Instructional Designer

The Instructional Designer will work in the Department of Online Education, collaborating closely with faculty members, fellow instructional designers, and academic program directors to develop and enhance online academic courses across various disciplines. This role demands expertise in several of the following areas: graphic design, learning theory, instructional outcomes assessment, LMS platforms, instructional design, online assessment, student engagement strategies, effective communication, video editing, and basic HTML programming skills. 

The Instructional Designer will design and develop high-quality training materials and on-demand resources, assisting faculty in creating exceptional content and engaging teaching strategies that foster student success. They will assist instructors in resolving complex teaching and learning challenges specific to online courses. Additionally, the Instructional Designer will identify and recommend innovative tools and assets, enabling faculty to implement state-of-the-art pedagogical methods effectively. They will also provide video editing support to help faculty record and enhance video content for their courses. The ideal candidate will possess strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a commitment to enhancing the online learning experience for students through innovative instructional design and strategies. 

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 

Course Development 

• Creating a rich set of state-of-the-art training materials for faculty and students across disciplines. 

• Working with faculty, subject matter experts, and online education team members to develop and adapt resources that meet departmental goals and objectives. 

• Developing plans for applying learning theory, educational practices and technology to specific learning or teaching problems.  

• Staying abreast of emerging instructional technologies and evolving standards in educational practice and design, including how AI impacts education. 

• Designing activities and professional development opportunities that support instruction.  

• Providing feedback for both online and on-campus course components. 

• Developing and delivering training to ensure the integration of technology into teaching and learning.  

• Using graphic design technologies to enhance the appearance of online courses. 

• Integrating multimedia approaches to course design and deliverables. 

Faculty Development and Training 

• Working with faculty to develop and implement new learning solutions. 

• Providing support to instructors in the creation and implementation of course material using the LMS, and online resources such as assignments, discussions, and assessments.  

• Providing oversight to faculty on development of online environments and learning activities. 

• Serving as subject matter expert for designated workshop content. 

• Assisting faculty with the design, creation and delivery of online courses. 

• Supporting faculty in both synchronous and asynchronous technologies. 

Assessment and Metrics 

• Identifying relevant data points and success metrics around content engagement and learning that drive future course development. 

• Applying metrics and methods to evaluate the impact of online programs and courses. 

• Applying accreditation processes and procedures involved in providing documentation and data. 

• Performing other job-related duties, as assigned.  

Education and Technical Knowledge 

• BS/BA required; MA in Instructional Design, Curriculum Development, Learning Science (Andragogy), or education required; MEd is preferred; Ph.D. or Ed.D. is a plus. 

• 3 to 5 years of post-college work experience in instructional design or a related field. 

• Classroom teaching experience is preferred. 

• Instructional design and training experience (must provide samples of work) in a higher education environment. 

• Expertise with Learning Management Systems required (Canvas preferred). 

• Expertise with Zoom required.  

• Familiarity with YuJa preferred.  

• Familiarity with Box or other collaborative technology expected. 

Experience & Skills 

• A consistent record of successful project management, including the ability to meet project quality expectations and schedule commitments. 

• Demonstrated high level of determination and creativity. 

• Ability to work independently—a self-starter.  

• Proactive and solutions-oriented approach to work.  

• Excellent decision-making skills.  

• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. 

• Must be able to work in a team environment  

• Demonstrated knowledge of teaching and learning strategies to promote active learning, evidence-based practices, critical thinking, and the use of technology to enhance student success.  

• Demonstrated ability in developing learning outcomes, instructional activities, and assessments. 

Intrapersonal  

• Highly reliable, dependable, and detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities. 

• Capable of working independently and collaboratively within a team. 

• Exceptional customer service skills. 

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with strong editing proficiency. 

• Strong organizational and project management capabilities. 

• Ability to define and manage work processes to achieve team objectives, while adhering to organizational protocols. 

• Proven experience in effective communication with project teams. 

Position Specific 

• Extensive knowledge of current and emerging instructional technologies and pedagogies. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of science-related pedagogies and technologies is a plus.  

• Demonstrated knowledge of pedagogical methods for learners with diverse abilities and backgrounds, specifically Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 

• Demonstrated comfort with technology in education.  

• Able to conduct one-on-one and group training of faculty. 

• Adept at developing text, video or audio training materials to assist faculty with learning new tools and strategies.  

• Able to assist faculty in developing videos and graphically attractive material. 

• Demonstrated skill developing and implementing training and support for faculty, staff and/or students.  

• Strong technical skills and knowledge of informational technology. 

Computer Skills 

• Proficiency with video editing software programs, preferably in Adobe Premiere Pro. 

• Ability to become proficient on the in-house database. 

• Proficiency with HTML and CSS. 

• Demonstrated expertise with e-learning software and content development tools as well as ability to build effective training content (e.g. Adobe Captivate, Premiere). 

• Familiarity with new media and new technology solutions for higher education.  

• Experience with a variety of operating systems (OSX, Windows, Mobile) and video recording tools. 

• Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Captivate, Premiere, Photoshop).  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Google Apps and Education tools, educational video production tools (e.g., YuJa), and cloud computing (e.g., Box).

 Travel 

• New York based. Ability to travel to various locations where TCUS facilities are located, as needed.