Western Governors University

Instructional Technologist

Western Governors University$66K — $100K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience
  • 3 years of experience in online course design and curriculum development
  • Thorough knowledge of instructional design and learning theory
  • Effective communication skills (interpersonal, written, verbal)
  • Experience with accessibility regulations (ADA, UDL) and quality assurance for course design
  • Proficiency in LMS systems (Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, etc.)
  • Knowledge of HTML, CSS, and educational technology tools

Responsibilities

  • Manage the course build process and drive continuous improvement
  • Ensure quality standards are met in the student experience
  • Collaborate with development teams on research-based online course design
  • Align learning outcomes, content, and assessments throughout course development
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews and implement necessary revisions
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges impacting online content delivery
  • Train and mentor team members on educational technologies

Benefits

  • Eligibility for bonuses and health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • Flexible paid time off and sick leave with no accrual required
  • 11 paid holidays and up to 12 weeks of parental leave
  • Discounted tuition for WGU programs
  • Retirement savings plan and additional insurance coverage options
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Instructional Technologist develops and ensures that online learning products support the vision and design of WGU courses and learning experiences. The Instructional Technologist is responsible for setting up and building online learning experiences according to the design specifications of assigned projects. This role focuses on troubleshooting, solving technical problems related to the delivery of learning and assessment materials, and is responsible for creating a consistent learning experience in the selected platform. The Instructional Technologist also ensures that all aspects of the course work properly (i.e., hyperlinks, videos, sandboxes, third-party integrations) and collaborates with the accessibility team to ensure universal design best practices are met. This role is responsible for the success of simultaneous projects, assessing risks, reporting progress, and communicating effectively with stakeholders.

Location: This role is located in our Raleigh, NC office.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Manage the build process for new courses and learning experiences, and attend to continuous improvement and technology innovations of assigned projects.
  • Ensure that quality standards are reflected in all aspects of the student experience.
  • Collaborate with development team members to build superior online courses that are supported by research-based best practices in online learning.
  • Work with the development team to ensure alignment of learning outcomes, content, and assessment during the build of courses in the selected platform.
  • Work with project managers and other team members to ensure all deadline dates are met throughout the design and development process.
  • Conduct quality assurance reviews on courses and implement revisions.
  • Assist with identifying and resolving challenges related to technology, to online delivery of content and assessments, and to the student experience.
  • Stay informed about updates, changes, retiring assets, innovations, and opportunities related to WGU's selected platforms, delivery tools, and processes.
  • Train and mentor team members on assigned WGU technologies.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.


Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:
  • Thorough knowledge of instructional design and learning theory
  • The ability to develop online courses according to project requirements and style guide
  • Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to collaborate to achieve positive results on projects
  • Experience with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and copyright compliance regulations and requirements
  • Demonstrated knowledge of agile development or rapid prototyping
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies, solve emergent technical problems, and share learnings and suggestions with a team to come to a quick, value-driven solution
  • Demonstrated success with creating beautiful, friction-free learning experiences for students in competency-based programs
  • Ability to manage multiple projects at different stages while meeting deadlines and quality standards
  • Ability to work independently, under minimal supervision
  • Strong Knowledge of available open educational resources (OERs)
  • Demonstrated proficiency with educational technology and assessment/testing tools
  • Advanced skills in planning, organizing, and managing priorities


Job Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field of study or equivalent work experience
  • Three (3) years of experience working with online university course design, curriculum development, online learning technologies and pedagogies, learner experience design, LMS systems, and assessment delivery systems such as Blackboard, Canvas, Smart Author, Brightspace, Moodle, etc., and ensuring quality standards for course design are met


Preferred Qualifications:
  • HTML coding skills with additional skills in CSS, AWS Cloud, Google Cloud, and Azure
  • Additional experience with the following
    • Competency-based learning
    • Quality assurance training and certification (i.e., CBEN, OSCQR)
    • Teaching experience
    • Experience utilizing AI tools


Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
  • This position may require occasional travel.


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Position & Application Details

Full-Time Regular Positions (classified as regular and working 40 standard weekly hours): This is a full-time, regular position (classified for 40 standard weekly hours) that is eligible for bonuses; medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare; health savings account and flexible spending account; basic and voluntary life insurance; disability coverage; accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages; legal and identity theft coverage; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; discounted WGU tuition; and flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual, flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual, 11 paid holidays, and other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.

How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.

Additional Information

Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.

Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at [email protected].

About Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is a private, nonprofit online university based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The university was founded by 19 U.S. governors in 1997 with a mission to expand access to higher education. WGU offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, and healthcare. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and has been recognized by the White House as an example of excellence in education innovation. WGU has a competency-based learning model, which allows students to progress through their coursework at their own pace based on their mastery of the material.
Learn more about Western Governors University
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