Instructional Designer/Technologist

Towson University (TU) has earned distinction as both a top-100 public university and one of the nation's great colleges to work for. Located north of Baltimore, TU currently enrolls over 19,000 students and is the second-largest university in the prestigious University System of Maryland. Towson University fosters a climate that is grounded in respect to cultivate the intellectual and personal growth of the entire university community.

The Instructional Designer/Technologist supports faculty in designing and delivering accessible, inclusive, and effective digital learning experiences that meet the WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards and reflect the university’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).   

As a member of the Faculty Academic Center of Excellence at Towson (FACET) team, the Instructional Designer/Technologist will collaborate with instructors across disciplines to ensure that course content delivered through Blackboard and integrated technologies is usable by all students, including those with disabilities, in compliance with federal guidelines and institutional policy.  Telework may be available for this position up to two days per week following the completion of 90 days of service in good standing.

• Participates in creation and implementation of digital accessibility workshop training, professional development events, and webinars to inform faculty of accessibility needs, trends in instructional technology, methods for effective use of accessible technology in teaching, including generative artificial intelligence tools for teaching and learning as well as TU-supported, accessible instructional technology tools.    
• Conducts quality course reviews, (per the Academic Senate approved the Online Faculty and Course Development Process) with an emphasis on digital accessibility and tracks activities comprehensively and attentively; submits course review feedback reports to faculty and internal office for record keeping and collaborates with faculty to identify strategies to address areas for digital accessibility improvement within reviewed course(s).        
• Researches and disseminates resources to faculty regarding the instructional design process for multiple modalities (face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses); instructs faculty on digital accessibility requirements and adoption of appropriate instructional technologies; and remains current on trends related to teaching/learning theories in higher education, including universal design for learning, active learning strategies, and generative AI for teaching, learning accessible course materials.
• Additional duties may be included, as assigned or approved by the supervisor.   

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Instructional Design/Technology or Education, with a strong emphasis on learner-centered instruction.       
• Experience presenting webinars and workshops on instructional design topics.    
• Experience with Microsoft 365, Blackboard or another learning management system, and current instructional technologies.      

Required Competencies:

• Ability to instruct faculty on digital accessibility requirements.     
• Ability to apply principles of alignment among objectives, assignments, and outcomes.      
• Knowledge of student engagement pedagogical strategies.  
• Knowledge of emerging technologies, including the use of AI for assisting with the creation of accessible course content.    
• Ability to work well in a team environment.      
• Ability to interpret client needs, commitment to customer service, and effective diplomacy skills.      
• Ability to advise faculty on the WCAG 2.1 AA digital accessibility standards in the course review process to ensure compliance     
• Ability to analyze and implement emerging trends, methodologies, and technologies in instructional design to identify new opportunities for enhancing learning experiences for student success.     

Preferences:

• Master’s or higher degree in Instructional Design/Technology, or Education, with a strong emphasis on learner-centered instruction.      
• One to three years or more of experience as an instructional designer or technologist, designing online or blended instruction, with a preference for experience in higher education.     
• Experience conducting faculty reviews of online and hybrid courses.     
• Experience as a higher education instructor or instructional designer.     
• Both in-person and online teaching or instructional design experience.     

Targeted salary range of $72,000-$77,000 annually and full University benefits that include 22 days of annual leave, up to 15 holidays, personal and sick days; excellent health, life, and retirement plans; and tuition remission. To learn more about our benefits, click here. TU also offers a variety of great perks and discounts, which can be found here.

This position will be open for a minimum of 14 days. For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume with your online application.