Instructional Designer

The Instructional Designer assists in designing, developing, and revising education-based solutions, primarily interactive, media-rich, Web-based courses and training. The Instructional Designer will collaborate as a member of a design team, but independently act as project lead on multiple design projects that are assigned to the Academic Technology & Design (ATD) team and is expected to coordinate and facilitate the production of courses and projects within set production deadlines. A successful candidate for this position will be able to clearly articulate their design and development approach, both in theory and application. The successful candidate demonstrates a passion for education, best practices for active learning, and thrives in a rapidly and evolving field. This position reports to the Director of Academic Technology & Design.

Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence. Join us in making a difference through education!

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Course Development 60%
-Design, manage, and facilitate the development of newly created online courses in collaboration with faculty or content experts on a course development timeline.
-Implement the redesign, revision, conversion, and review of existing online courses according to best practices and shared design principles at the College.
-Design solutions to address academic challenges through the use of instructional technology.
-Design programs/courses that enable significant learning outcomes as well as learner engagement.
-Collaborate ATD media specialist for the development of recorded content, media assignments, and the use of academic technology tools for optimal student experience.
-Follow best practices for project management for course development, including tracking and communication of all project tasks, deliverables, and timelines with instructors and staff.

Research & Special Initiatives 15%
-Support ATD special initiatives to ensure the team is at the forefront of knowledge in course design and delivery (Example: outcomes assessment, usability, digital accessibility, badges, learning analytics, Digital Coursepack, e-Publishers, e-Proctoring, e-Portfolios, etc.)
-Explore emerging learning technologies for their potential, issues, and application.
-Partner with ATD team at large to establish and implement best practices in course design and delivery.
-Actively participate in ATD process improvement initiatives related to course design and delivery.
-Participate in university-wide communities of practice (AT Tools,, Media, etc.) to stay current with system wide updates to instructional technologies and share back with the team.

Faculty Development and Relationships 15%
-Educate instructors about design principles and best practices in online course design and delivery.
-Train and support online instructors in their independent use of course technology and third-party teaching tools
-Provide consultations to instructors for purposes of resolving course design issues, implementing new course features, and/or providing training.
-Support the professional development efforts for instructors and academic staff in their adoption of existing academic technology and emerging tools.
-Assist in building and fostering a community of practice among instructors using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
-Represent the ATD and CCAPS within and outside the University in a fashion that highlights the value of ATD and the College and builds positive and productive working relationships.

Continuous Improvement and Professional Development 15%
-Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies.
-Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend system enhancements to drive efficiency and productivity.

*Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.

*The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. While this position utilizes a hybrid modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or near the Wisconsin border or otherwise open to relocation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required
-Bacheloras degree and 2 or more years of experience designing and developing online or technology-enhanced instructional materials or courses OR a Masteras degree.
-Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team.
-Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects from concept to completion under set development timelines.
-Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and serving a diverse community of learners.
-Proficiency with learning management systems and integrated tools (Canvas preferred)
-Proficiency with Google/Office applications for education (Docs, Slides, Groups, Communities, YouTube, Hangout, etc.)
-Experience with instructional design process models such as ADDIE, SAM, etc.
-Experience applying and reviewing courses against quality, web, and usability standards.

Preferred
-Masteras degree in Education, Learning Technologies or related discipline.
-Two or more years of teaching/online instruction experience.
-Formal instructional design training or education.
-Experience in developing both credit and non-credit courses.
-Experience in faculty development and program support.
-Experience with applications for mobile delivery (e.g. iPad, education apps, ebooks)
-Experience with the application of learning theories (constructivism, adult learning theory, connectivism, gamification, etc) to the development of curriculum.
-Experience working with faculty or high-level subject matter experts.
-Experience with content authoring software such as Articulate, Captivate, Camtasia Studio, etc.
-Experience with Asana or similar project management tools
-Experience training and working with a diverse population having a wide range of technical experience
-Excellent analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
-Ability to collaborate and communicate with diverse groups.
-Willingness to learn and support a broad range of technologies.