Instructional Design and Faculty Support (blended opportunity) at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth’s flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Located on approximately 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, the university offers a rich cultural environment in a rural setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the university is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), adding to the intellectual energy of the region.

Work summary

The Instructional Design and Faculty Support Coordinator supports faculty and staff to develop and deliver high-quality distance education through the effective and innovative use of technology. This position receives functional direction from a Senior Coordinator and reports to the Director of Instructional Design and Support.

Basic functions

Mentors, coaches, and coaches faculty to understand appropriate technological and pedagogical tools to facilitate online learning and interaction between students and faculty.

Provides support to online faculty and staff in developing pedagogical approaches, instructional strategies, and technical skills. Provides technical support for the design and production of high-quality credit and non-credit courses and other educational programs for a variety of disciplines for delivery through distance education media. It is knowledge-based and integrates a range of technical resources and interactive information delivery systems into the design of online programs.

Develop, coordinate and deliver training to faculty and staff in the effective educational use of online learning management systems (LMS) as well as a wide range of established and emerging educational technologies. Trains and supervises project technical staff, and assists office staff and student staff in the use of the learning management system and general distance learning protocol procedures.

Provides ongoing support to faculty, students, and the Registrar’s Office before, during, and after teaching periods. Ensures that educational programs are of the highest standards at the start of teaching and are designed in accordance with industry best practices. Collaborates with UMassOnline technical staff to implement, manage, and maintain the UMass Amherst LMS.

Participates in the development, implementation, and ongoing review and revision of policies, standards, documentation, and processes to ensure online courses meet standards of excellence and consistency.

Works as part of a team to provide planning, design and technical facilitation services for distance education activities. Assists and coordinates the day-to-day operations of UMass Amherst’s growing online program. Builds and maintains productive and positive relationships between faculty and staff across campus.

Other jobs

Performs related duties as assigned or required to achieve department and university goals and objectives.

Minimum qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience, certifications, license)

Bachelor’s degree plus two (2) years of experience in designing and developing technology-based educational content across a wide range of disciplines, integrating graphic, textual and audio elements into multimedia educational materials.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to proofread, edit and produce written materials and effective presentations.

Excellent interpersonal, organizational and public relations skills. Must possess a customer service-driven and team-oriented approach.

In-depth technical knowledge of online learning management systems used in higher education (e.g. Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, Desire2Learn) or similar systems.

Comprehensive knowledge of theories and methodologies of instructional design, cross-platform networking, and creating and editing web pages and websites.

Demonstrated ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience, work independently and/or with multiple departments, speak or give presentations in front of groups, and conduct effective training.

You must be a self-starter and be able to manage time and multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, achieve goals, and meet deadlines.

Strong IT skills, designing visual presentations and developing clear written, graphic, audio, video or multimedia learning materials, with creativity and attention to detail.

Preferred qualifications (knowledge, skills, abilities, education, experience, certifications, licensure)

Master’s degree in education, communications, instructional design, instructional media, educational technology, or related field, plus one (1) year of experience designing and developing technology-based educational content across a broad range of disciplines; Integrating graphic, textual and audio elements into multimedia educational materials.

Supervisory experience.

Experience working with teachers in a higher education setting.

Work schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, some nights and weekends required.

This position has the opportunity to establish a hybrid work schedule, which the university defines as an arrangement in which an employee’s work is regularly performed in a location other than an on-campus workspace for part of the week. Since this position is located within the Professional Employees Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the Professional Employees Union Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Salary information

Level 27

Special instructions for applicants

Along with the application, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references. The search will remain open until it is filled.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, class, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, and pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s). Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other category of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission and participation in academic programs, activities and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.

To achieve this policy, UMass Amherst is also committed to an affirmative action program to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and increase employment and advancement opportunities for eligible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.

It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations regarding equal opportunity and affirmative action.