Widener University is currently seeking to add an enthusiastic and engaging Instructional Designer to our highly collaborative and innovative Teaching and Learning with Technology team. Reporting to the Director of Teaching and Learning with Technology, this position is responsible for the support and training of faculty in the application of sound principles of digital pedagogy for online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face courses. This team provides administrative support and promotion of the Canvas LMS and other teaching and learning technologies throughout the university. This position may be on campus, hybrid or fully remote, as necessary.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Provide training and support of instructional design methods via Canvas LMS and other teaching and learning technologies
- Provide instructional design expertise in support of online, hybrid, and traditional face-to-face courses
- Guide and support faculty with best practices in effective design and pedagogies in the development of Canvas courses
- Support the adoption and integration of the Canvas LMS and its integrated tools (Studio, Respondus, Evaluation Kit, Turnitin, Poll Everywhere, Zoom, etc.)
- Plan and run workshops for groups interested in learning or further developing LMS (Canvas ecosystem) proficiency, productivity tool adoption, and pedagogical innovation
- Promote and integrate quality course design rubrics
- Conduct periodic reviews and planning sessions with program directors, as assigned, in support of continuous improvement
Secondary responsibilities:
- Administer, test, document, and support LMS and affiliated integrations that apply to teaching and learning
- Troubleshoot problems related to the university’s LMS and other teaching and learning applications and systems, alongside vendors when applicable for support, enhancement requests, or issues
- As scheduled by teaching and learning SaaS vendors, maintain and communicate application updates to the university
- Monitor for and review scheduled changes and emergency communications from vendors
- Prepare documentation of application updates for version control purposes and distribution to functional end-users
- Review changes for impact on existing processes and address as needed
- Communicate scheduled change and emergency communications to functional users
- Source new solutions for existing problems as well as innovative ideas that meets the needs of faculty and students; recommend and implement solutions, and troubleshoot problems and issues related.
- Find solutions that fit the LTI framework of the LMS that provide more efficient and better ways to accomplish teaching and learning goals
- Promote and pilot solutions to ensure validity and create buy-in
- Document and gather data for decision-makers
- Serve as instructional design and technologies lead in communities of practice relating to teaching and learning technologies for the university
- Develop and grow an online pedagogies best practices community with faculty from across the university
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in a program directly related to the job functions (Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Education related or similar)
- Minimum of three years’ experience in instructional design and/or faculty support
- Demonstrated skill and experience building and supporting online course development in an LMS in a practical or theoretical setting
- Experience leading workshops and training end-users effectively
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously to successful completion
- Strong interpersonal skills including excellent oral and written communication.
- Team player who can also work independently
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to deal tactfully and effectively with students, faculty, staff, vendors, and the public
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, or related field
- Two or more years of experience building and supporting online course development in LMS. Canvas LMS environment is highly preferred
- Understanding of LTI integrations in LMS platforms
- Working knowledge of HTML skills
- Fluency in Office 365 and SharePoint
- Analytical skills, with experience in data collection and interpretation for decision-making.
- Experience in Higher Education
- Experience using social media with a broad professional learning network
- Classroom, Online or Hybrid teaching experience
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Ability to work at computer for long periods of time.
- Typical work environment with some ability to navigate campus buildings, walkways and common areas.
- This position may require occasional evening and weekend hours.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Widener University requires all prospective employees to provide proof of taking the primary vaccination series against COVID-19 prior to employment or apply and be approved for a medical/religious exemption. Offers may be rescinded if the new employee does not provide proof of taking the primary vaccination series in a timely manner.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
