Instructional Designer

Department

PSD Applied Data Science Staff

About the Department

The Masters of Science in Applied Data Science (MS-ADS) program is a professional graduate program within the Data Science Institute and Physical Sciences Division at The University of Chicago. The purpose of the MS-ADS program is to train and educate students in aspects of Data Science and Analytics that are critical for positions in industry. Designed for professionals with backgrounds in technical fields who want to become data scientists through rigorous classes, expert instructors, leading-edge technology, and an unparalleled network of industry professionals. As such, it aims to be innovative in its methods and to respond both to changes in technology and to changes in the needs of the world of industry. Learn more about our program at https://datascience.uchicago.edu/education/masters-programs/ms-in-applied-data-science

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Academic Affairs and Operations, the Instructional Designer (ID) will support the translation of faculty subject expertise to educational technology platforms for effective educational outcomes in the MS in Applied Data Science (MS-ADS) program at the University of Chicago. The ID will join a mid-sized team that serves across multiple functional areas. The ID will provide critical expertise and input regarding promising or best practices for how MS-ADS faculty teach and how students learn. Therefore, it is integral that the new hire provides both pedagogy and instructional technology support to Online Program full- and part-time faculty. Limited support will also be provided to faculty who teach with the In-Person program. Additionally, the ID will support the development, delivery, evaluation, and maintenance of high-quality, primarily online courses. More specifically, the ID will work with individual faculty members to create effective strategies in online pedagogy, including but not limited to 1) use of educational technology tools within the learning management system, rich media, assessment systems, real-time platforms, and related systems; 2) design of learning objectives that lead to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; and 3) creation of appropriately rigorous learning resources, activities, and assessments. This position is based in NBC Tower in downtown Chicago, IL and is eligible for a partially remote work schedule. A fully remote schedule may be considered for non-local applicants.

Responsibilities

• Act as a consultant to program leadership and faculty to provide instructional design expertise during the exploration, planning, and design of online offerings and programs.

• Collaborate with and support instructors, other guest experts, and course teams to create online learning experiences throughout all stages of design and development (i.e., defined learning objectives, course maps, outlines, scripts, slides, videos, assignments, activities, compliance reviews, beta-tests, and preparing final products for launch).

• Oversee and execute on all phases of the design process, aligning instructional content to learning outcomes, while creating instructionally sound and engaging learning opportunities, and developing quality assessment tools.

• Oversee and execute on course design revisions and improvements in existing courses.

• Maintain up-to-date, in-depth knowledge of best and emerging practices in online teaching and continuing and professional education and presenting on best and emerging practices to internal and external audiences.

• Assess effectiveness of learning experiences and design and development processes and identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous improvement.

• Evaluate course quality in terms of design, writing, and editing using established online learning and design rubrics, such as Quality Matters or OLC.

• Develop and communicate course development and implementation schedules.

• Communicate knowledge and application of effective pedagogy and use of academic technologies.

• Apply the appropriate learning theory and instructional theory necessary for excellent online and in-person course design and implementation.

• Design online content in Canvas and integrate current educational technologies to promote effective teaching strategies and to improve student-learning experiences.

• Act as an expert resource for our Canvas learning management system and related tools.

• Manage and coordinate the quarterly setup and maintenance of courses in Canvas and its associated applications such as Zoom, EdDiscussions, and Panopto.

• Assist faculty and other subject matter experts in navigating the Canvas learning management system in coordination with Instructional Services staff.

• Develop instructor, TA, and student support materials, tutorials, orientations, help sessions, and workshops, as needed.

• Work with MS-ADS Instructional Services staff, UChicago Instructional Technology staff, and other academic units to identify new services and test new academic and learning technologies.

• Remain current and have a thorough understanding of the latest industry technology tools and trends in online education.

• Drafts teaching materials that support academic and professional writing and writing pedagogy. Implements and assists with evaluating writing program curricula, policies, and procedures.

• Gathers and analyzes data for possible solutions concerning program performance. Writes reports and expands knowledge and experience in the area.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Instructional Design or Education.
• Certification in Instructional Design.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge and understanding of Quality Matters, Online Learning Consortium and similar online learning rubrics.
• Familiarity with Universal Design and other accessibility principles to ensure course content is accessible to all learners.
• Excellent attention to detail and skills in communication, customer service, presentation design and delivery, and data collection and analysis.
• Proven ability to work effectively and communicate with subject matter experts, peers, users and media developers.
• Experience in leading and managing multiple, complex projects, and the ability to schedule, prioritize and meet varied deadlines across these projects.
• Strong research, content analysis, and content preparation skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Proven knowledge of instructional design strategies, along with the current techniques, tools, and procedures used in the design, development, and evaluation of technology-enhanced and online courses and programs.
• Experience with graphic design and AV elements appropriate for online instruction, including
• Experience in asynchronous online classroom teaching or workshop facilitation.
• Demonstrated competence in working with learning management systems, such as Canvas, including related integrated applications such as Zoom, Panopto, EdDiscussions, Gradescope, etc.
• Experience in Higher Education or related academic environment.

Working Conditions

• This position is eligible for a partially remote work schedule.
• A fully remote schedule may be considered for non-local applicants.
• This position may require occasional work outside of standard business hours to accommodate instructor schedules.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References - Name, email address, and phone number of 3 references (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Academic Affairs

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$76,000.00 - $92,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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