Instructional Designer/Technologist

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

In close collaboration with school deans, university faculty and contracted subject matter experts, design, develop, and update online and blended courses. Provide faculty development through training webinars and self-paced modules. Develop documentation (print and video) for a diverse and dispersed population of online learners and educators to assist them in being successful users of online academic systems. Assist in research and testing new technologies. Provide Tier 2 user support. Position requires frequent and effective written and oral communications with others, flexibility in adapting to the needs of changing instructional technology landscape (including cross-training with team members), and the ability to work successfully as part of a multi-site team. Remote position is possible, with preference for in-house or hybrid work at any Ottawa University campus location.

Application requirements:

• A letter of application that is tailored to this position and addresses why you would like to be considered for it

• A resume that is tailored to this position and highlights your relevant qualifications

Applications that do not include these items will not be considered. 

Offers of employment (campus based and remote) may be extended only to individuals who reside within one of the following registered states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. You are required to maintain primary residency in one of the above states, to maintain employment with Ottawa University. 

Applications are open until the position is filled.  Review of applications will begin on January 15^th.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Collaborate with university-designated subject matter experts in the design, development, and updating of online courses according to established policies, standards, and timelines.
• Support faculty in editing and modifying existing online courses; communicate Ottawa University course design standards and policies.
• Provide second-tier support for end-users when OU Help Tier 1 is unable to provide the assistance requested.  Ensure that this support is provided in a timely and accurate manner and with high quality customer service.
• Assist with testing and management of upgrades to the learning management eco-system (i.e., Blackboard and other integrated products and systems).
• Work closely with the Software Solutions and the Information Technology teams to vet potential new e-learning tools for fit in Ottawa University’s online learning environment.
• Consult with faculty and staff on the appropriate instructional application of technologies and techniques in their online and campus-based courses.
• Develop and maintain text and video tutorial and documentation materials for end-user software systems supported by the team.
• Actively participate in online course quality assurance processes and ensure that quality assurance procedures are communicated and implemented.
• Keep abreast of emerging applications of instructional design theory and instructional technology through research and professional development activities.
• Support Blackboard (and other learning technologies) system administration functions as needed.
• Contribute to outreach initiatives by providing consultations, presentations, and workshops to faculty and staff, and participating in online discussions and conferences.
• Collaborate with various support units of the university to advance the needs of Ottawa University and its students and instructors.
• Stay current as a professional in the field through webinars, conferences, and self-study.
• Other duties as assigned

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Diversity Statement.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Earned Master’s degree in Instructional Design, Instructional Technology, Educational Media, Instructional Systems Design, or related field.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
Minimum of one year of experience in online course development, preferably in a higher education setting.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Evidence of solid grounding in instructional design theory and implementation in a distance learning environment.
• Demonstrated experience integrating technology into the teaching/learning process
• Experience designing and producing web-based course materials.
• Excellent written and oral expression and very detail oriented
• Knowledge of emerging technologies as related to teaching and learning at a distance.
• Evidence of excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and establish collegial relationships with faculty and staff.
• Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication; excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated awareness of usability, accessibility, and inclusivity considerations in instructional design.
• Demonstrated success in working in a collaborative, partnership model with faculty and subject matter experts in a higher education environment
• Experience working as a member of a geographically dispersed team
• Evidence of self-motivation and ability to establish priorities appropriately.

PREFERRED:

Experience with:

• Blackboard Learning Management System
• Anthology Ally
• Simple Syllabus
• Web conferencing tools such as Collaborate, Teams, or Zoom
• Online course quality assurance best practices
• Small project management (establishing timelines and deadlines)

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at a time. Office building requires daily use of stairs. This position may require evening and weekend activities for certain events and meetings and periodic long hours depending upon business cycle and priorities.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: No - Travel Required