About the Job

The Instructional Designer assists in designing, developing, and revising education-based solutions, primarily interactive, media-rich, Web-based courses and training.  The Instructional Designer will collaborate as a member of a design team, but independently act as project lead on multiple design projects that are assigned to the Academic Technology & Design (ATD) team and is expected to coordinate and facilitate the production of courses and projects within set production deadlines. A successful candidate for this position will be able to clearly articulate their design and development approach, both in theory and application. The successful candidate demonstrates a passion for education, best practices for active learning, and thrives in a rapidly and evolving field. This position reports to the Director of Academic Technology & Design. 

Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence. Join us in making a difference through education!

Major Responsibilities 

Course Development – 60% 

• Design, manage, and facilitate the development of newly created online courses in collaboration with faculty or content experts on a course development timeline. 
• Implement the redesign, revision, conversion, and review of existing online courses according to best practices and shared design principles at the College.
• Design solutions to address academic challenges through the use of instructional technology.
• Design programs/courses that enable significant learning outcomes as well as learner engagement.
• Collaborate ATD media specialist for the development of recorded content, media assignments, and the use of academic technology tools for optimal student experience.
• Follow best practices for project management for course development, including tracking and communication of all project tasks, deliverables, and timelines with instructors and staff.

Research & Special Initiatives – 15%

• Support ATD special initiatives to ensure the team is at the forefront of knowledge in course design and delivery (Example: outcomes assessment, usability, digital accessibility, badges, learning analytics, Digital Coursepack, e-Publishers, e-Proctoring, e-Portfolios, etc.)
• Explore emerging learning technologies for their potential, issues, and application.
• Partner with ATD team at large to establish and implement best practices in course design and delivery.
• Actively participate in ATD process improvement initiatives related to course design and delivery. 
• Participate in university-wide communities of practice  (AT Tools,, Media, etc.) to stay current with system wide updates to instructional technologies and share back with the team. 

Faculty Development and Relationships – 15%

• Educate instructors about design principles and best practices in online course design and delivery.
• Train and support online instructors in their independent use of course technology and third-party teaching tools
• Provide consultations to instructors for purposes of resolving course design issues, implementing new course features, and/or providing training.
• Support the professional development efforts for instructors and academic staff in their adoption of existing academic technology and emerging tools. 
• Assist in building and fostering a community of practice among instructors using technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• Represent the ATD and CCAPS within and outside the University in a fashion that highlights the value of ATD  and the College and builds positive and productive working relationships.

Continuous Improvement and Professional Development – 15%

• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and recommend system enhancements to drive efficiency and productivity.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 or more years of experience designing and developing online or technology-enhanced instructional materials or courses OR a Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively on a team.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects from concept to completion under set development timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence and serving a diverse community of learners.
• Proficiency with learning management systems and integrated tools (Canvas preferred).
• Proficiency with Google/Office  applications for education (Docs, Slides, Groups, Communities, YouTube, Hangout, etc.)
• Experience with instructional design process models such as ADDIE, SAM, etc.
• Experience applying and reviewing courses against quality, web, and usability standards.

Preferred 

• Master’s degree in Education, Learning Technologies or related discipline.
• Two or more years of teaching/online instruction experience. 
• Formal instructional design training or education.
• Experience in developing both credit and non-credit courses.
• Experience in faculty development and program support.
• Experience with applications for mobile delivery (e.g. iPad, education apps, ebooks).
• Experience with the application of learning theories (constructivism, adult learning theory, connectivism, gamification, etc) to the development of curriculum.
• Experience working with faculty or high-level subject matter experts.
• Experience  with content authoring software such as Articulate, Captivate, Camtasia Studio, etc.
• Experience with Asana or similar project management tools.
• Experience training and working with a diverse population having a wide range of technical experience.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate with diverse groups.
• Willingness to learn and support a broad range of technologies.

About the Department

The College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) empowers lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals through professional courses, applied and individualized degrees, and other academic pathways. We pursue a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced. CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment.  

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $70,000-$75,000 annually; depending on education/qualifications/experience 

Time Appointment: 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. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

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.

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).