Digital Learning Designer, Extension Learning Technologies

Working title: Digital Learning Designer

Appointment: Full-time, Academic technologist 3 (job code 9703AY)

Position Openings: Two (2) open positions

Extension Area: Extension Learning Technologies

Starting Salary: $72-85,000 estimated annual salary; commensurate with qualifications

Office Location: Coffey Hall, St. Paul Campus. Hybrid flexible work options available 

Reports to: Chief Technology Officer

Apply By: May 5, 2024

Position Summary

The Extension Digital Learning Designers are responsible for promoting and supporting the use of learning technologies by Extensionâ™s broad range of outreach programs and initiatives, driven by college and unit goals and long-term strategies. The Digital Learning Designers have an exceptionally diverse set of projects, leading initiatives with emerging technologies as well as more traditional course and learning module development projects. A hands-on position, the Digital Learning Designers work collaboratively with program teams, providing consultation, designing, developing, leading, and evaluating complex multimodal digital learning strategies. These team members guide instructional design strategy to meet learning objectives for a broad range of Extension programs and audiences. 

Essential functions

Be a leader in production and tools for Extensionâ™s digital learning (30%)

• Research, implement, and support appropriate digital learning tools, working within the Extension Learning Technologies supported tools portfolio.
• Partner with program teams to build digital learning products using best practices and quality guidelines in support of the learning objectives they have established.
• Create sustainable production workflows that empower teams with ongoing production and maintenance, and appropriately utilize the support of the Extension Learning Technologies team, the Digital Learning and Data Regional Support Staff, and other applicable resources.
• Troubleshoot complex course design and delivery issues, partnering with central University teams as appropriate.

Engage with others to understand and advocate for Extensionâ™s digital learning needs and strategies (20%)

• Utilize learner satisfaction evaluative data to revise digital learning strategies and tactics accordingly.
• Actively advocate for, respond to, and solicit the digital learning needs of the program teams. Collaborate with educators to meet the learner needs by suggesting creative and supportable solutions.
• Understand and advocate for the academic technology-related needs of Extension in local and University-wide meetings, work groups, and communities of practice.

Train and develop program teams and support professionals in utilization of digital learning tools (25%)

• Partner with Extension professionals to strategize around and deliver ongoing development opportunities to the organization in the digital teaching and learning area.
• Curate and develop self-help resources for supported digital learning tools and Extension teaching strategies for new-to-experienced users. 

Champion quality and accessibility standards for digital learning (25%)

• Facilitate strategic course reviews of individual Extension online courses and provide relevant training or resources to support continuous improvement when requested by the instructor.
• Drive the annual quality review process for Extensionâ™s ongoing online course portfolio. 
• Use data, expertise, and research to keep Extensionâ™s quality and accessibility standards for digital learning up-to-date and inline with current best practices. 
• Contribute to our teamâ™s overall mission of supporting Extension education with technology, generating enthusiasm and action around key ideas and solutions.

Appointment/Salary/Benefits

1. Salary commensurate with education and experience. Estimated starting annual salary is $72,000 - $85,000, and will be negotiated at time of offer.
2. After initial onboarding is complete, this position utilizes a hybrid flexible work modality.
3. A full University of Minnesota benefits package is available:  .
4. Reimbursement for travel and subsistence is available in accordance with University policy.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS plus four years of related academic technology experience, or master's degree and two years of related academic technology experience
• Demonstrated expert planning and project management skills aligned with larger strategic priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience in design and delivery of distance education courses, programs and services.
• Experience developing and delivering audio/visual recording and editing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applied coursework or professional certificate in instructional design, media production, and/or educational technology is preferred.
• Have a creative, team-oriented, and effective work style that supports coalition building, meeting people where they are, and earning the trust of others.
• Be a concise and articulate spokesperson, translating technology terms and processes into understandable concepts for various audiences.
• Experience training others
• Experience developing resource guides
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access.

Additional Requirements:

• Working ability to perform tasks involving prolonged keyboarding, reading computer screen; and bending or twisting with occasional exertion of up to 30 pounds of force.
• Valid driver's license and own means of transportation with required liability insurance to be used for occasional travel related to events, programming, activities, and training.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• When not in the assigned office location, employees must be reachable with a number that will be published in the Extension staff directory. 
• Must have reliable internet if/when working outside of assigned office location.
• Must be able to work regularly at a dedicated/assigned Extension office.
• This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

Connections working at University of Minnesota Twin Cities