Position Description
Boston University Virtual is a unit at Boston University focused on the creation of high-quality online degree and certificate programs. We are seeking an experienced Learning Designer to work collaboratively with faculty, subject matter experts and the broader learning design team to design, develop, enhance and deliver high-quality, differentiated online programs. The Learning Designer has a broad range of skills in designing and developing online programs and courses across disciplines and for a global audience. They are well versed in program design and development, learner journey mapping, establishment of objectives and course outcomes, rubrics, creation and curation of compelling and differentiated content and resources, all while adhering to learning science and quality standards. The ideal candidate has worked extensively in a dynamic and agile online environment, and has a passion for creating meaningful learning experiences in a digital world. This individual also has the ability to lead, collaborate and influence across teams and in sessions that involve stakeholders across a variety of academic and industry sectors to deliver on a common vision and to drive alignment and strong execution in the creation of best-in-class online programs.
This is a tremendous opportunity to join a growing team, and to have an instrumental role in the design and development of an online portfolio of programs.
Primary Responsibilities
- Collaborate and lead the instructional design and program and course development activities, working with a broad range of stakeholders including faculty, learning designers, subject matter experts, learning facilitators, media producers, and others on the design, delivery and continuous improvement of online programs and courses.
- Ensure that instructional goals and objectives are in place and connected across courses and programs and design courses in alignment with those goals.
- Develop and align to common frameworks that may include objectives, skills mapping, grading, assessments, rubrics, and other components.
- Create interactive learning experiences and compelling course content that enhances student knowledge, application, and engagement.
- Visualize instructional graphics and design exercises, simulations, audio, video and activities that leverage innovative and emerging technologies.
- Apply proven pedagogical and instructional guidance in the design, delivery and enhancement of online programs and courses both for synchronous and asynchronous delivery.
- Guide faculty through the design and development process including writing learning objectives and course outlines, script development, assessment and assignment creation, media planning and visual storyboards.
- Cultivate collaborative and professional relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders across schools and colleges aligning on priorities, objectives and agreed upon timelines.
- Collaborate with Media Producers in the conceptualization and design of supporting elements that augment and enhance the program and learner experience.
- Ensure all programs and courses meet accessibility standards and support an environment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion.
- Play a key role in documenting and updating standards for designing and developing programs and courses at BU Virtual; keep abreast of new andragogies and instructional design techniques in online learning.
Required Skills
Required Skills
- Proven experience working in instructional design and with instructional technology, preferably in an online, edtech or university environment.
- 5-7 years of hands-on experience in the design, development, and delivery of digital instructional content; experience with graduate or professional students is a plus.
- Demonstrated ability to apply instructional design principles, learning theory, and educational technologies in the design and development of learning experiences.
- Strong familiarity and experience working with education technology tools and technologies including content management systems, learning management systems, collaboration tools, and others that enable the creation of a quality online learning environment.
- Strong writing and visual design conceptualization skills the ability to storyboard concepts and approaches to bring learning alive in an online environment. Ability to write effective copy, instructional text, and audio/video scripts.
- Sound understanding of lesson and curriculum planning and the implications design details have on course delivery for large online cohort-based programs.
- Familiarity with building programs and courses inside of the university's learning management system.
- Strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage and navigate success in an environment where there may be conflicting priorities.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills; an ability to lead and influence teams in a highly collaborative environment, while also demonstrating hands-on skills.
- Ability to adapt to change and steer new models and approaches in a dynamic and fast paced environment.
- A strong team player and problem solver with a bias for action and delivering on results.
- Bachelors or masters degree in instructional design, education technology or related field.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
Required Experience