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American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Digital Learning & Strategy

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Hybrid 03 (On Campus 1 day/Week)

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Director of Instructional Design assists the Executive Director of Online and Lifelong Learning in the development and management of online programs in partnership with academic units. The Director of Instructional Design works collaboratively with program leadership, overseeing the product development and implementation of high-quality online learning programs, as well as establishing effective policies, procedures, and organizational structures that support strategic initiatives. The Director of Instructional Design reports directly to the Executive Director of Online and Lifelong Learning. 

Essential Functions:

  • Management of Projects and Staff as Assigned
    • Manages and oversees the instructional design team and projects across the university.
    • Manages full-time and other part-time program support staff or contract workers as assigned or within specific projects. 
  • Product Development and Analysis
    • Develops and informs the product proposal process (including degree, non-degree, credit, and non-credit programs).
    • Establishes schedule and product goals in partnership with the Executive Director, media team, and academic units.
    • Works closely with the academic units, campus stakeholders, and third-party vendors to establish the vision, guidelines, and priorities to collaboratively develop a product plan.
  • Instructional Design
    • Support new course design and course revisions of existing online/hybrid courses.
    • Work with faculty to design effective, pedagogically sound online, hybrid, and hyflex courses for delivery through Canvas. 
    • Assist in the creation of online assignments, activities and assessments to ensure alignment with the pedagogical objectives for the course.
    • In consultation with faculty, review, edit, reorganize course content, and identify opportunities for multimedia elements throughout each lesson developed for the course.
  • Quality Assurance of Online Programs
    • Review student satisfaction surveys, retention, and degree completion results.
    • Develop necessary action plans and controls to ensure online program outcomes match or are better than traditional campus programs.
  • Other Duties As Assigned

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • Supervises full-time and other part-time program support staff or contract workers as assigned or within specific projects.

Competencies:

  • Championing Customer Needs.
  • Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
  • Developing Plans.
  • Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
  • Building and Supporting Teams.
  • Acting Strategically.
  • Thinking Broadly.
  • Managing Talent.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

  • Full-Time.
  • 35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

  • $90,000 – $100,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in instructional technology, education, and online educational management, is required.
  • Minimum 5-7 years relevant and progressively responsible work experience, including management and instructional design of online learning programs.
  • At least 5 years in higher education administration in the areas of instructional design, and/or technology-based course delivery desirable.

Preferred Education and Experience:

  • 5-7 years of related experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

  • Strong interpersonal and written communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills with demonstrated competency in database or project management required.
  • Prior administrative management experience with emphasis on program planning,development, implementation and evaluation necessary.
  • Demonstrated curriculum development, instruction design required; university-level teaching or training experience highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated collaborative leadership skills with an ability to develop productive working relationships and foster an environment that promotes success.
  • Familiarity with tools including but not limited to the Canvas LMS system.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University’s unique benefit options.

Other Details

  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.

Instructional Design | Strategy & Leadership | University | Executive

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