Job Summary:
The Learning Engineer will provide curriculum design and course development services. In this role, you will work closely with instructors in support of digital/online projects that will enhance students’ learning through the innovative use of technologies. You may assist in the launch of online programs, MOOCs, and take part in the development of curriculum experiments that lead to adoption of blended learning and teaching techniques taking advantage of educational technology tools. The Learning Engineer has knowledge in: the learning sciences; classroom technology tools that support increased classroom engagement; effective content authoring and lesson design methods that best serve digital education; and experience in helping university instructors.
The Learning Engineer will provide curriculum design, technology support, and course development services to faculty in the School of Communication, integrating learning and teaching technologies into their courses. The Learning Engineer will work closely in particular with faculty teaching in the School’s hybrid online programs and active learning spaces. In this role, the Learning Engineer will support all digital/online projects to improve students’ learning through the creative use of technologies. The Learning Engineer has knowledge in the learning sciences classroom technology tools that support increased classroom engagement, effective content authoring and lesson design methodologies that best serve digital education, and experience in working with instructors in higher education.
Note: Not all aspects of the job are covered by this job description.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Prepare and launch courses in an online or blended format. Work with faculty to identify course objectives and instructional goals, develop curricula, and guide the faculty in the production of the courses. Offer guidance and mentorship to faculty while the courses are being run.
- Work with faculty who express interest to broaden the reach of instructional design innovations to their courses, especially encouraging their adoption of active learning techniques.
- Help design and launch MOOCs.
- Apply project management coordination competencies.
- Promote creative and trusting partnerships for educational innovation with instructors.
- Communicate regarding curricular innovations by leading workshops, taking part in communities of practice, writing content for the Digital Learning website, etc.
- Maintain currency in current learning sciences and instructional design principles for effective support of online and blended education, peer learning and active learning practices.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with a preference in IT or field related to Education
- 1-3 years’ experience preferably in an institution of higher education creating and providing instructional design for blended or online courses, including MOOCs
- 1-3 years’ experience with an LMS
- Demonstrated Project management skills
- Broad knowledge of software and cloud systems
- Understanding of security for university systems, as well as authentication, authorization, and data security
- Understanding of web accessibility standards
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Learning Sciences, Educational Technology, or a similar field;
- Three or more years of professional experience as an Instructional Designer in higher education or in a similar organization serving adult learners;
- Expertise in developing instructional design strategies with school or departmental stakeholders;
- Teaching or training experience in higher education.
Preferred Competencies:
- Expertise in Canvas or a similar Learning Management System;
- Expertise with one or more digital education (content) authoring tools (e.g., Camtasia, Captivate, Lectora, Softchalk, Articulate);
- General knowledge and ability to research/recommend learning applications;
- Understanding of and application of social networking and mobile applications in environments for teaching and learning;
- Knowledge of current learning technologies (online and traditional classroom);
- Ability to adapt and communicate successfully with different people and situations.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $75,000-$81,405 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern’s non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.
