Instructional Designer

EXPECTATIONS OF THE POSITION:

The Instructional Designer works as part of the Distance Learning Team to manage the development process of online courses for Western Wyoming Community College and assist the Director in other project management duties related to supporting and developing Outreach and Distance Learning programs. Instructional development responsibilities include: working with subject matter experts in the planning and scheduling of the design and development of instruction; monitoring the course development process to meet course offering deadlines; assuring course design meets accessibility standards, and collaborating with subject matter experts on updates, revisions, and maintenance.

Trouble-shooting and experience working with learning management systems are essential skills for this position. Also, this individual must be able to communicate clearly and work with instructors, students and other individuals, through a variety of means including face-to-face, email, telephone, and web-conferencing. Nominal travel to meet with adjunct faculty will be necessary.

It is expected that this individual will accomplish assigned duties in an efficient, effective, competent manner and strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, this individual must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with college personnel and the public. This individual will follow all college policies, rules, regulations and guidelines as they relate to this position.

PRIMARY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WHICH THIS PERSON IS ACCOUNTABLE:

Course Design/Development & Faculty Support

1. Collaborate one-on-one with subject matter experts during new online course development and design.

2. Appraise course creation quality—identify and provide for developmental needs and take corrective action when necessary in collaboration with subject matter experts.

3. Apply the appropriate learning theory, instructional theory, and/or applications of media to online instructional scenarios.

4. Identify areas of weakness in created courses, and employ strategies for improvement.

5. Take appropriate steps to address any problems noted through course revision and, when necessary, work with subject matter experts to redesign.

6. Plan, design, and develop effective instructional materials that are functional, intuitive, informative, and consistent with sound instructional design principles for online learning.

7. Provide consulting services to subject matter experts on course redesign projects, as needed.

8. Ensure learning objectives are measureable and that course activities support the learning objectives.

9. Help subject matter experts integrate technology into their face-to-face and online classrooms.

10. Work with subject matter experts to create criteria used to develop assessment instruments.

11. Design and develop faculty training programs in areas of instructional design and in the use of specific instructional technology tools, to assist faculty with learning about educational technology and online instructional methods.

Technology
12. Remain current with and have a thorough understanding of the emerging applications of instructional multimedia, instructional technology and trends in online education, and implement improvements.

13. Research, evaluate, and recommend appropriate hardware and software to achieve academic objectives.

14. Serve as a system administrator in the College’s learning management system.

Administrative
15. Assist the Director in other projects related to supporting and developing Outreach and Distance Learning programs.

16. Remain current with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how it impacts online learning.

17. Assist subject matter experts in the implementation of Section 508 Accessibility requirements with regard to their instructional materials.

18. Coordinate multiple projects while producing high quality work under tight deadlines.

19. Operate within the professional confines of established WWCC policies and procedures.

20. Work closely with the Director of Distance Learning and the Distance Learning team to provide consistent and top quality support to all WWCC faculty, staff, and students.

21. Complete other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Abilities, Education and Experience)

1. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Education/Instructional Design or a related discipline.

2. Two years prior experience with online learning technologies (e.g., learning management systems, student information systems, etc.) and using effective instructional design methodologies.

3. Ability to adapt to a changing work environment and stressful situations.

4. Ability to work independently, to organize tasks effectively, and to set priorities. Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks concurrently.

5. Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and courteously with others. Ability to work with various personalities.

Equivalency Statement
For those candidates who do not meet all the minimum qualifications, an equivalent combination of education and experience, which has provided comparable knowledge and abilities, will be acceptable.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Abilities, Education and Experience)

1. Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, in Education/Instructional Design or a related discipline.

2. Knowledge of Section 508 Accessibility laws and WCAG Guidelines, and how they apply to online course development.

3. Experience teaching online within higher education.

4. Experience using Canvas as an instructor or administrator.

5. Ability to adapt to, succeed in and enjoy the small-town community and the high-desert environment of southwestern Wyoming.