University of Tennessee Chattanooga

Job Description

The Instructional Designer & Developer will work in both self-directed and collaborative roles to implement and enhance processes for the development, upkeep, and assessment of online learning resources, with a focus on sustainability, scalability, and accessibility. In consultation with the Head of Teaching and Learning Programs and colleagues, this person will lead and contribute to projects and initiatives that advance the Libraries’ infrastructure of support for online learning and open education.

The Instructional Designer & Developer will be responsible for exploring, testing, and making use of varied technologies to complete projects in accordance with design specifications and best practices in effective learning and teaching. The individual in this position will actively communicate and collaborate to ensure that the Libraries’ online learning objects meet campus standards, align with adaptive and assistive technology requirements, and are integrated into appropriate instructional platforms. They will also provide technical assistance, training, and consultation services to support colleagues’ work engaging with students and instructors in synchronous and asynchronous learning environments. The person in this position should be self-motivated, solutions-oriented, and adept at learning and applying emerging technologies and inclusive design principles into face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning modalities.

Responsibilities

Content Creation

• Conceptualizes, develops, implements, and maintains user-oriented online learning and instructional resources, including tutorials, interactive activities, and instructional tools
• Collaborates with colleagues and subject matter experts to identify needs and develop approaches to meet defined learning outcomes and goals
• Conducts and contributes to assessment of resources to evaluate usability and effectiveness in meeting learning goals; regularly communicates the results of learnings of this assessment
• Creates and enhances content management processes that support the scalability, sustainability, and accessibility of online learning resources
• Contributes to the upkeep and maintenance of the Libraries’ instructional web presence to ensure consistency, accuracy, and accessibility

Technical Expertise and Support

• Tests, provides technical expertise, and troubleshoots to support the effective delivery and integration of online learning tools. May provide specific support for a designated Libraries or University platform. Such as LibApps or Canvas, based on needs and/or expertise
• Applies current pedagogical and design principles to recommend, implement, and optimize technologies that support instructional goals and improve resource discoverability and usability
• Collaborates with University and Libraries’ partners to integrate the Libraries’ online learning offerings into appropriate platforms and ensure alignment with technology requirements, web accessibility standards, and best practices for user engagement
• Documents and shares procedures and standards to guide creation and maintenance of instructional resources

Consultation and Guidance

• Advises and collaborates with colleagues and stakeholders to refine, enhance, or update their online learning objects, ensuring alignment with instructional goals, accessibility standards, and best practices
• Offers individualized support for creating or improving user-focused instructional materials, such as interactive modules, research guides, and Canvas integrations
• Contributes to and supports learning initiatives such as workshops and information literacy sessions that connect Libraries’ instructional services with broader University and student success initiatives

Professional Development and Engagement

• Engages in 1-3 hours of professional development opportunities per month, such as conferences, webinars, and workshops, to stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in instructional design and online learning
• Serves on committees, working groups, and task forces that align with departmental and library priorities, including initiatives related to online learning environments, web accessibility, and emerging technologies
• Participates in departmental and library-wide planning, assessment, and decision-making processes through active contributions to meetings and through assigned projects

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree
• Experience:
  • Two of more years’ experience of designing and developing online instructional tutorials or other learning objects or an equivalent combination of education, training, customer support and demonstrated knowledge and experience is required
  • Demonstrated experience in instructional design and instructional technologies
  • Demonstrated experience creating online tutorials
  • Experience creating training materials and/or conducting training sessions
  • Demonstrated knowledge of accessibility and/ or universal design principles
  • Ability to work Collaboratively in a team-based environment
  • Ability to work independently on simultaneous projects
  • Ability to effectively design instructional materials for online, hybrid, and in-person delivery
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices in content development
  • Skill in communicating effectively with others across departments and job functions
  • Ability to think creatively and problem solve, balancing attention to detail with seeing the larger picture.
  • Ability to research and learn new scripting languages, software, and technologies
  • Knowledge of content development and editing tools (for instance, Adobe Captivate, Articulate 360, Camtasia)
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Ability to work Collaboratively in a team-based environment
  • Ability to work independently on simultaneous projects
  • Ability to effectively design instructional materials for online, hybrid, and in-person delivery
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices in content development
  • Skill in communicating effectively with others across departments and job functions
  • Ability to think creatively and problem solve, balancing attention to detail with seeing the larger picture.
  • Ability to research and learn new scripting languages, software, and technologies
  • Knowledge of content development and editing tools (for instance, Adobe Captivate, Articulate 360, Camtasia)

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:
  • Master’s Degree in Instructional Design, Information Science, Education, or related field
• Experience:
  • Experience using scripting languages to add interactivity to web-based instructional objects
  • Experience in library or higher education environment
  • Graphic design experience
  • Coursework in instructional technology or design
  • Experience teaching online
  • Knowledge in course management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard
  • Skill in working with varied learner populations, including non-traditional students and adult learners
  • Knowledge in open educational resources and/or open pedagogy
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge in course management systems such as Canvas or Blackboard
  • Skill in working with varied learner populations, including non-traditional students and adult learners
  • Knowledge in open educational resources and/or open pedagogy

Work Location

• Location: Knoxville, TN On-Site

Compensation and Benefits

UT market range: MR10

• Anticipated hiring range:
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College/Department/

The University of Tennessee Libraries are an integral part of the flagship campus of Tennessee’s premier public research university. The University of Tennessee holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation, granted to doctoral universities with very high research activity. As a land-grant university and as Volunteers, serving our state and nation is key to our mission. UT enrolls approximately 38,728 students at its Knoxville campus. For more information about the people who comprise the UTK community, view resources on our Data Central website. The University culture is guided by adherence to core values that define the Volunteer spirit and include seeking knowledge, leading with innovation and integrity, engaging locally and globally, and embracing responsible stewardship of resources.

The UT Libraries supports the teaching, research, and service mission of the university and enhances the academic experience of each student at the Knoxville campus through outstanding print and electronic collections, reference and instructional services, and top-notch facilities and technological resources. The John C. Hodges Library in the heart of campus houses the majority of the UT Libraries’ collections and many distinctive services. Two branch libraries offer specialized collections and services: the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library and the George F. DeVine Music Library.

The UT Libraries is a national leader in digital collections; in support of open access though our digital repository, TRACE; and through a rich history of designing innovative spaces and building key partnerships that enhance the teaching/learning enterprise. The UT Libraries is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, HathiTrust, the Library Publishing Coalition, Lyrasis, and the Center for Research Libraries. The UT Libraries collaborates actively at the state level with the other University of Tennessee System libraries as well as the libraries in the Tennessee Board of Regents system.

We believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and can achieve success.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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