Instructional Designer

About the Work Unit:

The Course Development and Instructional Technology unit provides leadership and supervision in implementation and continuous improvement of online/blended courses.  The members provide the VUSN instructors with the assistance and resources needed to design, develop, and deliver high quality online instructional materials grounded in good course design principles and our understanding of how people learn. We also offer guidance to educators on the use, exploration, and experimentation of instructional technologies that promote curricular innovation in online learning.  Talents range from implementing instructional design strategies, developing content using course management applications, developing interactive instructional elements, and creating audio, video and multimedia features of online/hybrid courses.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Guides the course and curriculum development process to ensure that quality standards are met in compliance with program accreditation standards.

• Assists in the development and/or revisions of course mapping, course level design, and unit level learning objectives.
• Uses database-driven tools to maximize efficiency in course development and evaluation activities.
• Update and maintain course related records and data to ensure accurate reporting for academic leadership.
• Applies visual design elements to online course components, documents, and forms.

Build and create interactive and engaging courses within the Learning Management System to help facilitate effective online learning experiences.

• Provides feedback to instructors regarding instructional strategies and teaching and learning resources.
• Reviews courses for quality, interactivity and consistency.
• Implements the Quality Matters framework for the promotion of excellence.
• Communicates with other D3 staff for the creative deployment of instructional graphics, images, banners, videos, animations and infographics to support learning goals.
• Develop courses, e-learning modules, and blended learning experiences using the learning management system and authoring tools such as Articulate 360, or Rise.

Promotes the use of the university selected course-based management system.

• Contributes to online Knowledgebase those content areas that would provide just-in-time learning for users of the course-based management system.

Stay abreast of emerging trends and advancements in instructional design methodologies, technologies, and e-learning practices to ensure the integration of innovative and effective instructional strategies.

• Attends continuing education events as needed.
• Seeks resources to meet identified learning needs.

Supervisory Relationships:

• This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Instructional Design Manager.

   

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree is required.  
• Master's degree in Instructional Design or related fields strongly preferred.
• Previous teaching, training or working experience in instructional design, or an instruction design degree is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Proven working experience in instructional design with instructional technology is required.
• Knowledge of learning theories and instructional design models is required.
• Solid knowledge of course development, lesson and curriculum planning skills is required.
• Knowledge of Learning Management Systems is required.
• Ability to write effective instructional text, audio and storyboards is strongly preferred.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.