Instructional Designer

PSD Applied Data Science Staff 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 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.

• 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 requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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

Academic Affairs Individual Contributor 37.5 No No No Salary Exempt $76,000.00 - $92,000.00 Yes