Salary Range: $78,000.00 To $85,000.00 Annually

Position Job Title: Courseware Developer

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario 

Reports To: Manager of Instructional Design, Centre for Teaching Excellence 

Work Schedule: Hybrid/Remote ( Required on Site few times per year)

Salary: $78,000 – $85,000

Innovation Flows Here.

Officially opening its doors in 2024, the University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is an innovative and digitally oriented institution that prepares graduates for leadership in the digital world. We believe in delivering programs that provide a direct pathway to meaningful careers in high-demand industries. UNF is part of the Global University Systems Canada group of institutions and Global University Systems, an international network of higher education institutions.

Our location

Our campus is located in historic downtown Niagara Falls. Beyond being Canada’s #1 travel destination, Niagara Falls is a small vibrant city that offers up a slice of metropolitan living at a different pace. From world-class dining and entertainment options to luxury shopping and cultural experiences. Our location offers the amenities of a large urban center within a comfortable, liveable community.

Primary Purpose:

The University of Niagara Falls is in search of a versatile and experienced Courseware Developer. As a courseware developer you will report to the Manager of Instructional Design: Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) and work closely with the developing CTE team, including the Instructional Designers and Staff Courseware Developers, in the development of interactive and research-grounded multimedia educational elements in UNF courses and programs. The collaborative nature of this work necessitates that the courseware developer must have good soft skills to work effectively on project teams to support course and program development. Coupled with these collaborative skills, the courseware developer will bring with them the ability to use their knowledge to innovate, work independently on multiple projects at one time, and lead the CTE team in its development of best practice multimedia development to support the advancement of UNF and its technologically grounded programs. They will have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot technical issues and be proactive in their approach to identifying and addressing potential challenges.

Specific Responsibilities:

• General Duties
• Design and develop interactive and engaging courseware aligned with instructional objectives.
• Design and develop interactive e-learning modules, videos, simulations, and assessments.
• Utilize eLearning authoring tools to create multimedia-rich content.
• Integrate multimedia elements, including graphics, animations, and videos, to enhance courseware interactivity.
• Manage multiple courseware development projects concurrently.
• Conduct comprehensive quality assurance reviews to validate accuracy, completeness, and adherence to course design standards.
• Adhere to project plans, track progress, and meet project deadlines.
• Work closely with the project team to understand training needs, objectives, and project timelines.
• Participate in project meetings, providing insights on courseware development strategies.
• Continuously research and stay abreast of industry trends, emerging educational technologies, and instructional design methodologies where relevant.
• Apply innovative approaches to courseware development to enhance the overall learning experience.
• Ensure compatibility and responsiveness across various devices and platforms.
• Ensure accessibility and responsive design for all elements integrated in the LMS.

Centre for Teaching Excellence:

• Collaborate with CTE colleagues to develop and build courses, workshops, and interactives to support faculty development.
• Support the overall mission of CTE to support the development of programs, courses, and faculty support at UNF.
• In collaboration with CTE colleagues, represent CTE in program development project teams.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript.
• Knowledge of JSON.
• Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS), specifically D2L Brightspace.
• Knowledge of integration with educational systems.
• Ability to integrate third-party tools and applications as required.
• Well-versed in Responsive Web Design and Accessibility Standards.

Position Requirements:

Competencies: 

• Experience in creating interactive and engaging multimedia content.
• Proficient use of eLearning authoring, generative AI, and quality assurance tools such as Thinglink, generative AI image tools and video tools, and Marker.io
• Proficient use of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as D2L Brightspace.
• Proficient in graphic design and the use of multimedia software and tools.
• Ability to write and build clear and concise content for online course components.
• Proven self-starter qualities, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Good interpersonal skills, effective decision-making abilities, and strong communication capabilities.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• The adaptability to work with new technologies and embrace innovation as needed.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Understanding of AODA and WCAG 2.0 compliance and copyright law.
• Familiar with UI/UX design principles.

Education and Experience:

• 2-3 years of relevant industry experience.
• Relevant coding-based college diploma with focused practical experience. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or educational technologies would be an asset.
• Strong understanding of adult-learning principles and e-learning best practices.

Application process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV) including evidence of teaching experience and scholarly accomplishments, a sample syllabi and teaching portfolio (if applicable), as well as the names of three references.

All documents must be submitted in electronic format (a single PDF document is preferred) Note: file maximum of 5MB per attached upload.

Use of AI Disclosure

University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF), UNF is committed to a fair and transparent recruitment process. While AI tools assist us in identifying and communicating with candidates, applications are reviewed by our dedicated Talent Acquisition team to ensure a thorough evaluation of all candidates.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility at UNF

The University of Niagara Falls Canada (UNF) is committed to equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility within its community and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas are encouraged to apply.

We are situated on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Hatiwendaronk and Anishinaabe peoples. We also acknowledge the many other First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home.

We commit to building relationships based on respect, reciprocity, and reconciliation as we work, learn, and gather on this land. Furthermore, we acknowledge that the Niagara region is situated on treaty land, and we stand with all Indigenous peoples, past and present, in promoting the wise stewardship of the lands on which we live.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

We will accommodate the needs of applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process. Please advise  jobs@unfc.ca to ensure your accommodation or accessibility needs are supported. Information received relating to accommodation will be maintained confidentially.

We value diversity and strive to create an inclusive environment where all individuals have an equal opportunity to succeed. We comply with all relevant laws and regulations in Ontario and adhere to the highest standards of ethical hiring. We are committed to protecting your personal information and ensuring that all data collected during the recruitment process is handled with the highest level of confidentiality.

As part of the recruitment process, selected candidates will be required to successfully complete applicable background and/or credential verifications, or other role-related screenings, in accordance with organizational policy and applicable legislation.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.