Instructional Designer, Gwenna Moss Centre of Teaching and Learning

Instructional Designer, Gwenna Moss Centre of Teaching and Learning

Primary Purpose: To support the design, development, evaluation and revision of online and distance delivered classes and contribute to identification and implementation of instructional innovations related to flexible learning in line with university strategy.

Nature of Work: This position reports to the Design and Development Lead, Flexible Learning and Technology, Gwenna Moss Centre of Teaching and Learning, and works collaboratively with an instructional design team, subject matter experts and USask colleges and departments. This position focuses on the design and development of online and flexible learning classes and programs, revising and/or enhancing existing online and distance education classes and supporting the development of open educational resources including textbooks and ancillary resources. Working closely with subject matter experts (SMEs), this position will identify the needs of a given class or project and propose solutions that synthesize current learning theory, sound synchronous and asynchronous learning processes, and supported technologies. This position provides support to faculty/SMEs regarding the class design and development process, including conducting needs analysis, preparing class design plans, developing learning outcomes and objectives, developing learning modules and class syllabi, creating learning activities, selecting and creating media and preparing student evaluation tools.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

1. Use a research-supported instructional design process when conducting needs analysis, preparing class design plans, developing learning outcomes and objectives, developing learning modules and class syllabi, creating learning activities, selecting and creating media and preparing student evaluation tools.
2. Apply appropriate synchronous and asynchronous learning principles to class and program design and development.
3. Advocate for and use design to make courses more inclusive, attending to access needs, and universality.
4. Advocate for and use design to make courses align with commitments found in ohpahotân | oohpaahotaan Indigenous Strategy for the University of Saskatchewan.
5. Practice efficient and effective project management to manage timelines, communication, and resources.
6. Practice appropriate project documentation and file management procedures to minimize error.
7. Support educators to design effective learning objects and activities that engage students in the learning process.
8. Manage copyright permissions and processes for class and program development and maintenance to ensure the university is compliant with copyright laws.
9. Act as a change agent for continuous quality improvement including online course and program development processes, templates and other initiatives for the department and campus.
10. Ensure liability and risk is reduced by remaining current with best practices and University policies related to the use of current technologies.
11. Participate in ongoing professional development to keep up to date with advancements, innovations and best practices in Instructional Design and educational technologies.
12. Engage with committees and working groups focused on online learning and technology enhanced education.
13. Facilitate connection to professional development and training opportunities for SMEs and instructors around innovative curriculum design and development technologies and practices.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Education: A graduate degree in Instructional Design. Equivalent education and experience will be considered.

Experience:

• Experience as an instructional designer working in an educational setting; experience in higher education would be an asset.
• Experience with designing to anticipate and respond to diversity.

Skills:

• Knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design principles including performance-based outcomes assessments.
• Familiarity with the principles and approaches of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and their applications to course and assessment design, including web-accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Ability to understand and interpret educational needs and develop effective instructional media solutions, working projects from concept through completion.
• Use common learning management, video conferencing, resource sharing, and media systems efficiently and effectively to help a course design match the needs analysis, context, diverse learners, and learning outcomes.
• Ability to research, experiment with and evaluate new technologies and assess their value given purpose and content.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage complex projects to deliver on time and within allocated resources.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with the campus community.
• Ability to support faculty and instructors to leverage skills in face-to-face teaching for distance delivery formats and develop new skills, as needed.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible and adaptable in responding to changing priorities, environments, and learning needs while maintaining focus on projects.
• Innovative and forward thinking in developing new instructional strategies and solutions that leverage emerging technologies and trends in education to enhance learning experiences.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Kristin Moskalyk at 306-966-5492 or kristin.moskalyk@usask.ca.

Department: Gwenna Moss Centre of Teaching and Learning
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 4/23/2025
Closing Date: 5/7/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus