Instructional Design Specialist

Title: Instructional Design Specialist

Institution: Volunteer State Community College

Job Summary:

The role of Instructional Design Specialist is to a) provide instructional design expertise in the development, support, and evaluation of online, hybrid, and technology-enhanced courses and b) assist faculty, staff, and students with use of software and identified IT operational systems of Distance Learning and other college technologies. This involves working with faculty to design, develop, create, and evaluate high quality courses that incorporate best practices in andragogy, heutagogy, and the use of digital content. The Instructional Designer primarily serves as a consultant to help faculty with course design, teaching/learning strategies, assessment, technology, and instructional development projects.

Job Duties:

Provide expertise in instructional planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of distance learning courses. Lead assigned course evaluation teams, providing team training and support, and related duties. Systematically evaluate distance learning courses using the approved Vol State distance learning course standards and according to best practices in higher education. Provide feedback and recommendations to faculty in both written and verbal formats for the improvement of course design. Research and evaluate technologies and course materials for accessible design and appropriate use in distance education. Communicate with faculty how these resources can be used in their distance education courses and assist with integrating the materials into online courses. Assist faculty with the improvement of instructional strategies, development of course materials and assessment techniques, and appropriate integration of instructional technologies and best practices. Make recommendations to faculty for improving accessibility of course material. Assist faculty with complying with accessibility requirements. Train faculty and staff on technical and pedagogical skills needed for developing and delivering engaging and interactive distance learning courses. Provide technical assessment and evaluation of new and emerging instructional and assistive technologies. Make recommendations for educational use of those as appropriate to faculty, staff, and students. Train faculty and staff on universal design principles and techniques, including how to design and deliver ADA accessible courses. Create documentation and instructional materials (print, web, and video formats) to support faculty, staff, and students in use of the course management system and other instructional technologies and distance learning processes. Train students on how to use college technologies. Contribute to department initiatives in areas such as educational technology, faculty development, universal design for learning, and distance learning. Maintain departmental records and electronic files, such as help ticket tracking. Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, educational technology, or related academic discipline.
Minimum 4 years of experience in instructional design, educational technology, distance learning or related field, preferably within higher education.
Experience with training, staff development and/or teaching.
Experience with using and supporting course management systems. VSCC currently uses Desire2Learn (D2L) as our CMS provider.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in instructional design, educational technology, or related academic discipline.
Online teaching experience or experience as an online learner.
Experience creating training documentation and materials.
Knowledge of ADA accessibility guidelines for technologies, web tools, and online content.
Diverse support background in software technologies, such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to demonstrate knowledge of instructional technologies and strategies.
Proficiency in web authoring tools, e.g., HTML and CSS.
Solid understanding of teaching and learning principles in relationship to adult learners.
Solid understanding of universal design for learning (UDL).
Demonstrated written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Able to effectively convey complex educational and technical concepts.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to prioritize work and multitask.
Ability to evaluate situations and make sound decisions.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.
Able to react to change productively.

Pay Rate: $51,857 - $64,821 annual salary depending on experience

Volunteer State offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Insurance:  Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability (long and short term), FSA/HSA
• Wellness Incentive Program (if enrolled in Health)
• Educational Assistance:  Fee Waiver, Spouse/Dependent Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Longevity Pay
• Retirement Options:  State of TN Pension (TCRS), 401a, 401K with up to $50/month match, 403b, and 457
• 14 Paid Holidays/Year
• Annual Leave (if applicable)
• Sick Leave
• Sick Leave Bank
• State Employee Discount Program with over 900 merchants

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Applicants may be subject to a background check.