eLearning and Instructional Design Specialist

The Instructional Design Specialist supports the design, development, and continuous improvement of online, hybrid, and HyFlex courses by applying instructional design best practices, accessibility standards, and institutional guidelines. This role works closely with faculty to implement quality course structures, ensure accessibility compliance, and support effective use of the Learning Management System. The position also supports the responsible integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into instructional design workflows, while staying informed of evolving trends in digital learning to help faculty enhance engagement, efficiency, and student success in sustainable and compliant ways.

**Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities**
1. Designs, develops, and supports online, hybrid, and HyFlex courses using institutional templates, instructional design best practices, and accessibility standards.
2. Provides direct instructional design support to faculty through consultations, course reviews, and hands-on assistance focused on course organization, alignment, engagement, and usability.
3. Supports faculty in meeting WCAG accessibility standards, including document remediation, media accessibility, LMS content structure, and use of accessibility checking tools.
4. Applies Quality Matters (QM), aligned practices to course design and revision efforts; assists with QM-based reviews, templates, and faculty support initiatives.
5. Assists in the development and delivery of faculty professional development related to: Instructional design and course quality, Accessibility and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Canvas tools, Emerging trends in digital learning
6. Supports the effective use of the Learning Management System and related instructional technologies; assists with course builds, revisions, and term preparation activities.
7. Supports the responsible use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in instructional design workflows, under institutional guidance, to improve efficiency, engagement, and accessibility while maintaining ethical and academic standards.
8. Assists faculty in interpreting course-level data (e.g., engagement indicators, participation trends) to inform instructional design improvements.
9. Researches and stays informed on trends in instructional design, digital pedagogy, accessibility, and educational technology.
10. Maintains documentation related to course reviews, faculty support, accessibility checks, and instructional design activities to support continuity, compliance, and reporting.
11. Participates in institutional committees, meetings, and cross-departmental collaborations as assigned.
12. Actively pursues professional development to maintain current knowledge and skills in instructional design, accessibility, and educational technology.
13. Performs other related duties assigned by the eLearning & Instructional Innovation Center Director, Dean, and the Provost/Vice-President of Academic Affairs in support of institutional priorities.

**Required:**
- Master’s degree in education, curriculum development, instructional technology, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum of three years of relevant work experience in higher education and two years of instructional training experience.

**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
- The Instructional Design Specialist demonstrates strong knowledge of instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and online pedagogy, with the ability to apply these concepts in higher education settings.
- The position requires proficiency with learning management systems, instructional technologies, and digital content creation tools, as well as a working understanding of accessibility standards and Universal Design for Learning.
- The role also requires the ability to adapt to emerging trends, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence and data-informed design practices, while maintaining ethical and student-centered approaches.
- Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities, support faculty across disciplines, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in a dynamic instructional environment.