Director of Simulation Technology

Overview

The Director of Simulation Technology leads the Simulation Technology section of the Sentara Center for Healthcare Simulation and Immersive Learning (SCHSIL, or the Center) at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director supervises the Center''s simulation technology, information technology, media production, and learning management system functions, and oversees the Tidewater Center for Life Support (TCLS), which provides American Heart Association and American College of Surgeons life support courses to healthcare professionals, students, and the public. The Director plans and oversees simulation operations and the maintenance and life-cycle management of the Center''s simulators and simulation technology across modalities, providing hands-on support when needed; oversees simulation technology inventory and purchasing; and proposes new simulation technology and training programs to meet educational needs and curricular objectives. The Director also contributes to the Center''s simulation accreditation processes, teaches faculty development courses, develops and promotes customized programs for new and existing Center clients, and supports simulation research conducted in the Center.

Responsibilities

• Section Leadership, Administration, and Accreditation: Leads the Simulation Technology section as a member of the Center''s leadership team. Directly supervises the Simulation Technology Manager, IT Manager, Media Production Manager, learning management system manager, and TCLS coordinator, and through them the section''s technical staff and life support instructors, including hiring, onboarding, training, work assignment, performance evaluation, and professional development. Develops and manages the operating and capital budgets for the section and TCLS, with Executive Director approval, and monitors expenditures and revenue. Establishes and maintains section policies, standard operating procedures, performance measures, and staffing coverage plans, coordinating coverage with the Center''s logistics team. Contributes to the Center''s simulation accreditation processes (e.g., Society for Simulation in Healthcare; American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes), including standards compliance, self-studies, site visits, and continuous quality improvement.
• Simulation Operations Planning and Oversight: Plans, directs, and oversees the simulation operations performed by the section''s technical staff for Center education, assessment, and client events. Reviews upcoming event schedules and requirements with faculty, educators, and the Center''s logistics team; assigns technical staff; and ensures that equipment, simulator programming, moulage, room configurations, and audiovisual capture for pre-briefing and debriefing are planned, resourced, and ready across simulation modalities, including manikin-based, task trainer, computer-based, virtual and extended reality, and hybrid simulation. Establishes and enforces operating standards for equipment readiness, safety, cleaning, and room turnover, and monitors event execution and client feedback to resolve problems and improve service. Maintains the technical proficiency needed to direct staff and troubleshoot escalated problems, and provides occasional hands-on setup and operation of simulators when staffing or program needs require.
• Simulation Technology and Systems Management: Manages the life cycle of the Center''s simulation technology and supporting systems. Oversees preventive maintenance, repair, warranty and service contracts, and vendor relationships for simulators and related equipment, and monitors equipment utilization to ensure effective use of resources. Ensures the reliability of the Center''s information technology, audiovisual and recording systems, media production resources, and learning management system (currently LearningSpace) through the managers who administer them. Oversees simulation technology inventory and purchasing: identifies requirements, approves purchase requests, and ensures that the Center''s standard ordering and inventory processes, carried out by fiscal and logistics staff, meet the section''s needs and operate correctly. Evaluates emerging technology, including immersive and artificial intelligence-enabled tools, and recommends new simulators, systems, and replacement plans to meet educational needs and curricular objectives.
• Education, Faculty Development, and Client Program Development: Serves as the Center''s subject matter expert on simulation technology for faculty, staff, and clients. Teaches faculty development courses on simulation-based education and assessment. Develops and delivers training for faculty, instructors, staff, and learners on the effective and safe use of the Center''s simulation technology. Consults with Virginia Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, and external faculty on the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula and assessments that integrate simulation modalities for undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, and health professions learners. Identifies and cultivates new internal and external clients, and designs, develops, implements, evaluates, and promotes customized simulation programs that meet the needs of new and existing clients.
• Tidewater Center for Life Support (TCLS) Oversight: Provides Center-level oversight of the Tidewater Center for Life Support (TCLS), which delivers American Heart Association and American College of Surgeons life support courses (e.g., BLS, ACLS, PALS, Heartsaver, and ATLS) to healthcare professionals, students, and the public. Supervises the TCLS coordinator and, through the coordinator, the program''s instructors. Ensures compliance with the program requirements of the sponsoring organizations, including instructor credentialing, course quality, records, and certification card management. Oversees TCLS course scheduling, equipment, and financial performance, and works to grow TCLS course offerings and client relationships.
• Scholarship Support, Collaboration, and Other Duties: Supports simulation research and scholarship led by Center and institutional faculty by contributing technical expertise to study design, grant proposals, data collection, and the logistics of grant-funded simulation projects. Mentors summer scholar students and assists university students with capstone projects conducted in the Center. Represents the Center in local and regional simulation collaborations and professional organizations. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor''s degree plus eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare simulation operations, simulation technology, or a closely related field, OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Should include:

• supervision of technical staff and oversight of simulation users;operating, programming, and maintaining simulators and simulation technology across modalities (e.g., manikin-based, task trainer, computer-based, virtual and extended reality, and hybrid simulation);

• program design, development, and implementation;applied computer and information technology skills; and

• demonstrated interpersonal skills in working with current and prospective clients and users.Knowledge of healthcare simulation modalities, simulation operations, and the principles of simulation-based education and assessment.Knowledge of computer, network, audiovisual, and simulation center management systems used in a simulation environment.

• Ability to lead, supervise, and develop managers and technical staff.

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, and percentages, and to apply concepts of basic algebra and statistical analysis, including for budget development and monitoring.

• Ability to deal with others in a direct, honest manner and to comply with all university policies and procedures.

• Ability to express ideas effectively orally and in writing, including teaching and presenting to faculty, staff, and clients, and to demonstrate sound judgment in decision-making.

• Ability to adapt to changing work environments, work priorities, and organizational needs with enthusiasm and energy; takes independent action to address and resolve problems.

• Ability to manage time and resources to ensure assignments are completed accurately and deadlines are met; meets attendance and punctuality requirements.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with the public, partners, clients, and co-workers, and to work cooperatively and effectively with others to achieve common goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master''s degree.
• Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) and/or Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credential, or the advanced credentials (CHSOS-A, CHSE-A).
• Experience with simulation program accreditation (e.g., Society for Simulation in Healthcare; American College of Surgeons Accredited Education Institutes).
• Experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Experience administering or overseeing American Heart Association or American College of Surgeons life support training programs.
• Experience with simulation center management and learning management systems (e.g., LearningSpace).

Location : Location

US-VA-Norfolk