Department: IT Teaching & Learning Tech

Salary/Grade: ITS/78

Target hiring range for this position will be between $72,339-86,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

The Learning Engineer will provide curriculum design, technology support, and course development services to faculty in the School of Communication. The Learning Engineer uses instructional design expertise to help assess, design, and co-develop blended digital learning experiences with instructors using Northwestern’s Canvas educational platform and other educational technology applications.

The Learning Engineer will report to the Lead Learning Engineer in Northwestern IT Teaching and Learning Technologies, with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director of Learning Development and Academic Technology in the School of Communication. The Learning Engineer works in close coordination with instructors who are teaching in the School of Communication’s hybrid and online programs. 

The Learning Engineer may also work on projects outside of the School of Communication, as long as appropriate coverage of the School’s needs are maintained. The job holder may engage with other Northwestern schools and departments for development of new online courses and blended learning engagements and take part in Teaching & Learning Technologies’ priorities, such as digital accessibility, generative AI programming, and faculty development events.

Please note: 

• This position will require flexible scheduling that includes some weekend and evening work.
• This position is located both on the Chicago and Evanston campuses (Evanston primary). 
• This position will require the applicant to carry an NU cell phone or pager.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Prepare, revise, provide quality assurance, and launch courses in an online or blended format. Actively partner with faculty to identify course objectives and instructional goals, develop curricula, and provide guidance on course presentation and production. Exercise project management skills in working with faculty to develop online, hybrid courses, or blended learning experiences for varied student communities. Offer guidance and mentorship to faculty while the courses are being taught.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to auxiliary staff and student cohorts working in online and blended learning environments, including both remote and on-site support across the Chicago and Evanston campuses;
• Engage with faculty who express interest to broaden the reach of instructional design innovations to their courses, especially encouraging the adoption of active learning techniques;
• Collaborate with, train, and support faculty on the adoption of appropriate classroom technologies that can help advance their educational goals. Teach faculty new delivery strategies and pedagogy options. Monitor and maintain the accessibility of the digital learning environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of learning science and instructional design principles for the effective support of online and blended education, peer learning, and active learning practices. Maintain current knowledge of technological changes that impact teaching and learning, including generative AI;
• Collaborate with the School of Communication’s Director Learning Development and Academic Technology and the Directors and Associate Directors of the professional programs on workshops, documentation, and training;

Miscellaneous 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, learning sciences or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with certification in instructional design; or related, higher-education experience with training that is equivalent to the skills and knowledge of these degree credentials
• Two years of experience working on faculty-driven educational initiatives, bringing instructional design and analysis to the cooperative development work of instructors, educational technology support staff, and teaching assistants.
• 1-3 years’ experience with an LMS.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Understanding of security for university systems.
• Understanding of web accessibility standards.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated skills in building relationships with instructors.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• A Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, or a similar field;
• Three or more years of professional experience as an Instructional Designer in higher education or in a similar organization serving adult learners;
• Expertise in developing instructional design strategies with school or departmental stakeholders;
• Teaching or training experience in higher education.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Expertise in Canvas or a similar Learning Management System;
• Expertise with one or more digital education (content) authoring tools (e.g., Camtasia, Captivate, Lectora, Softchalk, Articulate);
• General knowledge and ability to research/recommend learning applications;
• Understanding of and application of social networking and mobile applications in environments for teaching and learning;
• Knowledge of current learning technologies (online and traditional classroom);
• Ability to adapt and communicate successfully with different people and situations.

Benefits 

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental  leave;  tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. 

Work-Life and Wellness:

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.