Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Digital Innovation, the Instructional Support Specialist supports the implementation of designing and the development of instructional content and initiatives of moderate scope and complexity. This position is responsible for enhancing online course delivery, providing instructional design support, and ensuring the quality and accessibility of digital learning experiences.

This role works collaboratively with faculty, instructors, and program teams to apply instructional design principles and adult learning theories in developing learning outcomes, assessments, and activities that align with course objectives and institutional standards while fostering collaboration across the division. The incumbent will assess, prioritize, and triage support requests, and as needed, troubleshoot to resolve general instructor and/or student-submitted requests, routing more complex or specialized requests to the appropriate instructional design and/or support teams.

The Instructional Support Specialist applies learning theories, course design methods, and accessibility standards to create online learning experiences that are pedagogically sound, engaging, and accessible to diverse learners.

This position supports enhancing the quality of instructional content and advances digital learning initiatives by applying best practices in instructional design ensuring compliance with Title II and ADA accessibility standards through the effective use of accessibility tools and checkers.

The specialist contributes to the creation of meaningful and equitable learning experiences by integrating accessibility principles into instructional materials and digital platforms. 

Apply By Date January 3, 2026 at 11:59pm 

Minimum Qualifications – For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training, preferably in educational technology, instructional design, education, or related discipline. 
• Minimum of 2 years work experience in instructional design or educational technology.
• Work experience with supporting Title II accessibility standards, ADA/Section 508 compliance standards in an online education setting using accessibility checker tools and/or applications.
• Experience assessing, prioritizing, triaging, and routing instructor and student support requests while maintaining quality service levels and responsive communications.
• Working knowledge of instructional design principles and learning strategies, including needs analysis, backward design, learning outcomes and assessment design, and instructional approaches including lecture, discussion, activities, projects, etc. Working knowledge of e-learning strategies, including but not limited to courses (e.g., processes and technologies, etc.).
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and analytical ability to conduct comprehensive analyses, identify solutions, and develop actionable recommendations. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills. Working knowledge of learning technology tools and platforms (e.g., Canvas, Coursera, Kaltura, Ally, etc.) used to deliver engaging, media-rich online learning content, as well as familiarity with trends in the use and effectiveness of learning technologies and experiences.
• Demonstrated skills and abilities to collaborate and complete substantive assignments/projects/tasks of moderate scope and complexity while exercising judgment within defined policies, guidelines, and practices to determine appropriate steps.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or degree in progress in educational technology, instructional design, education, or related discipline. 
• Experience supporting processes in the design, development, set up, and deployment of instructional content during the delivery of online and hybrid learning experiences 
• Experience with business applications that support the team’s ability to successfully design and deliver online education, such as, ServiceNow, Project and Work Management Systems, Articulate 360, Canvas LMS, etc. 
• Applied knowledge of adult learning theories, instructional design methodologies, and online course quality standards (e.g., Quality Matters, OLC Quality Scorecard, UDL). Skilled in designing and developing engaging online and hybrid learning materials, activities, and multimedia content across various learning management systems and platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, resource, and manage the full instructional design lifecycle to ensure effective, accessible, and high-quality course delivery. Experience translating instructional media into multiple formats for diverse audiences and ensuring alignment with organizational policies, accessibility, and copyright/IP standards.
• Proficient in analytical, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication, with strong collaboration and negotiation skills. Experienced in using a wide range of business and learning technologies, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Box, MS Teams, and Slack.
  

Key Responsibilities

• 40% – Instructional Design Support
• 30% – Online Course Delivery Support
• 30% – Online Learning Quality Assurance Support

Department Overview

UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) is the lifelong learning arm of the university. The division maintains the most diverse portfolio on the campus, with programs spanning pre-college, professional continuing education, workforce development, international academic and cultural exchange, and training services for corporate and agency partners. As a global leader in continuing education, CPE serves learners regionally, nationally and globally, and posts more than 55K enrollments annually making it the third largest UC Extension by enrollment. Beyond its community-facing role, CPE serves as the internal hub for online education in support of other academic units on the campus. CPE employs approximately 180 employees and draws on the expertise of approximately 1,700 instructors. 

The Learning Innovation Team (LIT) reports under the Student and Academic Affairs (SAA) branch of UC Davis’s Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) division. SAA develops and manages open access, online, and hybrid programming that serves the public, creating lifelong learning opportunities for people of all ages. Academic Affairs includes instructional design, instructors, students, and enrollment services and support. 

Position Information

• Salary or Pay Range: $30.60/hr. – $53.69/hr. 
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGNER 2
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Contract – 1 year contract with the possibility of extension or conversion to career.
• Percentage of Time: 100% – Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Sacramento, CA. 
• Union Representation: 99 – Non-Represented (PPSM)
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit’s employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family’s needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Walking – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Sitting – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Squatting/Kneeling – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Twisting – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Reaching overhead – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Complex problem solving/reasoning – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Ability to organize & prioritize – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Communication skills – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Numerical skills – Occasional Up to 3 Hours 
• Constant Interaction – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Customer/Patient Contact – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks – Frequent 3 to 6 Hours 

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space. 

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn’t match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks