Experienced Instructional Designer – Department of Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies, Educational Technology, and Online Course Development Specialist

Introduction to Fort Hays State University

Located in the vibrant college town of Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a leading institution dedicated to providing high-quality education and innovative learning experiences. The Department of Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies is at the forefront of this mission, providing faculty with the tools and expertise needed to create engaging and effective online courses. We are now seeking an experienced Instructional Designer to join our team and play a key role in shaping the future of online learning at FHSU.

Job Overview

As an Instructional Designer, you will have the opportunity to work closely with faculty to design and develop innovative online courses, instructional assessments, and activities. You will provide guidance and support to faculty throughout the course development process, ensuring that courses are of the highest quality and provide students with a engaging and interactive learning experience. This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate who is passionate about learning, pedagogy, and technology, and who is looking to make a real impact in the field of online education.

Key Responsibilities

• Consult with faculty to identify, select, and integrate appropriate technology to complement pedagogical approaches in diverse learning environments
• Engage with opportunities to think creatively and find innovative solutions to online course delivery challenges
• Articulate and reinforce course development process and faculty responsibilities, as well as establish milestone deadlines and gain buy-in from faculty to meet deadlines
• Provide technical support assistance for other learning technologies supported by TILT, including the process of piloting new technologies
• Research new and emerging uses of digital resources and technologies
• Serve on committees and be involved with the FHSU community
• Engage in professional development activities, including attending and presenting at conferences, participating in webinars, and reading current research to stay abreast of developments in the field

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need to have a Master's degree in Instructional Design/Technology, Learning Science, or a related discipline. You will also need to have professional content production and/or project management experience, as well as previous experience in course design, development, and instructional design. A proven record of positive, collaborative working relationships with diverse colleagues, students, and faculty with different levels of technical knowledge is also essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in education (e.g., Instructional Design/Technology, Learning Science, or related discipline)
• Two or more years of experience with instructional design, education technology, learning spaces (online and classroom), and learning management systems
• Extensive knowledge of instructional design theories and models, such as ADDIE, system design for instruction, Bloom's Taxonomy, and UDL
• Online teaching experience in higher education
• Assisting in planning for constant quality improvement and assessment in blended/online teaching and learning formats
• Extensive experience working with learning design tools and platforms
• Knowledge of how accessibility technologies and ADA/Section 504 (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements apply to online learning applications

Skills and Competencies

To be successful in this role, you will need to have excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills. You will also need to be proficient in one or more learning management systems (Blackboard Learn preferred) and have the ability to develop workflows and business procedures. Strong project management skills, including the ability to lead projects and meet deadlines in a goal-oriented environment, are also essential.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

At FHSU, we are committed to providing our employees with opportunities for growth and development. As an Instructional Designer, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from designing and developing online courses to researching and implementing new technologies. You will also have the opportunity to engage in professional development activities, including attending and presenting at conferences, participating in webinars, and reading current research to stay abreast of developments in the field.

Work Environment and Company Culture

FHSU is a vibrant and dynamic institution, with a strong commitment to innovation and excellence. Our Department of Teaching Innovation and Learning Technologies is a collaborative and supportive team, dedicated to providing faculty with the tools and expertise needed to create engaging and effective online courses. We are located in the heart of Hays, Kansas, a charming college town with a rich history and a strong sense of community.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. We also offer a range of perks, including professional development opportunities, flexible working hours, and a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced Instructional Designer, looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a real impact in the field of online education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role. With its strong commitment to innovation and excellence, FHSU is the perfect place to take your career to the next level. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our team and help shape the future of online learning at FHSU.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please visit our website and submit your application, including a cover letter, resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. We look forward to hearing from you!