Learning Engineer

Job Summary

The Learning Engineer will provide curriculum design, technology support, and course development services to faculty in the School of Communication. The Learning Engineer uses instructional design expertise to help assess, design, and co-develop blended digital learning experiences with instructors using Northwestern’s Canvas educational platform and other educational technology applications.

Specific Responsibilities

• Prepare, revise, provide quality assurance, and launch courses in an online or blended format. Actively partner with faculty to identify course objectives and instructional goals, develop curricula, and provide guidance on course presentation and production. Exercise project management skills in working with faculty to develop online, hybrid courses, or blended learning experiences for varied student communities. Offer guidance and mentorship to faculty while the courses are being taught.
• Provide training, guidance, and technical support to auxiliary staff and student cohorts working in online and blended learning environments, including both remote and on-site support across the Chicago and Evanston campuses;
• Engage with faculty who express interest to broaden the reach of instructional design innovations to their courses, especially encouraging the adoption of active learning techniques;
• Collaborate with, train, and support faculty on the adoption of appropriate classroom technologies that can help advance their educational goals. Teach faculty new delivery strategies and pedagogy options. Monitor and maintain the accessibility of the digital learning environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of learning science and instructional design principles for the effective support of online and blended education, peer learning, and active learning practices. Maintain current knowledge of technological changes that impact teaching and learning, including generative AI;
• Collaborate with the School of Communication’s Director Learning Development and Academic Technology and the Directors and Associate Directors of the professional programs on workshops, documentation, and training;

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in instructional design, learning sciences or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field with certification in instructional design; or related, higher-education experience with training that is equivalent to the skills and knowledge of these degree credentials
• Two years of experience working on faculty-driven educational initiatives, bringing instructional design and analysis to the cooperative development work of instructors, educational technology support staff, and teaching assistants.
• 1-3 years’ experience with an LMS.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Understanding of security for university systems.
• Understanding of web accessibility standards.

Minimum Competencies

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a team environment;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated skills in building relationships with instructors.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness

Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Professional Growth & Development

Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.