Overview

The Instructional Designer creates compelling course content and engaging learning activities that enhance retention and transfer of knowledge from our online and face-to-face workforce training delivered to nontraditional adult learners through Penn College’s Workforce Development department. This person will be responsible for collaborating with subject matter experts and stakeholders to design and develop new learning experiences and manage current solutions accessed by WD’s online learners as well as curriculum used by trainers, which cover a broad range of industry and applied technology sectors. This position has a hybrid work arrangement (a minimum of two days a week stationed in-person at a Penn College Workforce Development office, with the remaining days at a remote office) and requires the employee to have appropriate home office equipment, telephone, and internet connection to perform all job duties. Additional time in the office may be required for tasks that require a high degree of collaboration. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be necessary to meet the production needs of WD initiatives and for special events. Occasional travel to off-campus sites and to attend staff development conferences may be necessary.  

Benefits include: medical and dental insurances, retirement plans, paid time off, educational benefits for employees and dependents at Penn College and Penn State University, and more. For additional information, click here.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Instructional Technology/Design, Web and Interactive Media, Graphic Arts, or Web Design, OR, equivalent combination of education and work experience that qualifies the individual to perform the functions of the position. Required
• Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology, Instructional Design, or related discipline. Preferred

Experience

• Two (2) years experience in instructional technology related production, OR, equivalent combination of education and significant experience. Required
• Experience in designing multimedia and web-based applications for business, industry or higher education or adult learners. Required
• Proven experience with learning management systems. Required
• Experience using Windows-based or Macintosh microcomputers and related web development software. Preferred
• Proven experience successfully managing complex projects from planning through completion. Required
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams on projects. Required
• Experience in continuous improvement efforts and developing best practices Required

Abilities And Skills

• Excellent knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models. Required
• Ability to develop, evaluate, and improve instructional material to a nontraditional adult learner population with diverse cultural backgrounds and learning capabilities. Required
• Demonstrated ability with computers and requisite software packages utilized in digital design and website development and electronic publishing environments. Required
• Positive work attitude, ability to motivate others. Required
• Strong sense of professional responsibility and conduct and commitment to customer service, results orientation, teamwork and collaboration. Required
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills. Required
• Superior organizational and project management skills, including the ability to successfully deal with a variety of assignments simultaneously to manage multiple priorities and prioritize work based on changing needs. Required
• Ability to evaluate processes and training content, anticipate operational difficulties, be responsive in a dynamic environment with emerging opportunities, and recommend strategies for solutions and continuous improvement. Required
• Ability to develop content following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, and familiarity with Section 508 guidelines. Required
• Possession of a valid driver’s license. Required
• Demonstrated proficient computer skills including MS Office applications, web-based video conferencing platforms such as Teams and Zoom, databases, and information sharing in an electronic network environment. Required
• Visual design skills (Captivate, Photoshop, Illustrator or other) and ability to storyboard. Preferred
• Solid knowledge of course development software and at least one Learning Management System. Preferred

Responsibilities

• Manage the process for curriculum creation and continuous improvement for courses offered through Workforce Development.
• Design, develop, and maintain online tutorials and help guides.
• Work collaboratively with Workforce Development staff, subject matter experts, and stakeholders in the process of identifying learning objectives and creating content that supports them.
• Work with subject matter experts to create engaging learning activities and compelling course content that enhances retention and transfer for nontraditional learners.
• Develop distance learning assessment instruments and methods based on feedback from subject matter experts.
• Apply tested instructional design theories, practice and methods.
• Create visual instructional graphics.
• Work with staff and vendors as appropriate to troubleshoot and address LMS issues.
• Package raw curricula materials into finished products (instructor and participant guidebooks, class handouts, etc.) for synchronous and in-person courses.
• Manage curricula documentation and organization of curricula files in shared drives and the LMS.
• Provide supporting instructional applications related to web based testing, surveys and interactive technologies.
• Lead creation, setup and maintenance of all LMS based coursework.
• Research and make recommendations to the Workforce Development leadership team in establishing and enforcing LMS user policies and privileges and streamlining operations for courses related to the LMS.
• Coordinate internal testing for compatibility and accessibility on all content prior to release.
• Explore and create new ways for Workforce Development to utilize present instructional support tools.

Additional Responsibilities

• Monitor system performance for all server-based applications and make reports to the supervisor.
• Design and develop custom web-based utilities/applications to serve specific needs of staff and external clients as needed.
• Assist in collecting data for reports for clients or as required by grant funding agencies.
• Perform production and design functions relating to grant-funded projects as directed.
• Participate in program evaluation process.
• Attend staff meetings and related professional development programs.

Physical Standards and Special Job Features

Occasional lifting of heavy media equipment (with assistance) not to exceed 50 lbs. 

This position may qualify for a hybrid work arrangement after the successful completion of a probationary period for new hires. The specific minimum number of days required to be on-campus per week will be determined at a later date.

Pay Transparency

Based on minimum education and experience qualifications the yearly salary range is $63,000 – $70,000.

College Statement

This is not a complete itemization of all facets of this position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. The College has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without prior notice.

EEO Statement

Penn College is committed to equal opportunity and the diversity of its workforce.

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Job Code

L3E14