[Hiring] Instructional Designer @UMass Global

Role Description

Assist with the development of high-quality, engaging and innovative courses within the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System. Contribute to international and global program development and facilitate the creation and growth of communities of practice. Assist in the development of ADA-compliant, learner-centered materials. Provide training in educational technology and instructional design best practices. Evaluate the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of course design, create a process for continuous improvement of course delivery, and incorporate principles of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design in all course materials.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Course Design and Development, Quality Assurance, and ADA Compliance
  • Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design competency-based online courses and instructional materials that align with learning objectives, pedagogical best practices for paced and self-paced learning, and accessibility standards for delivery across international markets.
  • Collaborate with faculty to identify instructional needs, develop learning objectives, and select and/or develop appropriate instructional materials and assessment strategies.
  • Apply instructional design principles, learning theories, and technology-enhanced learning strategies to create engaging, interactive, and learner-centered course content.
  • Create design templates to ensure consistent program design and adherence to university, school and program guidelines.
  • Consult with faculty on best practices for utilizing learning management systems (LMS), multimedia tools, and instructional technologies to facilitate course delivery, enhance student engagement, and promote active learning in online and blended learning environments.
  • Evaluate course materials and learning experiences to ensure they are accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities.
  • Apply user experience (UX) principles to optimize course navigation, clarity, and engagement.
  • Remediate instructional materials to ensure they adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
  • Advise faculty on strategies for applying universal design principles to create inclusive learning experiences.
  • Build courses within the D2L Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS).
• Original Content Creation Support
  • Leverage media development tools such as but not limited to, Articulate Rise, Storyline, Vyond Go, Colossyan, G-Suite, MS Office, etc, to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts to create original instructional content to be used in course delivery.
• Faculty Support and Training
  • Provide technical support and training to faculty and students on the use of LMS features, course tools, and multimedia resources.
  • Provide professional development and consultation to faculty members on instructional design strategies, technology integration, and effective teaching practices in online learning international environments.
  • Facilitate completion of UMass Global Developer Certification Course (DCC) for faculty developers.
  • Work with school leadership (as assigned) to ensure that what is developed and delivered in the way of training and workshops is meaningful for instructors and students.
• Systematic Reviews
  • Conduct systematic quality assurance reviews of courses using a set standard of requirements to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of course content, learning activities, assessments, and overall user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
• Special Projects
  • Assist with other university-wide initiatives as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in Instructional Design, Curriculum Design, Instructional Technology, Learning Experience Design, or a closely related field.
• 2+ years experience in instructional design, course development, or e-learning, within higher education (preferably international) and/or corporate settings.
• Formal training and/or certification in UX/UI design and/or usability testing highly desirable.

Requirements

• Strong project management skills to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in instructional design theories, models (e.g. ADDIE, SAM), and adult learning principles.
• Experience designing and developing mobile-friendly online courses using e-learning authoring tools.
• Knowledge of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles.
• Understanding of multimedia production techniques, graphic design, and web technologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assess instructional needs and develop innovative, data-informed solutions.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and adoption of emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated understanding of accessibility standards.
• Experience applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.
• Ability to conduct quality assurance and accessibility audits.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with spending account options.
• Remote options, flexible schedules, 1/2 day Fridays (biweekly), generous time off, including paid holidays and a paid winter break.
• Life, disability, accident, legal, identity protection, and student debt support.
• 403(b) plan with a Roth option. 3% non-elective contribution and up to 6% match for a 9% total employer contribution.
• Tuition discounts for employees and family and Tuition Exchange program with other universities.
• Counseling services, Free Calm Health subscription and year-round wellness programs.