Learning Designer, Career Edge

About the Role

The Career Edge Learning Designer (LD) manages the development and maintenance of Unity Environmental University’s Career Edge. This role synthesizes technical and pedagogical literacy to design engaging, experiential learning experiences in collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) and institutional administrators.

Key Responsibilities

• Iteratively improve student-learning experiences through collection and analysis of student data, as well as feedback from course instructors and SMEs, to follow the evolving needs of professional spheres
• Continuously evaluate performance of designed courses and efficacy of established Learning Design practices using student performance data
• Document emerging and refined processes as foundational and guiding standards of practice (SOPs) for Career Edge growth
• Collaborate closely with Career Edge Creative Media Developer to produce targeted, STEM-focused curriculum for technical careers
• Push the envelope of online learning with access to AI and XR developers while ensuring content accessibility using universal design principles
• Work collaboratively with faculty and staff to design and develop high quality, innovative, engaging courses
• Act as an expert resource for learning management system(s) (LMS) and related tools
• Apply appropriate learning and instructional theories for excellent course designs and implementations
• Develop media-rich, efficient learning experiences in collaboration with Creative Media Developers
• Integrate current educational technologies to promote effective teaching strategies and improve student learning experiences
• Develop and lead trainings on online instructor and student support materials, including tutorials, orientations, help sessions, and workshops
• Communicate knowledge and application of effective pedagogy and use of academic technologies
• Facilitate and coordinate administrative aspects of course development, delivery, and support
• Act as consultant to Career Edge faculty and leadership on the process of LD in teaching, research, and creative works
• Provide LD services, consultation, and assistance to plan, coordinate, support, evaluate and improve course, learning experience, and program designs
• Appraise learning content quality in terms of design, writing, and editing; identify and provide corrective action when needed in alignment with best practices for adult online learning
• Develop and manage course development and implementation schedules
• Assist faculty and subject matter experts in navigating learning environments, in coordination with Learning Technology Support Specialists and IT
• Oversee all phases of the design process, aligning instructional content to learning outcomes, creating instructionally sound and engaging learning opportunities, and developing quality assessment tools
• Oversee design revisions and outcomes-based improvements of existing products
• Provide pedagogical guidance to the development of badged learning activities
• Remain current and maintain thorough understanding of latest industry technology tools and trends in online education
• Work with Learning Technology Support Specialists and IT to develop new services and test new academic and learning technologies
• Proactively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned

Institutional Expectations

• Challenge the status quo to drive innovation and impact; think creatively, disrupt conventional approaches, and contribute to creating new pathways for success
• Operate with agility, resilience, and a relentless focus on outcomes; embrace change by adapting, iterating, and continuously improving
• Uphold the highest standards of ethical, professional, and accountable work; model integrity, transparency, and commitment to results
• Demonstrate commitment to sustainability in all aspects of work, including responsible stewardship of resources, strategic decision-making, and ensuring long-term institutional impact
• Foster bold thinking and take action to solve pressing challenges; contribute to transformative, scalable solutions that create meaningful change
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Strong research, content analysis, and content preparation skills
• Experience in leading and managing multiple, complex projects with ability to schedule, prioritize and meet varied deadlines
• Ability to work both independently and within a team
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills with strong interpersonal and presentation skills, working with diverse content and populations
• Proven ability to stay current with rapidly changing technologies
• Ability and willingness to work with students from diverse political/socioeconomic backgrounds and a wide range of physical and academic abilities
• Personal commitment to the environmental focus and mission of the Institution
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous and well poised

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Instructional Design, Education, or equivalent field
• One year of experience working in a full-time instructional design capacity, collaborating directly with faculty in online curriculum building and course development
• Experience developing non-traditional learning experiences
• Experience with badging
• Proven knowledge of instructional design strategies, along with current techniques, tools, and procedures used in design, development, and evaluation of technology-enhanced and online courses and programs
• Experience with graphic design and AV elements appropriate for online instruction, especially using Adobe Creative Cloud suite
• Experience in online classroom teaching or workshop facilitation
• 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
• Proven ability to work effectively and communicate with subject matter experts, peers, users and media developers
• Demonstrated competence in working with learning management systems, such as Canvas
• Familiarity with HTML and CSS

Work Schedule

Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours is required as needed. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting the Institution's needs. Employees are generally scheduled at their assigned locations but may be required to travel or work temporary assignments at any Unity Environmental University location.

Physical Demands

While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping and turning, and fine manipulation is required, as is ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed mostly in an office setting. The noise level is normally moderate. Exposure to changes of temperature or humidity occurs 1-33% of the time.