Instructional Designer

Rutgers-The State University - New Brunswick, NJ

Full-time - Mid Level

New Brunswick, NJ

Educational Services

About the position

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Instructional Designer for the School of Graduate Studies. This position is integral to the development and design of online, hybrid, and face-to-face courses, utilizing a learning management system (LMS). The Instructional Designer (ID) will work closely with faculty and program staff to provide recommendations on pedagogical best practices, ensuring that course content is delivered effectively and meets the needs of students. The ID will engage in various topic areas, including course design, accessibility, universal design for learning, and assessment strategies. A significant aspect of the role involves conducting regular needs assessments, producing educational materials, and researching best practices in online instruction. Additionally, the ID will facilitate workshops and training sessions for faculty and administrative staff on LMS usage and educational technology. The ID will collaborate with faculty to develop and design online course content, ensuring high quality and effectiveness. This includes maintaining coordination among instructional development specialists, instructional technologists, and academic stakeholders. The ID will also evaluate courses for accuracy and effectiveness, recommend policies to improve course quality, and assist with faculty and student training initiatives. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and resolving ethical and legal implications of instructional design, as well as acting as a technical point of contact for teaching faculty and program staff. The ID will monitor metrics related to online learning and contribute to the overall growth and strategy of the organization. This position is full-time and may offer a hybrid work arrangement, subject to approval. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing student learning and engagement through innovative instructional design practices.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with faculty to develop and design online course content.
• Facilitates the process of developing and revising courses by maintaining close coordination among instructional development specialists, instructional technologists, academic stakeholders, and information technology staff.
• Evaluates to ensure high quality, accuracy, and effectiveness of courses.
• Recommends policies and procedures that improve the course quality, development and revision process, and promotes collaboration among departments.
• Identifies and helps resolve ethical and legal implications of instructional design.
• Assists with faculty/student training initiatives including LMS specific training and universal design and accessibility training.
• Conducts routine needs assessments of courses regarding content, materials, design, and delivery.
• Acts as a technical point of contact for teaching faculty and program staff.
• Works with a multi-faceted administrative team to enhance student learning and engagement.
• Hosts sessions for faculty to receive coaching to enhance their instructional practice.
• Monitors metrics and vision for online learning as they relate to organizational growth and strategy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Instructional Technology, Educational Technology, Instructional Design or other related field.
• Four (4) years of demonstrated relevant professional experience in a higher education environment.
• Strong knowledge of pedagogy, including lesson design and alignment with appropriate activities.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques of designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.
• Good interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to facilitate and present instructional materials and assess technology for instructional purposes.
• Strong understanding of Canvas LMS.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's Degree in a related field.
• First level Quality Matters (APPQMR) certified or equivalent.
• Prior teaching experience.
• Experience using technologies to produce multimedia content (e.g., Camtasia, Powtoon, Adobe Premier Pro).
• Prior employment in an academic setting or experience working directly with higher education staff and/or faculty.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.