Instructional Designer, Distance Education

Instructional Designer

Under the leadership of the Director of Distance Education, the Instructional Designer will provide pedagogical support for faculty to ensure quality in the design and delivery of distance learning, hybrid, and face-to-face courses. The instructional designer will instruct faculty on the proper use of the TJC LMS (Canvas) and other educational technologies, as well as conduct course certifications for online and hybrid courses.

Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and subject matter experts to design, develop, and update course content for online, hybrid, and face-to-face classes;
• Employ instructional design principles, adult learning theory, and technology tools to enhance the educational experience for students;
• Assist faculty in creating engaging and interactive learning materials, including multimedia elements, assessments, and course activities;
• Stay current on emerging educational technologies and best practices to ensure the college remains at the forefront of online education;
• Provide training and support to faculty in the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), multimedia software, and other instructional technologies;
• Conduct needs assessments and analysis to identify areas for course improvement and recommend appropriate solutions;
• Assist in developing and maintaining course design standards and guidelines;
• Ensure course materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities;
• Keep accurate records and documentation of course design projects and faculty interactions;
• Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for faculty and students experiencing technical or instructional issues in online courses;
• Participate in instructional design team meetings and contribute to the development of college-wide instructional design strategies and initiatives;
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Collaboration/Teamwork, Computer Software Skills, Customer Service, Data Analysis, Decision-making, Internet Research, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Maintenance, Math Skills, Multi-tasking, Negotiation

Written Communication, Organizational Skills, Presentation /Public Speaking, Problem-solving, Project Management, Student Information System/ERP, Time Management, Typing/Word Processing

Preferred Skills

Collaboration/Teamwork

Supervisory Responsibilities

Individual Contributor

Work Environment: Regular work required outside of normal business hours

Physical Demands: Sitting, walking, standing, pushing, lifting up to (~35 lbs.), driving

Travel Required: Yes - moderate

If travel is required, candidate must have and maintain a current, valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record

Required Education

Master's Degree

Required Experience

Three years of related experience

Preferred Education

Master's Degree

Additional Job Specific Requirements

• Experience in instructional design and course development in higher education settings
• Proficiency with Learning Management Systems (LMS) (e.g., Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle) and other educational technologies
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and experience in creating accessible course materials
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills to work collaboratively with faculty and staff

Expectations

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities are subject to change at any time, with or without notice.
• Will have contact – in person, by email, or by phone – with staff, students, and the general public.
• Must exhibit a sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and to staff and students with disabilities.
• Regular and punctual attendance is an essential function of each employee.

Note: With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual in this position must possess the competencies and must be able to perform the essential functions and duties of the job as described above, including essential tasks requiring specific physical demands.

This is a security-sensitive position. Candidates will be subject to a criminal background check.

Benefits

Insurance (Coverage fully or partially funded by the College)

Health Insurance Health insurance will become effective on the first of the month following 60 days of employment, provided that insurance enrollment forms are submitted. There are two plans for employees to choose from, both administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. With either plan, you have access to a network of over 10,000 medical and mental health providers in Texas. Both plans include a comprehensive prescription drug program through Optum Rx. Employee's premium is fully funded by the College and State. Dependent premiums are funded 75% by the College and State, and 25% by the employee.

Basic Life Term Life Insurance The State provides employees a term life insurance policy of $5,000 with $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment.

Long-Term Disability This benefit is made available by the State and is fully funded by the College. Approved benefit pays 60% of insurance salary after 180-day elimination period. Benefits are paid until your return to work, reach full Social Security retirement age or are no longer considered disabled under the plan.

Optional Term Life Insurance With this optional plan, employees may purchase one to four times their annual salary in life insurance. The College funds one times the annual salary premium not to exceed $120 annually.

Optional Insurance (Coverage fully funded by the employee)

Dental Insurance Two dental insurance plans are available to full-time employees and eligible dependents.

Vision Insurance The health insurance plan covers some vision and eye health services, but does not cover the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Additional vision insurance is offered to full-time employees and eligible dependents to help offset those costs.

Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment This optional benefit provides additional financial support when there is an accidental death or injury of a certain type.

Short-Term Disability If claim is approved, this optional benefit pays 66% of monthly salary after a 30-day elimination period up to five months.

Cancer/Intensive Care Plan/Heart Plan/Accident Plan Several optional plans are available to employees and eligible dependents through AFLAC.

Dependent Term Life Insurance An optional term-life insurance policy of $5,000 with accidental death and dismemberment is available for all eligible dependents.

Tobacco User Premium All participants enrolled in a Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) health plan must be certified as a tobacco user or non-user. Tobacco users of any age – adults and minors – are charged the $30 tobacco user premium each month.

Retirement The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is provided and required for all full-time employees. Full-time faculty an eligible administrative employees may elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) as an alternative to TRS.

TJC Alternative Retirement Plan The College contributes on a monthly basis 4% of a full-time employee's salary into an alternative retirement plan administered by TIAA-CREF. Additionally, if an employee contributes 1%, 2% or 3%, the College will make a matching contribution for a total of 6%, 8% or 10% respectively. Some vesting requirements will apply.

Tax-Sheltered 403(b) Plans An optional retirement plan available to full-time employees. Employees may contribute up to the annual IRS maximum limitation in voluntary retirement savings to various approved vendors.

457 Deferred Compensation Plan An optional retirement plan available to full-time employees. Employees may contribute to the annual IRS maximum limitation in this voluntary retirement savings plan.

Holidays and Leave