing with a wide variety of challenges and deadlines.
• In addition to regular office hours, the position sometimes requires overtime and/or evening hours.

BENEFITS

Gaston College provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.  We are continuously investigating new benefit offerings that are responsive to the needs of our regular** employees.

• State Health Plan
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Additional Supplemental Insurances
• NC State Retirement Plan
• Supplemental Retirement Plans
• Disability Benefits, Long- and Short-Term
• Longevity Pay
• State Employees' Credit Union Eligibility
• Leave (Vacation, Sick, FMLA, Civil and Military, Child/Student Involvement, Education, and Voluntary Shared)
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Advancement Compensation
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Discount Program
• Benefits Overview Booklet

**Please note:   Temporary (part-time) employees do not earn benefits.

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