Human Resources

Summary

The Instructional Developer works closely with CTL colleagues—such as instructional designers and educational technologists—and with the MTU instructional team to design and develop accessible high-quality instructional materials that enhance learning experiences in both face to face and online modalities. This role involves creating instructional resources, integrating educational technology tools, and ensuring all content meets ADA accessibility standards. The Instructional Developer also supports instructors by training them in best practices for effective technology use and regularly evaluates course materials for accessibility to optimize student engagement and learning outcomes. Additionally, this role serves as an expert on digital accessibility standards and emerging educational technologies to recommend tools that support teaching and learning innovation.

Responsibilities 

1. Collaborate with instructional designers and the MTU instructional team to identify required instructional materials based on course learning objectives with an emphasis on:
a. Providing guidance on creating accessible course content.
b. Collaborating with instructors to improve course accessibility.
2. Work directly with instructors to translate course plans into specific instructional components, including the development of content pages, presentations, documents, multimedia content, assessments, and interactive learning activities that align with course goals.
3. Introduce and train instructors on educational technology tools—including the learning management system (Canvas), video platform (Panopto), ePortfolio tool (PebblePad), and student polling tool (iClicker)—to empower them to create engaging and accessible course materials.
4. Ensure all developed instructional materials meet ADA digital accessibility standards to support an inclusive learning environment.
5. Provide consultations and workshops for the MTU instructional team to support effective use of educational technologies in course development.
6. Evaluate and refine course materials by gathering instructor and student feedback to enhance usability, accessibility, and alignment with learning outcomes.
7. Research and implement emerging educational technologies to develop innovative and engaging course elements that support teaching and learning best practices.
8. Stay current with best practices in instructional development by engaging in self-directed professional reading, building professional networks, and actively participating in professional development opportunities.
9. Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

Bachelor’s degree in Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Education, or a related field.

Required Experience

● Previous experience in instructional development, instructional design, educational technology, or a related role.
● Experience developing and supporting accessible face-to-face and online course learning materials.
● Familiarity with educational technology tools (e.g., Canvas, Panopto, etc.) and productivity software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
● Basic understanding of digital accessibility best practices, and familiarity with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● Master’s degree in Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Education, or a related field.
● Two or more years of experience in instructional development, educational technology, or a similar role.
● Experience developing and supporting course materials for face-to-face, online, and blended learning environments in higher education.
● Experience collaborating with instructional designers and instructors to translate course frameworks into fully developed learning materials.
● Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team-based environment, consulting with instructors to develop accessible and engaging instructional materials aligned with course goals.
● Ability to work professionally in challenging environments and navigate difficult situations with individuals at various levels.
● Experience contributing to or supporting campus initiatives, such as digital accessibility compliance efforts.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Knowledge of instructional development techniques, including creating content pages, multimedia resources, assessments, and interactive learning activities.
● Familiarity with WCAG digital accessibility standards.
● Ability to manage multiple projects, work independently, prioritize assignments and meet firm project deadlines.
● Ability to collaborate with instructional designers, educational technologists, and instructors, providing hands-on support in developing and implementing course components.
● Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple development projects, prioritize tasks, and meet project deadlines.
● Ability to develop and deliver training sessions or workshops on the digital accessibility of common course materials, including content pages, documents, presentations, and videos.
● Effective communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information into accessible content for diverse audiences.
● Proficiency in using learning management systems, video platforms, and productivity software for instructional materials development.
● Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and contribute to an inclusive educational environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Ability to work with both MacOS and Windows operating systems.
● Excellent skills using various software applications and web-based systems (e.g., Canvas, Panopto, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Camtasia, Snagit, etc.) used in the development of quality face to face and online courses.
● Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in addressing development challenges.
● Skilled at graphic and web page design, including knowledge of HTML.

Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints. 

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security Training 

• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Other Conditions of Employment:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Shift

1st Shift

Pay Rate/Salary

No less than $60,000

Title of Position Supervisor

Director CTL & ICT Access Coordinator

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding

Additional Information

Additional information about the Center for Learning can be found on our website at www.mtu/ctl/