About the Job

Position Overview

The Learner Management Systems (LMS) Project Manager is a University employee at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). The University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) established the MN Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA) in partnership with the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF), a new collaborative that focuses on creating impactful, inclusive, and accessible training opportunities to meet the needs of the many MN child welfare workers and agencies.

The LMS Project Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the learning management system (LMS) team, executing LMS strategies in consultation with the LMS Supervisor, identifying and implementing technical configurations, and collaborating across teams to ensure optimal system performance and delivery for non-credit, professional development training for Minnesota Child Protection Workers. This position requires significant experience and knowledge of project management and learning management systems, technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to effectively communicate across multidisciplinary teams.

A hybrid work schedule is required (3 days on-site, 2 days remote), reports to the LMS Supervisor at the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (1711 West County Road B, Roseville, MN 55113), which is two miles north of the St. Paul Campus.

The University of Minnesota encourages a healthy work life balance for employees. CEHD is committed to an excellent employee experience, offering a flexible work environment that meets the needs of students, staff, faculty, and the communities we serve. Flexible work arrangements may include flexibility in schedule and/or work location. Please note that 100% remote work requires approval prior to offer.

This position is fully funded by sponsored funds.

Job Responsibilities

Project Management (50%)

• Oversee development, maintenance, and scheduling of Canvas Training Academy courses across Canvas, Destiny One Registration System (DORS), and the TA Portal (ETI)
• Develop comprehensive project plans for Training Academy LMS initiatives, outlining tasks, goals, scope, stakeholders, risks, and key milestones
• Manage LMS team capacity in consultation with the LMS Supervisor by assessing workload and assigning tasks to support course development and implementation
• Direct the work of LMS team members in consultation with the LMS Supervisor, to influence growth and to ensure project milestones and agreed-upon deliverables are met
• Serve as the primary liaison among the client, ETI development team, and Training Academy staff to ensure shared understanding of deliverables and alignment with the Academy’s goals and mission
• Partner with the Policy unit to coordinate new external course requests for the Training Academy that require Canvas and DORS integration
  Maintain ongoing communication with cross-functional stakeholders to review progress, assess deliverables and outcomes, and recommend actions to keep projects on track and on time

Process Improvement (30%)

• Act as lead tester for all Training Academy websites and systems, documenting findings in alignment with ETI leadership protocols
• Communicate with all appropriate team members to address needed site fixes and assure the end product meets Training Academy needs
• Lead technical process improvement by routinely testing system environments to ensure functionality, identifying issues, and following established protocols for timely resolution and stakeholder awareness
• Collaborate with LMS Supervisor to educate stakeholders, project team members, and affected users/staff about new IT solutions and processes
• Implement project management methodologies in collaboration with the ETI Product Owner and Developers

Course Launch Workflow Design (20%)

• Gather required course data to work within the established course-launch process to create timelines related to LMS deliverables
• Create courses in Canvas and DORS using current adult learning strategies, UX/UI, and accessibility standards
• Collaborate with curriculum developers to offer recommendations for the best use of LMS technology to enhance learner experience 
• Work closely with the training and delivery team to ensure timelines, goals, and expectations are met to ensure a smooth launch for courses
• Work closely with the evaluation team to review learner progress, evaluate outcomes and/or make recommendations to improve course delivery in the LMS

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Instructional Technology, Learning & Development, or a related field with 2 years of experience working with Learning Management Systems, preferably with experience in Canvas, or Master’s degree 
• Proven expertise in managing multiple projects with varying complexity from inception to completion 
• Strong understanding of course tracking, progress monitoring, certification, and reporting in LMS environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to advocating for an inclusive environment for all backgrounds and identities.
• Proficiency with project management software to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
• Excellent communication skills and experience collaborating with multi-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree with six years of experience, preferably in Canvas
• Familiarity with child welfare training requirements and professional development standards for child protection workers.
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota LMS platforms such as Destiny One Registration System (DORS).
• Advanced knowledge of LMS platforms, such as Canvas, Articulate, or other similar systems.
• Knowledge of instructional design, adult learning principles, and UX/UI design
• Knowledge of data privacy standards, especially as they relate to educational data. 

About the Department

Institute Overview

The Multidisciplinary Institute for Child Welfare (MICW) is a new organizing structure housing several dynamic research and training entities, including The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW), the Minnesota Linking Information for Kids (Minn-LInK) project, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy (MNCWTA). Each entity is grant-funded and self-sustaining. During an early phase of strategic planning for CASCW in 2024, the creation of the MICW emerged as an essential task to continue to support the growth and productivity of these entities while also continuing the mission of the School of Social Work and the College of Education and Human Development as it pertains to continued community service, growth, and innovation.

The Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare (CASCW) is a research and training center located within the School of Social Work in the College of Education and Human Development on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota. CASCW supports the education and training of public child welfare professionals; identifies and examines effective child welfare practice methods, informs the public and policy makers about various child welfare issues, and incorporates research and evaluation findings into the School of Social Work curriculum.
Minn-LInK, an incredibly rich resource within the University and across the state of Minnesota, is an interdisciplinary, integrated, administrative data project used for research and evaluation projects aimed at understanding the experiences and outcomes of children, youth, and families who are multi-system involved. Minn-LInK staff provide research services to internal and external partners through grants and agreements.

The MNCWTA is a partnership between the University’s MICW and the MN Department of Children, Youth, and Family (DCYF). The MNCWTA is responsible for the training and professional development of Minnesota’s county and tribal child welfare frontline staff and supervisors. The mission is to train, develop, and support the skills, expertise, and well-being of Minnesota’s child welfare workforce while nurturing a commitment to equitable child welfare practice.

Department Overview

Founded in 1917 on its Dakota homeland, the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities is part of a public, research-intensive university and one of seven administrative units in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). The School offers several graduate and undergraduate educational programs including: a PhD in Social Work; a Master of Social Work; a Master of Education in Youth Development Leadership; a Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies, and undergraduate minors in Family Violence Prevention, Social Justice, and Youth Studies. Underlying all these multidisciplinary programs is a social justice value base and a commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalized populations in our society. The curricula of our educational programs, and faculty research and engagement, intentionally seek to emphasize and expand anti-racist perspectives, social, economic, and racial justice, and decolonization. The School is the home to a variety of labs and centers that actively involve our students, staff, faculty, and community partners, e.g., the Youth Work Learning Lab, the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, the Center for Practice Transformation, and the Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy, an innovative partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services that is funded by the state legislature to further develop equitable child welfare practices.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the University’s third largest college, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of life. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: The salary range for this position is $76,442 – $79,000. Final salary offers are dependent on the candidate’s experience, skills, and internal equity within the department.

Time Appointment Category: 100% Appointment 

Position Type: P&A Staff 

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services 
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. Please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

To be considered for this position, include the following documents:

• Cover Letter
• Resume or CV

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).