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Instructional Designer, Professional & Continuing Education

Job Details



Instructional Designer, Professional & Continuing Education

Department Description:

The University of San Diego's Division of Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) offers a robust portfolio of courses and programs needed by aspiring professionals that evolves in response to their professional development in the fields of business, education, and health care.

The University of San Diego, a contemporary and engaged Roman Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges.


Detailed Description:

Under general direction of the Director of Online Education of Professional and Continuing Education, the Instructional Designer is responsible for online course development efforts within the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. Works in concert with faculty and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to create high quality, instructor-led, academically rigorous, and engaging online courses. Is an experienced professional who knows how to apply theory and put it into practice with in-depth understanding of the instructional design and online learning; performs the full range of responsibilities within the function; broad job knowledge; works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors. Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced online learning professional to resolve a wide range of educational program issues and needs assessments. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for delivering courses, presentations and developing programs. Receives general instructions and guidance in an open and collegial manner and exercises good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for course, program and instructional improvement. Fully knowledgeable in online learning pedagogy, strategies, technologies, and program development. Collaborates with USD Information Technology Services staff for learning management system access, network access, and technology use policy. This position reports to the Director of Online Education, Professional and Continuing Education.

Examples of Work:

1. Plans and designs new programs and curriculum with faculty and SMEs, and adjusts courses and curriculum in a continuing education environment.
  • Designs course layout and flow for appropriate access to learning activities, texts and assessments
  • Designs discussion question prompts and implements them as part of the course structure
  • Designs presentations, quiz and other assessment activities and implements them in the learning management system
  • Recommends appropriate texts for online courses
  • Coordinates the appropriate placement of lectures and text materials delivered and recommended by developers/instructors

2. Production Coordination and Tracking
  • Monitors and prompts Online Team action for all upcoming courses
  • Coordinates the collection of lecture, text, graphics and other learning materials by the subject matter experts and their assembly by the Online Course Builder (instructional technologist)
  • Reviews individual course updates and development needs during the entire course development process

    3. As an editor, ensures clarity, organization, accuracy, style, and quality of written work.
    • Provides clean, accurate, professional quality course content that is ready for deployment in a learning management system
    • Quality Assurance
      i. Reviews all online content for accuracy and logical flow
      ii. Coordinates team quality assurance reviews and group projects

    4. Under limited supervision, researches, writes and/or edits material for a variety of publications for internal and external audiences, consulting with clients as necessary.
    • Reads, edits, updates online course materials
    • Reads, edits, updates end-of-term surveys
    • Reads, edits, updates quality assurance protocol and manual

    5. Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through student/participant evaluations and level of interest shown.
    • Reviews and analyzes all course feedback - from faculty, students, and the development team
    • In response to course evaluations analyzes and develops course management directives, topical discussion questions, exams and other learning assessments

    6. May provide training or mentoring to online instructors.

    7. Other duties as assigned.


    Job Requirements:

    Minimum Qualifications:
    • Requires Bachelor’s Degree in online teaching and learning, instructional design or related area, Master’s Degree preferred.
    • Five years of demonstrated work experience in an education, or related institution/environment.
    • Understanding of the administrative functions, academic programs and requirements of a university.
    • Strong written and oral communication skills.
    • Demonstrated technology skills and ability - LMS management, online presentation development, graphical layout, digital audio and video, HTML coding and editing.
    • Strong organizational skills and ability.
    • Ability to negotiate.
    • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability.

    Performance Expectations: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
    • Thorough knowledge of functional area and understanding of how work may impact other areas.
    • Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.
    • Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.
    • Thorough knowledge of campus policies and procedures.
    • Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering online educational programs.
    • Thorough knowledge of current public educational programs and trends.
    • Thorough skills to conduct needs assessment and development of new presentations/courses to meet organizational needs.
    • Knowledge of managing a portfolio of business and management courses at the university or corporate level.
    • Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
    • Thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
    • Thorough knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines.
    • Thorough skills to write clear, lively, engaging and compelling copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and/or the broader public, while ensuring adherence to the campus message.
    • Thorough knowledge of the campus, including its mission, goals, achievements, infrastructure, programs, and policies.
    • Thorough knowledge of issues in higher education and/or a specialized academic discipline or field.
    • Thorough attention to detail, project management and organizational skills.
    • Knowledge of computer applications for publishing, image handling, and/or web production, digital audio and video editing, HTML coding and editing.
    • Thorough research and fact verification skills.
    • Knowledge and use of LMS functionality, reporting, and course management
    • Knowledge and use of collaboration software (chat, desktop sharing, conferencing).
    • Thorough knowledge of online course development process.
    • Knowledge of the principles of adult learning theory.

    Special Conditions of Employment:
    • Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends in order to meet project deadlines.
    • Must be able to work with all required technologies and tools.

    Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

    Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.


    Posting Salary:

    Commensurate with experience; Excellent Benefits.

    The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package, to include medical, dental, vision, a 12% retirement contribution given to you by the University (with three year vesting period), and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits


    Special Application Instructions

    Click Apply Now to complete our online application. In addition, please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers’ review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at 619-260-6806, or email us at jobs@sandiego.edu


    Additional Details:

    Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

    Closing date: Open Until Filled

    Note: External job postings will be up for at least five days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

    The University of San Diego is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the campus community.

    The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.


    To apply, visit http://jobs.sandiego.edu/cw/en-us/job/492401/instructional-designer-professional-continuing-education





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  • Organization

    The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal and professional knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.

    Located on 180 acres overlooking the city of San Diego, Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the campus is a community treasure, with Spanish Renaissance-inspired buildings and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

    Chartered in 1949, the university enrolls more than 7,000 students and is known for its commitment to teaching, the liberal arts, the formation of values and community service. In less than 60 years, the University of San Diego has grown from a local college with 50 students and a handful of professors to a nationally ranked university. This achievement is the direct result of a single, unwavering expectation: academic excellence.

    USD offers more than 60 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. The university adds depth to education by inspiring students to grow spiritually, morally and socially. The breadth of programs and depth of facilities means that students can easily find a course of study that ignites their intellectual fire. In the classroom, coursework across disciplines encourages students to develop their critical thinking skills.

    Small class size means the instructors know their students and can stimulate curious minds with anything from participation in a research project to an after-class discussion on topic. Instructors welcome the free exchange of complex ideas in an environment of tolerance and civility. In this environment, students begin a lifelong habit of appreciating and cultivating their individual gifts.

    To complement this instruction, the university's Honors program provides a challenging curriculum for USD's uniquely motivated students. The university also holds memberships in several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa.

    While intellectual growth is key, USD adds depth to the education experience by inspiring students to grow spiritually, morally and socially. An active faith community invites widespread student participation. In the classroom, study is accompanied by an examination of ethics and values University of San Diego students inquire freely and challenge ideas, exercise moral, spiritual and social judgment, serve others, and contemplate social justice in their lives and in their chosen fields. These students are truly educated. These students achieve excellence.

    Students, faculty and staff are active members of the community, volunteering time and expertise, fostering friendships, and working to preserve the region’s unique character. With a population of more than 7,500 students and approximately 2,000 employees, the university impacts the life of the area economically, politically and socially. In turn, the university welcomes the community to participate in campus life, through classes, special events, sports, forums and tours.

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