Instructional Designer

November 06, 2023

The Instructional Designer (ID) is a full-time staff member in the Learning Technologies Research and Development (LTR&D) department reporting to the Director of LTR&D. Working closely with LC Online, faculty, Information Technology, and the Landmark College Institute for Research and Training the ID designs, develops, and improves online courses and products using innovative, online pedagogy, the extant research on neurodiversity and online learning, and Landmark College's nearly 40 years of experience working with students who learn differently. The ID may also provide design support to online instructors and develop resources and materials for use by faculty, students, and staff.

We seek applicants who have a passion for creating and supporting accessible digital learning solutions; strong project management, communication, and collaboration skills; a strong inquiry mindset and willingness to continuously develop their skills; and can work with a high-level of independence and take the lead on their own projects and meet deadlines.

Primary Duties:

The ID will spend approximately 75% of their time designing, developing, and improving online courses and products:

• Uses a systematic approach to design, create, and improve online courses and curriculum (learning activities, assignments, and assessments) for neurodivergent college students and their families.
• Collaborates with subject matter experts, staff, faculty, and other team members to develop online course content.
• Collaborates effectively with instructional designers, stakeholders, program directors and product teams to analyze, update, and refine existing online course content based on feedback and research findings.
• Writes, edits, and proofreads instructional materials, including scripts and transcripts for video and audio content.
• Communicates clearly and concisely in oral and written formats.
• Follows applicable laws and policies to maintain accessibility standards of instructional content.
• Keeps current on best practices in instructional design and online learning for neurodivergent college students.
• The candidate must be able to quickly develop an understanding of (a) Landmark College's cultural climate, (b) Universal Design pedagogical practices, (c) neurodivergent student profiles and be able to work collaboratively with Landmark College faculty and staff.

The ID spends approximately 25% of their time on testing and supporting accessibility and emerging technologies.

• Explores, tests, recommends, and incorporates accessibility features and innovative technologies for improving digital learning experiences (apps, plugins, and integrations that can help reduce cognitive load and support executive function online).
• Records brief instructional videos of students, faculty, and staff for online courses and products.
• Creates, modifies, and converts print, digital, video, or multi-media material into a variety of alternate media formats, ensuring those materials meet appropriate Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
• Troubleshoots problems reported by users and works with tech staff or others to resolve them.
• Move existing courses into new course shells.

The ID also assumes or coordinates other duties or projects as assigned or directed.

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in instructional design, education, communication, information technology, or related field. OR any equivalent combination of experience or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

Experience in instructional design principles and instructional strategies, including needs analysis, backwards design, learning outcomes and assessment design, and instructional approaches including lecture, discussion, activities, projects, etc.

Previous experience working in learning technologies, web content creation, graphic design, or electronic publishing a plus.

Knowledge of neurodiversity, learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism a plus.

Required Competencies:

• Excellent project management and organizational skills and ability to prioritize, manage, and meet multiple simultaneous deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others, to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with online course design best practices and guidelines, such as Quality Matters, Online Learning Consortium, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), UDL, design and accessibility tools.
• Proficiency or willingness to learn the Canvas learning management systems, authoring tools such as Articulate, design tools such as DesignPlus, and accessibility tools such as UDOIT.
• Ability to evaluate the accessibility, use, and efficacy of educational technologies.  Ability to record brief, high-quality instructional videos with guest speakers using a camera, teleprompter, mics, lighting, and green screen.

Benefits:

Landmark College offers competitive wages and an excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans; a generous vacation and time off package (four weeks' vacation; 15 health-related days; typically, 16 paid holidays; and two extraordinary days); a TIAA (Teachers Insurance and Annuity) retirement plan that includes 6% College contribution; tuition reimbursement; and more. This position offers the opportunity to join the College during an exciting growth phase: a breadth of short-term, online (through LC Online), and 2and 4-year academic programs are offered; student retention has increased; international enrollment efforts are underway; the College is exploring geographical expansion projects, and enrollment outcomes have been consistent.

• Staff